Can I Overcome a Bad Undergrad GPA and Get into a US PhD Program in Physics?

In summary: So basically, my question is if my GPA and recent experience would make a difference to the admissions committees at US universities?
  • #1
emcmqm
2
0
Hi All,

I had really bad GPA when I did my undergraduate degree in Mathematics India, except for one Physics course that I did and did very well at. I won't bore anyone with the details, but it was basically because I just felt unmotivated.

Now I am older by 10 years, somewhat wiser and work full time as a software engineer but want to go back to studying Physics.

I did some graduate Mathematics courses (Differential Topology, Complex Analsyis and some more that are related to Physics) at the CSU through their open university system. All in all around 28 credits in graduate Mathematics courses with a 3.2 GPA. Then I enrolled in the MS Physics program at SJSU(they wouldn't admit me earlier because of my low grades and had asked me to do some related courses at either CSU before I applied), and have now maintained
a GPA of 3.7 in the core graduate Physics courses( Classical Mech, Quantum Mech, Jackson) and the electives while working full time as a Software Engineer.

Would any graduate school overlook my undergrad grades that are extremely poor and consider me for the PhD program?

Thanks,
Anurag
 
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  • #2
I don't know about India but in the UK I wouldn't care too much about bad degree performance 10years ago if you have recent 'relevant' experience.
Individual institutions/supervisors/funding bodies might have their own rules and perhaps require a recent Masters.
Is your 10years of software relevant to the research areas you are considering?
 
  • #3
Thanks for the quick reply.

I live in the US now. Sorry didn't specify that. So my question is about US universities.

My software engineering experience is completely unrelated. But I am doing the MS right now and will be done in an year or so. I am thinking of taking up research projects with the Profs here at SJSU(San Jose State University) too. I don't have an undergrad degree or coursework in Physics though. That was another reason that SJSU asked me to do first two courses through their open university system too. I did the graduate level courses they have instead of the undergraduate courses they advised me to do though and my GPA is based on those courses.(They will let 2 open university courses count towards your MS).
 

1. What are the minimum requirements for a PhD admission?

The minimum requirements for a PhD admission may vary depending on the university and program, but typically they include a bachelor's and/or master's degree in a related field, a strong academic record, letters of recommendation, and a research proposal or statement of purpose. Some programs may also require standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT.

2. How do I find and apply for PhD scholarships?

PhD scholarships can be found through various sources such as university websites, scholarship search engines, and government agencies. Once you have identified potential scholarships, you will need to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements. These may include a specific research topic, a certain GPA, or letters of recommendation. It is important to plan ahead and give yourself enough time to complete the application process.

3. What is the difference between a fully funded and partially funded PhD program?

A fully funded PhD program typically covers all tuition and fees, as well as providing a stipend for living expenses. In contrast, a partially funded program may only cover a portion of the tuition and fees, leaving the student responsible for the remaining costs. It is important to carefully consider the financial implications of each option, as well as any requirements or restrictions that may come with the funding.

4. Is it necessary to have a master's degree before applying for a PhD program?

While some PhD programs do require a master's degree, not all of them do. In some cases, students may be admitted directly into a PhD program after completing their bachelor's degree. It is important to research the specific requirements for the programs you are interested in and to reach out to the admissions office for clarification if needed.

5. What can I do to improve my chances of being accepted into a PhD program?

There are several steps you can take to improve your chances of being accepted into a PhD program. These include maintaining a strong academic record, gaining research experience, obtaining strong letters of recommendation, and writing a compelling research proposal or statement of purpose. It is also helpful to reach out to potential advisors or program directors to express your interest and ask any questions you may have.

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