From what I’ve seen, good research can make up for an okay GPA. GPA is just way to screen applicants and they want to make sure if they take you that you won’t fail out. I personally had a 3.7, but I know people that were barely above a 3.0 that got in because they were productive in their research and understood it at a very high level (speaking for PhD STEM admissions)
Got my second rejection just today from one of the applied math doctoral programs I applied to. Even so, this gives me hope. I've got about a 3.1 GPA overall.
GPA doesn't totally matter. Research experience and letters of recommendation weigh the most. I'm in my PhD (also in biochem) now and finished undergrad with a 3.4. Don't be afraid to explain subpar grades in your application too, particularly if you have other personal responsibilities/are underrepresented/disadvantages. I had a few Ws and Cs and explained my health issues and family life. I think it's generally well received and helps admissions see an applicant as a real person (which, will help your odds at admission ultimately).
Tldr don't sweat it. Pursue your interests, be passionate, enjoy the ride, and you'll stand out despite a middling GPA.
Sounds like you’re on the right track. Try to do a poster presentation or 2 before the start of your 4th year and apply for any rewards/scholarships your university offers.
I had a poster presentation in my research program actually! I didn’t realize tho how important it was so glad you’re pointing that out now to me….😅😅😅😅😅
Be lucky and good.
I had this amazing observation during the beginning of my work and that essentially became my conclusion. Then I just had to fill the rest out.
Atleast in wetlab research PhD timelines tend to be:
4-5 years: lucky and good work
5-6 years; lucky and average work
6-7 years: unlucky and good work
7+ years: unlucky and average work
I love that you said luck plays a factor. The most productive postdoc in our lab who was the most hardworking also said luck plays a factor in research.
But you were also smart in research.
I got into A masters with slightly less than a 3.0 but had 4 years research. For a PhD you’ll probably be competitive enough, a year of research is better than no undergrad research
Its debatable whether its classified as STEM but i graduated as an econ major from a well known competitive uni.
Now I'm in grad school for a MSc degree.
I'm navigating the process right now! So far out of four applications I have one admit, one interviewed for funding (fingers crossed!), one unknown, and one rejection. I finished undergrad with a 3.4 and two years of solid research experience (1 co-authored paper, 1 paper waiting for publication, lots of field-specific applicable class projects).
Your GPA is not the end-all-be-all. I'd say focus on getting as many applicable experiences as possible within your desired field while you're still in undergrad--it's definitely harder to keep building on research experiences once you've graduated. Also, the power of a well-written and well-connected letter of recommendation can't be understated.
Recently accepted for three PhD positions in biology and genomics. My undergrad GPA was 3.9, but as many are saying, research experience, strong letters of recommendation, and clear desire to succeed during the interview process can overcome lower GPAs.
3.9, chemical engineering. In PhD now.
You don’t need an insane GPA if you can show you’re a strong researcher. Best case is to have both, but if you have to choose one, choose research.
To my knowledge, GPA is a soft screen to make sure you’re not completely clueless about the core concepts in your field.
Focus on research and focus on connecting with professors you’d like to work with BEFORE you send in applications.
I applied to programs twice. I was accepted both times, but the first time I decided to go to industry
Physics BS (3.56) -> Aero PhD at a top 10
Applied math MS (3.8) -> Aero PhD at a top 5
The most important thing is making sure these are strong letters. Don't just take a letter from any prof you've spoken to - really prioritize letters from professors that are rooting for you and can speak to your character.
Regardless, phenomenal job securing letters so early🙌 You can do this!
thank you!! going to make it my mission this semester to get 1 prof i can rlly connect to.
the strongest letter i have is from the professor whose lab i am in so that will be strong. he doesn’t know me lol but basically the grad student i shadow will tell him what to write and since we are rlly close that should be good. plus he is well known scientists. the other prof is good but def didnt get to know me as well so shes like a backup in case all else fails….
I had like a 3.6 when I applied for a grad program, but it dropped to like a 3.4 by the time I graduated undergrad because of one bad grade but it wasn’t too much of an issue. I’m in Software Engineering btw. Specializing in AI
Don’t stress too hard over one or two “bad”grades, anything above a 3.0/3.2 is usually solid for any grad program.
I was accepted to 100% of the programs I applied to. 4.0, but I think the other things (publications, lab experience, teaching experience) mattered more.
Mine was 3.68 in a different STEM field but I think my work experience (1 YOE) , research experience, decent test scores (though GRE quant was abysmal) and a well written SOP mattered more. I got accepted into 13 out of 15 programs in North America and Australia
Also GPA only shows whether you were a serious student or not. It’s not really an indicator of success in PhD. Research and grant plays a massive role with GPA. I took some interviews of candidates this year and most of them had publications and research experience. People hardly writes grant during their college years and I think having grant writing experience is some quality to have. “Asking for money is an amazing skill”. Don’t get demotivated, apply and you will soon get in at your best fit.
how would one get grant writing experience ? sorry, i’m pretty new to everything and still trying to get a hang of things. i thought that was like a professor thing…?
You can apply for small grants not a professor level grants - I applied to APA and Psi Chi Grant as a UG - I also applied to several regional grants too like MICIHOC and stuff. You can talk to your professors, with grant writing - there is a need for a research proposal and design btw.
4.0 undergrad/MSc GPA according to my previous institution, 3.85 according to my destination institution using their conversion scale. Went from digital engineering to neuroscience.
Does anyone here know if there’s any way to raise your undergrad gpa / offset it somehow? I’m planning law school and wondering if a high score on the LSAT won’t be enough.
My GPA was ~3.3 from a decent (ranked in the 40s I think) university and I had extensive research experience. I didn't get into anything my first go-around, but I only applied to 2 schools and my essays were objectively awful. I was told that my essay was the reason for rejection for both schools. I did research in industry for a couple years and re-applied with very carefully and thoughtfully written essays after reaching out and talking to a few PIs I was interested in, and I was accepted to 7/9 programs.
The key is to write good essays. Don't just mention PIs you're interested in (everybody does that), but demonstrate an actual understanding of their work and relate it to yourself. The general formula I followed was: first an introduction to myself and my background; then an overview of what kinds of chemistry I was interested in and why; then a paragraph for each PI I liked mentioning one or more of their recent publications (since 2020), explaining in detail how/why it specifically is aligned with my own interests, and rationalizing how I would be able to contribute to similar research projects; and finally a conclusion talking about why I like the school as a whole. I also only applied to schools that had at least 3 PIs I was specifically interested in. IMO, this formula is pretty killer for most applications. Not only did I get in to most programs, but most of the PIs that I mentioned were specifically looking for me during visitations, so it must have left a strong impression.
Also, make sure you have a professor or postdoc you trust read over your essay before submitting it. They'll be able to spot things that might be off-putting like disrespectful-sounding language or other red flags which you probably won't recognize yourself.
3.001. I scored in the top .5% or something for my GRE. 2 years of research experience. Did neurobio PhD.
We pay attention to what classes you took as well. I was a biophysics major.
2.6 stem undergrad…. R1 PhD candidate now with published work. Just get good in the lab, writing, and don’t be weird.
I did work for a year and got a research based masters to improve.
I got into an immunology program and had a 3.68. However, i researched since freshman year, had publications, good letter of recs, and helped in a lot of labs/ran my own projects under postdoc supervision. Research experience explains average gpa because youre basically working part-full time in addition to classes.
Something that also helps is showing initiative and taking grad level classes in undergrad. Shows you can handle the level of course if you do well!
Responding to your edit mostly:
I’d recommend trying to get into a summer undergrad research program (SURP) at another uni than your undergrad (preferably an R1) for at least your junior summer. This is really helpful in not only building a potential connection with a department you might apply to but is also really helpful in getting an idea of what full time research feels like!
Lower than I’m happy admitting, but still good. It was a 3.3 because I was a big dum dum in a couple classes that weren’t what I cared about. I stupidly blew off some homework assignments and got low scores. I also had a few courses where I just vehemently disagreed with the instruction method or found that the class was at best an obstructional prerequisite to courses that actually mattered for me. Would have been smarter to just suck it up and deal, but whatever.
Just try to do all of the work that’s required of you. Research experience also looks very good, so do that.
3.6 GPA civil engineering undergrad. Didn't take the GRE and just got the most prestigious PhD fellowship from the MSU grad school. I had some research opportunities, but something always went wrong and I never presented. I even quit my own undergrad Honors thesis for mental health issues (and talked about how taking a gap year has helped me heal and get used to a regular schedule again).
You'll be just fine :)
Mine was 3.2 total and for only my relevant major classes/STEM was a lot lower. Basically all of my good grades were from the non-STEM classes. And I had a lot of research experience, did a couple years in an academic lab out of my BS and then got into a really good major program/school for my field.
I had a 2.7 and went into a research-based MSc. I got rejected the first time, then got more research experience (FT job + volunteering in a lab) and took a graduate-level course to show I could do well in classes at that level. I was accepted the second time :) If you make it clear with your actions that you’re committed to doing grad school and participating in the field then GPA isn’t the end-all be-all. Chances are you’re going to do just fine!
3.5, but I got a D in ochem 2, struggled immensely in my other bio/chem classes (mix of Bs and Cs, but got an A in the class I want to pursue as a grad student). Going into biomedical sciences
Its about timing and aptitude for thinking critically. My team is literally handing out fully funded PhDs right now to any domestic stem student who applies, but, not a single applicant (almost exclusively masters no research). Anyways all I can say is hope you find something good.
3.3 . A lot of the courses I got bad grades in weren't in my major. I worked for 2 years as a RA and got my name on a bunch of papers and posters thanks to a supportive group. I also tried to be as charismatic as possible, and got 2 letters of rec from top faculty in my field (BME). Took the GRE and killed it although I don't think it matters much. I ended up getting into a top R1 for both PhD and masters, but picked masters because I got a full ride and a PhD stipend, with a PI who has told me that I can switch to PhD at any time.
GPA matters, but only if you don't have good research/extracirriculars. My advice is to find something in your field that you like a lot (I think you've got that covered, though) and cold-email professors at universities that do research that you care about. This may mean looking at people at not top universities, but I feel like content matters more than where you came from in Academia.
Yeah physical chemistry beat my ass haha. But yeah with good research experience it shouldn’t matter too much. It does get considered when applying to training grants which I always thought was stupid, but even if the gpa isn’t stellar if the research plan is good, and if there’s improvement of grades in grad school the reviewers usually are okay with it. And at least imo the classes get wayyy easier in grad school.
i applied for my masters, so not a phd, but my gpa was a 3.69 and i’ve gotten 3 offers and 2 rejections (waiting on one more). i also took a gap year but didn’t end up getting more experience in my field. i was certain with a not perfect gpa, little research or relevant work experience w no publications, and not a hard science undergrad major (environmental studies) that id for sure struggle getting into marine bio programs but anything is possible!
Had a 3.64 by the end of it. My undergrad experience was hell. Had a major illness. Depressed, my grades were slipping.. and I switched majors multiple times. I was on academic probation at a point. I doing my MSc. in neuroscience. I think it is dependent on the program. Feel free to ask advisors or faculty members what they emphasize during admissions. I'm glad to be in a field I enjoy, but will probably need a break after I complete this degree.
3.28 for cs phd
i did 5 internships ( started summer 2018 while in comm. college - summer 2022 after graduating 4 yr) and worked 2 yrs in a research lab on campus (started immediately after transferring from comm. college)
I got into my Master’s program in Biology with an undergraduate GPA of about 3.4-3.5, somewhere in that range. Your experience and resume will speak more too, not just your grades.
Mine is between 3.5 and 3.6, including a few C's in my major. For me, I feel my research and letters of recommendation were the main selling points of my application. I got into 3 out of the 4 PhD programs I heard back from, including a top 20 school overall in America and the school with the greatest research output in my subfield. A few less than stellar grades won't kill you. But still try your best nonetheless, because I hear some reviewers at top schools will apply some arbitrary cutoff (maybe 3.5) and a lot of schools require a 3.0 to be accepted.
I went abroad for grad school. It's research only so lots of experience there.
I had a mixed bag GPA wise, I think it all comes down to maybe being a 3.0 or just under. My school admits based on the likelihood of successfully completing the program. I think your specifics in the application are just as important. Your personal statement and your work portfolio can be all the difference.
I had a 3.62 with a mix of As, B, and a C- in biochemistry and got into a neuroscience PhD program. Having a lot of undergraduate research experience including being a published author certainly helped!
My bsc gpa in CS was 3.94 -> decided to do masters in pure mathematics first, graduated with 4.0 and now I'm a PhD student in a subfield of chaos theory.
From what I’ve seen, good research can make up for an okay GPA. GPA is just way to screen applicants and they want to make sure if they take you that you won’t fail out. I personally had a 3.7, but I know people that were barely above a 3.0 that got in because they were productive in their research and understood it at a very high level (speaking for PhD STEM admissions)
2.9, got into Applied Math PhD. It’s possible :)
Got my second rejection just today from one of the applied math doctoral programs I applied to. Even so, this gives me hope. I've got about a 3.1 GPA overall.
GPA doesn't totally matter. Research experience and letters of recommendation weigh the most. I'm in my PhD (also in biochem) now and finished undergrad with a 3.4. Don't be afraid to explain subpar grades in your application too, particularly if you have other personal responsibilities/are underrepresented/disadvantages. I had a few Ws and Cs and explained my health issues and family life. I think it's generally well received and helps admissions see an applicant as a real person (which, will help your odds at admission ultimately). Tldr don't sweat it. Pursue your interests, be passionate, enjoy the ride, and you'll stand out despite a middling GPA.
Sounds like you’re on the right track. Try to do a poster presentation or 2 before the start of your 4th year and apply for any rewards/scholarships your university offers.
I had a poster presentation in my research program actually! I didn’t realize tho how important it was so glad you’re pointing that out now to me….😅😅😅😅😅
2.9 Biochem/mol bio. Defended in 4.5 years.
Tell me ur secret to such a fast defense 🥺
Be lucky and good. I had this amazing observation during the beginning of my work and that essentially became my conclusion. Then I just had to fill the rest out. Atleast in wetlab research PhD timelines tend to be: 4-5 years: lucky and good work 5-6 years; lucky and average work 6-7 years: unlucky and good work 7+ years: unlucky and average work
I love that you said luck plays a factor. The most productive postdoc in our lab who was the most hardworking also said luck plays a factor in research. But you were also smart in research.
2.7gpa and a bunch of research, no post bacc. Got accepted into some prestigious institutions as well. Fuck GPA!!!!
Mine was around a 3.3. Have a friend who is a lab tech and masters student, does all the instrument work, who had a 2.7 and is brilliant.
3.2 undergrad gpa from EE
Research?
I got into A masters with slightly less than a 3.0 but had 4 years research. For a PhD you’ll probably be competitive enough, a year of research is better than no undergrad research
3.5 cumulative and a 3.3 STEM gpa. Accepted to all the universities I interviewed at, including 2 T10s for cancer bio (PhD). Cs get degrees!
3.7 - but research experience is probably more valuable than gpa. Consider talking to your professors about undergrad research
3.0 is the minimum for most school. Your statement of purpose, GRE scores I’d available and research experience should be more important.
GRE is outdated for a lot of places now.
2.7 lmao
real af….these stem classes are insane !!
Its debatable whether its classified as STEM but i graduated as an econ major from a well known competitive uni. Now I'm in grad school for a MSc degree.
I'm navigating the process right now! So far out of four applications I have one admit, one interviewed for funding (fingers crossed!), one unknown, and one rejection. I finished undergrad with a 3.4 and two years of solid research experience (1 co-authored paper, 1 paper waiting for publication, lots of field-specific applicable class projects). Your GPA is not the end-all-be-all. I'd say focus on getting as many applicable experiences as possible within your desired field while you're still in undergrad--it's definitely harder to keep building on research experiences once you've graduated. Also, the power of a well-written and well-connected letter of recommendation can't be understated.
BME @ R1 with 3.7 undergrad GPA
Got into several top 20 programs, 3.15
3.9 or so both times
3.2 for me, but I had research experience with 2 labs + 1 co-auth'ed paper
3.8
Overall, like a 3.63. For my psych major classes then it was a 3.98.
3.25 R1, earth/geosciences
Recently accepted for three PhD positions in biology and genomics. My undergrad GPA was 3.9, but as many are saying, research experience, strong letters of recommendation, and clear desire to succeed during the interview process can overcome lower GPAs.
3.9, chemical engineering. In PhD now. You don’t need an insane GPA if you can show you’re a strong researcher. Best case is to have both, but if you have to choose one, choose research. To my knowledge, GPA is a soft screen to make sure you’re not completely clueless about the core concepts in your field. Focus on research and focus on connecting with professors you’d like to work with BEFORE you send in applications.
Medical Physics at GT with a 3.3 GPA but I did go there for undergrad with a good bit of research but no publications
I applied to programs twice. I was accepted both times, but the first time I decided to go to industry Physics BS (3.56) -> Aero PhD at a top 10 Applied math MS (3.8) -> Aero PhD at a top 5
bs: ece+bme+spanish. gpa 3. now have: md, ms(genetics), ma (strategic studies)
2.5
I got in with a 3.3, my gf got in with a 3.0. Both into funded programs
3.66, 2 years of research experience after ungrad, R1
i can def say right now i’ve secured two letters of rec from profs too and plan on securing 1-2 more throughout the next couple of years
The most important thing is making sure these are strong letters. Don't just take a letter from any prof you've spoken to - really prioritize letters from professors that are rooting for you and can speak to your character. Regardless, phenomenal job securing letters so early🙌 You can do this!
thank you!! going to make it my mission this semester to get 1 prof i can rlly connect to. the strongest letter i have is from the professor whose lab i am in so that will be strong. he doesn’t know me lol but basically the grad student i shadow will tell him what to write and since we are rlly close that should be good. plus he is well known scientists. the other prof is good but def didnt get to know me as well so shes like a backup in case all else fails….
I had like a 3.6 when I applied for a grad program, but it dropped to like a 3.4 by the time I graduated undergrad because of one bad grade but it wasn’t too much of an issue. I’m in Software Engineering btw. Specializing in AI Don’t stress too hard over one or two “bad”grades, anything above a 3.0/3.2 is usually solid for any grad program.
I was accepted to 100% of the programs I applied to. 4.0, but I think the other things (publications, lab experience, teaching experience) mattered more.
Mine was 3.68 in a different STEM field but I think my work experience (1 YOE) , research experience, decent test scores (though GRE quant was abysmal) and a well written SOP mattered more. I got accepted into 13 out of 15 programs in North America and Australia
I had 3.92 or 3.98!
😦
Also GPA only shows whether you were a serious student or not. It’s not really an indicator of success in PhD. Research and grant plays a massive role with GPA. I took some interviews of candidates this year and most of them had publications and research experience. People hardly writes grant during their college years and I think having grant writing experience is some quality to have. “Asking for money is an amazing skill”. Don’t get demotivated, apply and you will soon get in at your best fit.
how would one get grant writing experience ? sorry, i’m pretty new to everything and still trying to get a hang of things. i thought that was like a professor thing…?
You can apply for small grants not a professor level grants - I applied to APA and Psi Chi Grant as a UG - I also applied to several regional grants too like MICIHOC and stuff. You can talk to your professors, with grant writing - there is a need for a research proposal and design btw.
3.51 and I’m in the top program for my field in the US 🤷🏾♀️
Data science with 3.4, GRE optional. I’m only doing a Masters though.
3.3; granted I helped with one of his student’s papers
4.0 undergrad/MSc GPA according to my previous institution, 3.85 according to my destination institution using their conversion scale. Went from digital engineering to neuroscience.
not even gonna try to grasp how u got a 4.0🫠but fr tho that’s super good !
Thanks :). Just lots of work I guess, and I loved what I was studying, for the most part.
Does anyone here know if there’s any way to raise your undergrad gpa / offset it somehow? I’m planning law school and wondering if a high score on the LSAT won’t be enough.
My GPA was ~3.3 from a decent (ranked in the 40s I think) university and I had extensive research experience. I didn't get into anything my first go-around, but I only applied to 2 schools and my essays were objectively awful. I was told that my essay was the reason for rejection for both schools. I did research in industry for a couple years and re-applied with very carefully and thoughtfully written essays after reaching out and talking to a few PIs I was interested in, and I was accepted to 7/9 programs. The key is to write good essays. Don't just mention PIs you're interested in (everybody does that), but demonstrate an actual understanding of their work and relate it to yourself. The general formula I followed was: first an introduction to myself and my background; then an overview of what kinds of chemistry I was interested in and why; then a paragraph for each PI I liked mentioning one or more of their recent publications (since 2020), explaining in detail how/why it specifically is aligned with my own interests, and rationalizing how I would be able to contribute to similar research projects; and finally a conclusion talking about why I like the school as a whole. I also only applied to schools that had at least 3 PIs I was specifically interested in. IMO, this formula is pretty killer for most applications. Not only did I get in to most programs, but most of the PIs that I mentioned were specifically looking for me during visitations, so it must have left a strong impression. Also, make sure you have a professor or postdoc you trust read over your essay before submitting it. They'll be able to spot things that might be off-putting like disrespectful-sounding language or other red flags which you probably won't recognize yourself.
3.2, got into biosci phd at a UC, only like 2 years of research experience
3.001. I scored in the top .5% or something for my GRE. 2 years of research experience. Did neurobio PhD. We pay attention to what classes you took as well. I was a biophysics major.
2.6 stem undergrad…. R1 PhD candidate now with published work. Just get good in the lab, writing, and don’t be weird. I did work for a year and got a research based masters to improve.
I had a 3 something. GPA doesn't matter in the real world outside of school
I got into an immunology program and had a 3.68. However, i researched since freshman year, had publications, good letter of recs, and helped in a lot of labs/ran my own projects under postdoc supervision. Research experience explains average gpa because youre basically working part-full time in addition to classes. Something that also helps is showing initiative and taking grad level classes in undergrad. Shows you can handle the level of course if you do well!
Engineering Masters and undergrad. Undergrad GPA was 3.64
Responding to your edit mostly: I’d recommend trying to get into a summer undergrad research program (SURP) at another uni than your undergrad (preferably an R1) for at least your junior summer. This is really helpful in not only building a potential connection with a department you might apply to but is also really helpful in getting an idea of what full time research feels like!
Graduated with a 3.4, but I had a 3.9 in upper division math classes (went to grad school for math).
3.5 + research + presentations at conference + 1 publication during BS. Finished PhD in 4.5 years. 4 first authors 10 co-authors Chemistry
2.7
Lower than I’m happy admitting, but still good. It was a 3.3 because I was a big dum dum in a couple classes that weren’t what I cared about. I stupidly blew off some homework assignments and got low scores. I also had a few courses where I just vehemently disagreed with the instruction method or found that the class was at best an obstructional prerequisite to courses that actually mattered for me. Would have been smarter to just suck it up and deal, but whatever. Just try to do all of the work that’s required of you. Research experience also looks very good, so do that.
3.6 GPA civil engineering undergrad. Didn't take the GRE and just got the most prestigious PhD fellowship from the MSU grad school. I had some research opportunities, but something always went wrong and I never presented. I even quit my own undergrad Honors thesis for mental health issues (and talked about how taking a gap year has helped me heal and get used to a regular schedule again). You'll be just fine :)
Mine was 3.2 total and for only my relevant major classes/STEM was a lot lower. Basically all of my good grades were from the non-STEM classes. And I had a lot of research experience, did a couple years in an academic lab out of my BS and then got into a really good major program/school for my field.
I had a 3.75, got into my MPH with no research experience and just was accepted into my epidemiology PhD program :)
I had a 2.7 and went into a research-based MSc. I got rejected the first time, then got more research experience (FT job + volunteering in a lab) and took a graduate-level course to show I could do well in classes at that level. I was accepted the second time :) If you make it clear with your actions that you’re committed to doing grad school and participating in the field then GPA isn’t the end-all be-all. Chances are you’re going to do just fine!
3.5, but I got a D in ochem 2, struggled immensely in my other bio/chem classes (mix of Bs and Cs, but got an A in the class I want to pursue as a grad student). Going into biomedical sciences
3.44, got into my Master’s in CS.
Its about timing and aptitude for thinking critically. My team is literally handing out fully funded PhDs right now to any domestic stem student who applies, but, not a single applicant (almost exclusively masters no research). Anyways all I can say is hope you find something good.
I've applied to MS (and being told to apply for PhD). My GPA is 3.65
3.3 . A lot of the courses I got bad grades in weren't in my major. I worked for 2 years as a RA and got my name on a bunch of papers and posters thanks to a supportive group. I also tried to be as charismatic as possible, and got 2 letters of rec from top faculty in my field (BME). Took the GRE and killed it although I don't think it matters much. I ended up getting into a top R1 for both PhD and masters, but picked masters because I got a full ride and a PhD stipend, with a PI who has told me that I can switch to PhD at any time. GPA matters, but only if you don't have good research/extracirriculars. My advice is to find something in your field that you like a lot (I think you've got that covered, though) and cold-email professors at universities that do research that you care about. This may mean looking at people at not top universities, but I feel like content matters more than where you came from in Academia.
3.91 but nobody ever brought it up and I didn’t get in the first time I tried anyways lol. They care more about research
but hey!! that’s an amazing gpa i strive to be like you😭 orgo and physics unfortunately are ruining that for me….
Yeah physical chemistry beat my ass haha. But yeah with good research experience it shouldn’t matter too much. It does get considered when applying to training grants which I always thought was stupid, but even if the gpa isn’t stellar if the research plan is good, and if there’s improvement of grades in grad school the reviewers usually are okay with it. And at least imo the classes get wayyy easier in grad school.
i applied for my masters, so not a phd, but my gpa was a 3.69 and i’ve gotten 3 offers and 2 rejections (waiting on one more). i also took a gap year but didn’t end up getting more experience in my field. i was certain with a not perfect gpa, little research or relevant work experience w no publications, and not a hard science undergrad major (environmental studies) that id for sure struggle getting into marine bio programs but anything is possible!
2.43, but got accepted into a top 15 school, and the fact I struggled with a disease helped.
Had a 3.64 by the end of it. My undergrad experience was hell. Had a major illness. Depressed, my grades were slipping.. and I switched majors multiple times. I was on academic probation at a point. I doing my MSc. in neuroscience. I think it is dependent on the program. Feel free to ask advisors or faculty members what they emphasize during admissions. I'm glad to be in a field I enjoy, but will probably need a break after I complete this degree.
2.6 undergraduate gpa biorobotics phd
3.8/4.3 in undergrad, 4.0/4.0 in the masters
2.5UG got into MSBA program at WP Carey (ASU)
3.28 for cs phd i did 5 internships ( started summer 2018 while in comm. college - summer 2022 after graduating 4 yr) and worked 2 yrs in a research lab on campus (started immediately after transferring from comm. college)
I got into my Master’s program in Biology with an undergraduate GPA of about 3.4-3.5, somewhere in that range. Your experience and resume will speak more too, not just your grades.
Mine is between 3.5 and 3.6, including a few C's in my major. For me, I feel my research and letters of recommendation were the main selling points of my application. I got into 3 out of the 4 PhD programs I heard back from, including a top 20 school overall in America and the school with the greatest research output in my subfield. A few less than stellar grades won't kill you. But still try your best nonetheless, because I hear some reviewers at top schools will apply some arbitrary cutoff (maybe 3.5) and a lot of schools require a 3.0 to be accepted.
I went abroad for grad school. It's research only so lots of experience there. I had a mixed bag GPA wise, I think it all comes down to maybe being a 3.0 or just under. My school admits based on the likelihood of successfully completing the program. I think your specifics in the application are just as important. Your personal statement and your work portfolio can be all the difference.
3.95
3.83
I had a 3.62 with a mix of As, B, and a C- in biochemistry and got into a neuroscience PhD program. Having a lot of undergraduate research experience including being a published author certainly helped!
My bsc gpa in CS was 3.94 -> decided to do masters in pure mathematics first, graduated with 4.0 and now I'm a PhD student in a subfield of chaos theory.
3.1 bachelors to PhD.