So I’m hoping/thinking of applying to the chemistry grad department for physical chemistry or material sciences and maybe one for physics (just to see). The problem is I have a 2.9 GPA. I read that the min was 3.0 and the way it was worded made it seem like a hard 3.0 with no leeway. I was just wondering if anyone knows of someone who got in with a sub 3.0 GPA. also does it help that these programs are ranked like in the 50’s and 60’s? according to USNews and world report, so maybe they wont be that selective? I would say I have other areas of my application covered. 2 years of research in a p-chem lab, 2 publications, 3rd and second author (maybe a third paper?), great GRE scores and most likely good letters of rec.
Also last two years of of college GPA is 3.1 (slight upward trend). senior year getting mostly A’s.
its so hard to raise the GPA beause I had so many units coming into college and did a lot my first two years. so for example: 30 units of pure A’s got my to go up by .19
I just want to know if they throw out the app and if I should keep my money.
Are you applying for a Ph.D. or M.S.? If the former, it is very late for Fall 2015 as many schools are already making offers. If you are applying for M.S. then it is possible that you will still be considered. I would suggest you apply to more than just one school though since they won’t throw out your application but it is never a sure thing.
I am assuming your degree is in chemistry so if you are applying to a physics program you might have some remedial courses to make up. The same holds true the other way around.
Finally, you don’t say if USC is the one in California or the one in South Carolina. It makes a difference.
The fact that your grades have improved is very good and having mostly A’s in your final year is excellent. Just realize that if your goal is graduate school, then you need to apply to a range of schools.
chemistry major seeking the school in california, thanks for the feedback!
if you are looking for an assistantship as a M.S. student, you will have an easier time getting that at a university which does not have a Ph.D. program, such as the California State Universities. There is still time to apply there.
If your intent is to switch to physics, you might need to go for a M.S. before a Ph.D. Again the CSU system might be a good place to start. We have had a number of students from chemistry and engineering backgrounds come into our physics program at Illinois Tech as M.S. students to get their physics background up to par before moving on to our Ph.D. program or one at another university.
Do they get their M.S in physics or chemistry?
Physics but they started without a B.S. in physics.