<p>Ok so i really need some advice; i have been pretty depressed lately due to the fact that I will be applying for graduate schools this fall for fall 2008. I am a very intelligent person and would make a great Ph.D candidate but unfortunately my gpa is pretty bad due to some personal problems a few years ago(2.5 overall and 3.1 major), my GREs are 630 (verbal), 670(math) and 4.5(writing). Do I have a shot at Ph.D programs? Getting a Ph.D is something I have always been passionate about. I have a semester's worth of research and some T.A experience. Also, I am not applying to MIT, Cal Tech, or any top schools; I'm considering the low ranked-if ranked at all schools. My advisor thinks I should only apply for a master's program because I have no chance at phD programs. Should I follow his advice? Are there any phD programs feasible for me? If not, then where should I apply for masters? My major is geology. Any responses will be appreciated.</p>
<p>I have no inside knowledge, but when students have below 3.0 GPA it is tough to get into masters at many schools. It is also tough to earn any funding. The advisor may be suggesting you redeem yourself with a masters, proving you have overcome the personal problems and are ready to commit to a PhD and are worthy of the funding.</p>
<p>Your advisor is correct. With a 2.5, even masters programs are going to be tough to get into. Your verbal GRE is decent for the sciences, but the quant score is a little low. (Which suggests your basic math skills might be a little weak.) However, I would suggest that you NOT apply to low end masters programs just yet.</p>
<p>Instead, consider getting a job near a university with a good geology program and taking classes as a non-degree student to establish a new transcript that shows you are past your problems. Use those classes to fill in any weaknesses in your current undergrad work and take as many upper-level classes as possible. Shoot for something like a full academic year worth of classes, i.e. 8 on the semester system.</p>
<p>Then, in a couple years, re-take the GRE and start the application process again with a shiny new transcript that shows you in a better light. </p>
<p>If you are truly passionate about getting a PhD in Geology (that is, you can't imagine yourself doing anything else and you burn with an unquenchable flame to teach and do research in the field) then a couple years spent working up the credentials that will let you in the door will be no big deal.</p>
<p>Incidentally, if you look at some of my old posts, you'll find I'm in the same situation except my old GPA was even lower than your's (2.3 from a "Big Football U") and its taken me 32 years to get back to what I really love doing. Now I have a 3.64 at Penn, 710/700/5.5 GRE, and LORs from world class professors. You just have to be patient, methodical, and never, Never, NEVER take your finger off the button.</p>
<p>william C
what is your current major now ?</p>
<p>My problem is not with the GPA
my GPA is around 3.8 smthng but from unknown university "from the middle east" - chemistry major intending to do molecular biology PhD
my professor says a 3.4 from say UCLA means far much more than a 4.0 from our university</p>
<p>I do have slightly good GRE scores (520v/780Q/5.5AW) + 3 research experience in good labs </p>
<p>but still am afraid about the rank of my univeristy - how will that affect the application process ? Should I even bother to apply if the university that much abased in their eyes - or there r other things they do to evaluate my grades and background </p>
<p>please any help :(</p>
<p>zxzz74 - I'm in Classical Studies and applying to Classical Archaeology programs.</p>
<p>Your GRE is excellent, particularly for a non-native English speaker. That 5.5 will stand out. Don't worry too much about your school's reputation or lack of one. While coming from a well-known school can help, the opposite, coming from a little known school is not necessarily an issue. </p>
<p>Assuming your school does have reasonable academic standards you really have nothing to worry about. Get LORs from professors who have studied in the US and understand the system here. Make sure you leave plenty of time to have your transcript translated if that is necessary, and find a professor who respects you and your school (and his own teaching) for future advice.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>