Bad GPA from a good school, chance at PhD at a low-tier school?

<p>somemom, thank you very much. “Can you live & work near a solid mid-range master’s level university, volunteer with a professor in your area of interest, get his/her endorsement. This might allow you a probationary admission to a masters, even with your sub 3.0 GPA.” This seems like a good idea.</p>