Will my research experience help with Applying to good schools?

baktrax
Thu, 18 Jul 2013 14:45:50 +0000

I’ve heard that your GPA becomes less important the longer you are out of school, but I have also heard that applications can automatically be cut for a GPA below the minimum requirements (often a 3.0). I would bring up your concerns with your PI. He may be more familiar with how admissions works in graduate schools in your field, or he may be able to use his connections to get your application into the hands of the admissions committee.

If you can get over that first GPA cutoff hurdle, then your GRE scores, your work and research experience, your letters of rec, and your publications sound like they will really boost your application.

Alternatively, you may consider trying to enter a master’s program first. That way you can get a great graduate GPA, which would further lead credence to your argument that you are prepared for graduate level work and your previous GPA was because of your immaturity as a young college student.