is my academic future practically over?

Graduate School
1

<p>First time post here. I'm currently working as a dentist and am dying to change careers. I don't have a specific career interest but I would be fully content in doing a PhD program in analytical fields such as bio/physics, comp sci, math, or engineering. And then obviously I would hope to find a job that would utilize my PhD training. </p>

<p>My primary problems are my numerical stats. I only have ~3.0 gpas for both undergrad ( major was in electrical engineering and I obviously forgot most details about the study but I still do remember the concepts ) and dental school. I also received a transcript for my residency program but this only lists P/F grades. I only attended top tier institutions and am an Ivy League alum. I didn't take the GRE yet. My place of residence is NYC and I'm approaching mid-30s. My educational debt is near $250k but this practically doesn't deter me from enrolling in grad school as I would still be paying off this loan for the rest of my life even if I were to remain in my current job. I am not an underrepresented minority and I do not have any academic connections. I also don't know where to get letters of recommendation. </p>

<p>How bad is my outlook? Anything I could do to improve my chances of admissions somewhere? Did I entirely kill any prospects for graduate admissions? Please help. Thank you.</p>

2

<p>I wouldn’t say your outlook is bad as much as it is unconventional. </p>

<p>So lets get the facts straight - you are an an Electrical Engineering undergrad who later trained to become a dentist. There are so many career options today that combine engineering, biology and medicine. Have you considered pursuing something in the biomedical engineering area? </p>

<p>IMO you must first find out what really interests you. Biology, Physics, Computer Science, Maths and Engineering are all unique fields of study and while there is plenty of interdisciplinary overlap, at its core each of them is different.</p>

<p>As far as grades are concerned. I hardly think its over. </p>

<p>GPA does matter, but so do GRE, Recommendations, Personal Statement (very important). As long as you can work on the rest and display an ability and interest to take on a PhD program, you should be okay. It might be a challenge getting into some of the top tier institutions. However, pursuing a PhD program isn’t usually based on rankings of institutions - it has more to do with which school offers a program (and has funding for it) that is a match with your research interests.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>