the appropriate road to grad school after a lackluster undergrad

Graduate School
1

<p>I would like to get some impartial opinions on my academic situation.</p>

<p>I'm currently looking at another year (as a fifth year senior) at a state school that is relatively nondescript in the scheme of things...that is, it's one of the better schools in the area but certainly not that grand in comparison to others. I transferred here from a different state school that was far better in ranking for personal reasons.</p>

<p>I'm a polisci major with a minor in economics. I'll probably graduate with a gpa in the mid 2's, 3 at best. I failed out of my last school and got back in on appeal and did fine. I transferred to this school a week before it started and into a stupid major (merchandising) since they did not have my previous major at this school.</p>

<p>I was trying to use the transfer as a fresh start for my gpa but I ended up missing a midterm last semester (then was not allowed to take it) and outright failed the class. I completely switched my major to polisci (which I should have done to begin with since my major at the former school was rhetoric with a political emphasis) and am looking at completing an average semester...probably some As and a D. This is not really unusual, history indicates that my grades at semester are always really scattered...for instance, I'll have As and Bs in the higher level classes that I am actually interested in and then Ds in others. This is probably better than just sucking at everything (haha) but obviously it is far from ideal. I'm obviously going to try to finish out the rest of my time without flaw.</p>

<p>For a number of reasons I am now looking at graduate school and I would just like some opinions on approaching this option in the correct way. I'd like to get into the best programs that my performance/hypothetical "potential" will allow. And in spending the money it takes to complete the program, I'd like to get the best name recognition as possible. I'm currently looking into political science, international studies, and other politically-centered liberal studies programs.</p>

<p>I'm curious what I should do to make this happen. </p>

<p>One thing I have looked at is Dartmouth's MALS program. Would a politically-focused program (they have a global studies emphasis option) aid in bridging the gap between my undergrad and something beyond that? Would the name recognition, coupled with the assumption I could stir up some sort of "substantial" thesis, be at least some sort of highlight on a resume or talking point in an interview? Is it worth it? I'm assuming the program would be at least somewhat easier to get into to begin with.</p>

<p>I'm also considering some time with a program like WorldTeach...more for personal reasons, but I figured it would be something worthwhile to mention on an app as well.</p>

<p>Please give me your thoughts.</p>

2

<p>Most grad schools have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 just to apply, and this is seldom sufficient for acceptance to the good programs. I know the past is out of your control, but in the future take grades as seriously as you possibly can. If you can meet the minimum application GPA, grad schools are generally much more concerned with your major GPA than overall GPA. What is your official major GPA?</p>

3

<p>With a spotty undergraduate record, you will most likely have to put some distance between yourself in that position and the position you want to be in when you apply to graduate school. Many schools do stipulate a 3.0 minimum in order to even apply; if that’s not you by the end of your undergraduate degree, enroll as a non-matriculating student in some graduate classes in your chosen department.</p>

<p>Political science and international politics is a really busy field right now so you really want as much to make you stand out as possible. Assuming you meet minimum GPA standards, you can really shine in other parts of the application: letters of recommendation, personal statement, relevant work and publications. Work on gathering these together and definitely make sure to do as best you can in your major. </p>

<p>Graduate school is about more than the grades, but the grades do factor in. You need to prove to the admissions committee that you belong in their program, you would be an asset, and you can do the work and make their name shine.</p>

4

<p>i’d say you’re limited to non-ranked schools…</p>

<p>i know that schools in texas give special attention to the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate…</p>

<p>some will enroll you in a probationary semester if this wasnt met.</p>

5

<p>Successful completion of a past bac year or a masters could help. Also, find a prof nearby in your subject area, volunteer in his/her research lab and get experience whilst proving yourself to him. This ought to get you a LOR and other experience to show you have outgrown the prior low marks and are now on track</p>