<p>Hey guys,
I'm studying Physics at Georgia Tech with an Astrophysics concentration, just started my Junior year.
So I really messed up my Freshman and Sophomore years (including a D in a stupid economics class), and I'm starting my Junior year with a 2.4 GPA. I'm just now getting into the upper level physics courses now, and doing well; if I were to get A's in everything from here on out, I'm ending up with about a 3.2. More realistically, though, I see myself graduating with around a 3.0 cumulative GPA, with something like a 3.6 major GPA. Does this knock me out of contention for a grad school? Obviously I know that I'm not going to an MIT or a CalTech with that GPA. Currently my research experience is being in a lab with a professor here for a semester, on a project that didn't lead to a publication (it was, though, presented at a state festival.)
If the next two years go how I hope they do, do I have a shot at a grad school? Where would I want to look at applying? Any tips on making my resume a little more attractive?</p>
<p>Thanks guys!</p>
<p>
Generally, I would say that with a 2.9+ GPA you can get into grad school somewhere, but probably not at a well-known or highly-regarded program. If you have a strong major GPA and an improved performance in your last two years (as you intend) then your chances get even better, but it will take a lot of work if you want to have a shot at top-25 programs in your field, and getting into top-5 programs would take something truly astounding.</p>
<p>
Get that GPA up at all costs. After that focus on getting some quality research experience - doesn’t have to lead to a publication, although that always helps - it mostly has to lead to letters of recommendation. By the time you apply, you want three strong letters of recommendation, preferably from professors who have seen you do strong research.</p>
<p>Until you have those things, nothing else will make much of a difference.</p>
<p>Another thing that can make your application more interesting to graduate programs is a strong physics GRE score. Since you are Junior, you need to plan on taking this next April with a second chance in October of 2015. Frankly, all the PGRE tells you is that the student is good at taking the PGRE test, however, it is looked at in order to make first cuts at more selective universities.</p>
<p>As the chair of the physics admission committee at my university, Illinois Tech, I would say that an applicant with a 3.6 Major GPA would certainly merit a closer look even though our minimum GPA is nominally 3.0.</p>
<p>As @cosmicfish said, getting good research experience and the consequent strong recommendation letters will also have a big effect.</p>