<p>So, I'm trying to figure out my odds of admission into middle-tier Masters programs in cognitive psychology.</p>
<p>As an undergraduate, I majored in English, anticipating graduating and moving to New York City where I would be involved in the print/publishing industry. I eventually wanted to work my way up to being a literary agent. Blah blah blah. Long story short, I'm now deciding I want to pursue a Masters in Cog Psych, and eventually Doctorate in Neuroscience.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, because of my previous life plans I was rather apathetic about my grades. I wasn't anticipating on attending graduate school, and if I was going to attend grad school, it would be for an MFA in creative writing (poetry) which isn't particularly grade-dependent.
So, my cumulative GPA is 2.9, my major GPA is 3.1</p>
<p>Because of this decision, I have decided to take an extra semester and take some psychology courses. I have already taken Intro, in which I scored an A. This semester I am taking the Psychology of Language. I scored an A on the first exam so there's a decent chance I'll have an A in the course at the end of the semester. </p>
<p>I also have acquired some research experience in labs/have one publication for my CV. I took the GRE Psychology exam last Fall, and, after rigorous studying, I scored an 820. I plan on taking the GRE Biochemistry exam in April (I hope to score at least an 800) I also plan on taking the GRE Computer Science exam next fall, though I'll be happy with just a 500. (I have never taken a computer science course, and all of my "learning" will be from podcast courses this upcoming summer). I scored a perfect 800 on the verbal section of the GRE, a 740 on the math, and a 5 on the writing.</p>
<p>I'm planning on applying to Masters programs at SUNY Buffalo, SUNY Binghamton as well as a few other schools. Realistically, I'm looking at obtaining my Doctorate from CU Boulder, SUNY Buffalo, and some other schools.</p>
<p>Could I have a decent chance of admission into competitive/selective programs, even though I have an abysmally low GPA? Or is this hope of graduate school rather quixotic? Grades aside, I have remarkable test scores, and I'll have more research experience/outstanding letters of recommendation. Also, can Masters degrees improve my candidacy for admission into top-tier schools (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton, Stanford, and UC Berkeley)</p>