<p>I have a small issue, I skipped the first 2 years of college by going through running start, I am currently 19 and want to do graduate school next year. I have a 3.1 GPA which should move up to a 3.4. The low GPA is caused by 3 bad classes and the rest really good (bad -> 2.5 in all 3). The problem also lies in that since I have only been at my college for 4 quarters I have had little time to get to know my professors. Of the 12 professors I have currently had 3 where out of my degree, and 4 have either left the campus or are academic leave. Explaining the lack of powerful references in the notes part of an application help me at all? As well how do I approach my current professors about getting references?</p>
<p>Start developing relationships now, because strong LOR’s are very important. Excuses won’t help much. Maybe you should consider staying an undergrad for another year and conduct some research under a prof.</p>
<p>Especially since youre young, you may be well served by taking a couple years to do research before grad school. You will be a more mature applicant, gain lors, get paid etc</p>
<p>I’m not sure what your field is, but I would definitely do a master’s before a PhD if possible.</p>
<p>I know you didn’t ask this, but in your situation I would suggest not rushing undergrad. Even one semester would help. You need more time to develop relationships and get some outside experience (internships or research or both depending on your field) so bolster that grad school application. I came in with quite a few credits as you did, but I slowed down my graduation to 3 years because I wanted to take advantage of everything offered to me. It paid off.</p>
<p>Ultimately, do not despair. One of my recommendations was from a guy I didn’t know before I started taking his grad-level class. I worked really hard and set the curve on every test and he agreed with no trouble to write me a grad school rec.</p>
<p>I agree on waiting off a PhD program a bit. To be entering grad school at 21 is very, very young. Many students are over the age of 24. I entered as 22 y.o. and people did look at me in the beginning a bit strangely - “omg, she’s so young! Really just out of undergrad?!” It’s a bit tough when you don’t have a “story” to tell about what you did between undergrad and grad. Also, you’ll be so surprised how mature the grad students are in terms of their life stages- many will be engaged or married. And that can make you feel lonely because you can’t really be involved doing “couple” things unless you make friends with their S.O. I would definitely not rush undergrad- take all the classes you need. I wish I had another semester to take a couple of classes that would really help with my current seminars. But I did all four years… ugh.</p>