kheiron1729

I'd highly appreciate if anyone would go through this (from another thread). And answer here. I realized that I was posting on the wrong forum.

My college = waste of time

My college = waste of time

Here is the crux of my question:

I have two years left before I graduate. What are the possible stuff that I could add onto my future admission application that give me a chance to qualify for an admission into top university despite my low GPA. In other words, what do colleges look for when evaluating prospective students application? Do I stand a chance? (For Masters/PhD)

kheiron1729

I am looking for Masters in CompSci or Mathematics. But I am not sure. But it will relating to these two.

Anyone?

polarscribe

How low is low?

Edit: Apparently, you have a 3.3. That's not really low at all. Not to mention you have two years left to keep bringing that up. GPA-wise, you'll be fine for getting into graduate school. Focus on the other parts of your application - particularly research experience and building relationships with professors for rec letters.

b@r!um

You mentioned that you are majoring in computer engineering and that your university gives you zero choice about the classes you are taking. I assume that means that you are not taking any rigorous math classes either?

If that's the case, your odds of getting into a legitimate PhD program in pure math are vanishingly small. If you are serious about math, your best bet might be to apply to Master's programs at mid-ranked universities first. However, Master's programs in math are not usually funded. (Also note that the top programs don't offer stand-alone Master's degrees.)

Applied math programs are more open to applicants from non-math backgrounds, but a lack of advanced math will put you at a disadvantage here as well, especially for the top programs.

kheiron1729

@barium:
hm..
I was kinda expecting that there would be a problem with Maths since this happened with one of my seniors too.
Still, its not just GPA. Its also the amount of knowledge I am gaining. Do you think its practically possible for me to do independent study for the subjects I am taught at college? I do have loads of time. And I am also trying.

So I am planning on this: Study. Go an extra mile. Screw the GPA (as in don't worry about it much). Get decent recs. Back your level of understanding through publications (have no idea about this one though). Get work-experience. Prepare for GRE. And hope it all works out.

Does it sound feasible?

b@r!um

Well, math is a bit different from other science and engineering disciplines in that it is very rare for an undergraduate student to get published or even just involved in any sort of meaningful research. Grad school applicants in math are often evaluated purely on their coursework. While it is possible to acquire the same knowledge through independent study, you might have a hard time convincing graduate admission committees that your background is in fact equivalent. The lack of a direct comparison group (other math majors) might work against you as well.

If you pursue the independent study route, your chances might come down to how credible your references are. Be sure to ace the Math Subject GRE because that might be the only objective indicator of your mastery of the undergraduate math curriculum. (The top math programs generally expect applicants to go significantly beyond the undergraduate curriculum, but it's a good place to start.)

As far as GPA is concerned, the absolute minimum for consideration is a 3.0, but GPAs are not created equal. A 3.3 GPA from MIT is different from a 3.3 GPA from the local state university. I don't know where your university falls along this spectrum.

Good luck!!!