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dreaming · 02-21-2007, 05:37 PM

Hi everyone,
by reading all the threads, you are really keeners!

Something that I've be wondering for so long:

I have a very low GPA. I guess it will be ~3.15 by the time of the application, and my subject GPA could be lower. But I really want to go to some top schools, esp the UCalifornia system.

I think I will have some good references (btw, how would you know if your references are solid or not since they are confidential?) I haven't done my GRE yet. I will work on my SOP in the summer. I am Canadian.

Do you think I have a chance of getting in? Should I even try applying?

agretaker · 02-21-2007, 11:38 PM

Truth is, it may be hard to get into top schools with low GPA, especially since they're usually swamped with 4.0 or 3.9 applicants. You can try to differentiate yourself from the pack though... since you haven't graduated yet, you can try to get involved in as many research projects as possible, especially in the fields that you'll be applying for. Conference papers will help you get ahead of the competitions, journals will be even better. Hopefully you can also get some potentially awesome LORs in the process.

pheonix · 02-22-2007, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agretaker

Truth is, it may be hard to get into top schools with low GPA, especially since they're usually swamped with 4.0 or 3.9 applicants. You can try to differentiate yourself from the pack though... since you haven't graduated yet, you can try to get involved in as many research projects as possible, especially in the fields that you'll be applying for. Conference papers will help you get ahead of the competitions, journals will be even better. Hopefully you can also get some potentially awesome LORs in the process.

I completely agree with agretaker on that.. Get as much research experience adn exposure as possible.. It will ensure that your appplication will be differentiated from the rest... In addition, your recommmenders wil be able to talk about your research potential in their recommendation letters if you are involved in a research project with them.. Thus, your LORs will be stronger...

Conference publications will help a lot, journals are even better (though they would take a LOT of time and LOTs of work!!)

02-21-2007, 05:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
dreaming Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 4	low GPA for top grad school Hi everyone, by reading all the threads, you are really keeners! Something that I've be wondering for so long: I have a very low GPA. I guess it will be ~3.15 by the time of the application, and my subject GPA could be lower. But I really want to go to some top schools, esp the UCalifornia system. I think I will have some good references (btw, how would you know if your references are solid or not since they are confidential?) I haven't done my GRE yet. I will work on my SOP in the summer. I am Canadian. Do you think I have a chance of getting in? Should I even try applying?

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02-21-2007, 11:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
agretaker Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 7	Truth is, it may be hard to get into top schools with low GPA, especially since they're usually swamped with 4.0 or 3.9 applicants. You can try to differentiate yourself from the pack though... since you haven't graduated yet, you can try to get involved in as many research projects as possible, especially in the fields that you'll be applying for. Conference papers will help you get ahead of the competitions, journals will be even better. Hopefully you can also get some potentially awesome LORs in the process.

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