A Couple Graduate School Application Questions

[erok81]

Like most other people here once I am done with my undergraduate, I'd like to continue on to graduate school. I have a couple questions that I can't really find in ZapperZ's thread or anywhere else. Since my situation seems to be uncommon (at least half of it).

My questions arose after reading this thread that was posted here - http://www.physicsgre.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3421

First off is GPA.

I did my first two years at a local CC with a 4.0 GPA and have been at a regular university for a few semesters and have will probably have a 3.5 after this semester.

How do the two GPA's factor into my overall GPA? Since I will be taking nothing but hard courses at the second school I don't see finishing with a 4.0 there. Do I somehow factor in my previous 4.0 or does that not matter anymore? The credits transferred to my university but not the GPA.

Second is research.

I work full time while going to school. I can do classes and work fine. But fitting research into that mix is impossible. I am going to try to do some over one of the coming summer semesters (I usually take classes over the summer as well, but will take one summer off for research). Obviously I will be lacking in the research area. My question is - can I factor work into research credit somehow? I know I won't have the contacts and professor relations but I'll just have to deal with that.

I've had two good jobs while attending school. Some of the things I have done at work are kind of research related (or at least what I think research could be like). The first job (where I was a manager) I researched remodels all of the US, surveyed builders, etc. I came up with a spreadsheet where you could input the location and square footages and it would pop out prices for paint, carpet, appliances, ect that would always leave us with a ~10% profit margin. My current job I fix NAND flash-based memory by diagnosing product, root causing product failures, reporting on those failures to find trends etc. I can go on and on but this is getting a tad long. :tongue:

Can any of that work experience factor into research or am I out of luck?

 

[TonyG]

Thank you for sharing your questions and concerns about continuing on to graduate school. I understand that your situation may be uncommon, but know that there are many resources and support available to help guide you through the process.

Regarding your first question about GPA, typically graduate schools will take into account all of your undergraduate coursework, including your grades from both your local CC and regular university. However, each school may have their own specific policies and procedures for calculating GPA, so it would be best to check with the graduate programs you are interested in to see how they handle transfer credits and multiple GPAs.

As for research experience, it is always beneficial to have some research experience when applying to graduate school, but it is not always a requirement. If you are unable to fit research into your schedule during the academic year, taking a summer off to focus on research is a great idea. Additionally, you can also try to find research opportunities during the school year that may be more flexible and accommodating to your schedule. As for your work experience, it may not directly count as research experience, but it can still be valuable in demonstrating your skills and abilities, so be sure to highlight it in your application.

I also highly recommend reaching out to professors or advisors at your university for guidance and support. They can provide valuable insights and advice on how to make the most of your undergraduate experience and prepare for graduate school.

I wish you all the best in your academic journey and hope that you find success in your pursuit of graduate studies. Don't hesitate to reach out for any further assistance.