Should I bother?

Graduate School
1

<p>This is going to be a pretty standard "What are my chances post". Any advice would be helpful: </p>

<p>I'm looking for a PhD in Industrial Engineering.</p>

<p>GPA: 2.7 but I did horrible in my first 2 years (consecutive 1.7 gpa semesters). My gpa in my final two years is 3.7 (if that counts for anything)</p>

<p>GRE: 800A, 740V, 6 writing
LSAT: 177 (I know it doesn't have anything to do with anything)</p>

<p>Publications: First author publication and 2 second author publications</p>

<p>LoR: 2 Great ones (like I've been working for one of the prof's since his kid was born - his kid is now 2); one that's meh</p>

<p>EC: pretty active in volunteer/social justice stuff. Engineering student council member.</p>

<p>I also started my own sustainable development engineering consultancy - we have made some serious dollar on a couple of our projects. I guess this would be my "hook"</p>

<p>The weird timing of the post is because I'm taking a year off to join VSO (for those that don't know, this is Canada's answer to the Peace Corps)</p>

<p>Haha, I feel like a cow being paraded. But seriously, what do you guys think? Am I smoking my own stash here?</p>

<p>*Edit: I also am part of the engineering science program at the University of Toronto - that may mean nothing to most of you, but apparently it's the hardest engineering program in Canada and 3rd hardest in NA after MIT and CalTech (but this is also based on some material given by an undergrad counsellor - so... you know, it may be kool aid spiked with crap)</p>

2

<p>My advice would be to go spend that year with VSO. It may turn into more like two years, (or even into the dream career of your lifetime). About halfway through that year, start thinking again about grad school. You may find that your goals have changed because of your experience, or you may find that your current goals have been reaffirmed. Don’t expend too much energy worrying about grad school just now.</p>

3

<p>I think your gpa is the only real problem. You may find that a masters will be a good first step, even if you have to pay for it out of pocket. A PhD program may shy away from you based on that gpa, even with your other considerable advantages. Bear in mind that extracurriculars do not count for grad admissions.</p>