Admissions Applying for PhD despite very weak undergraduate GPA

[eudaimonia]

I think you guys have been overly harsh on the OP.

I too had a 2.7 undergrad GPA (although my school is notorious for grade deflation but still, I was not performing as well as I should've in the exams)

When I spoke to my undergrad supervisor about doing research in hep-th (the most competitive field) in the future I was laughed at, something that I still remember to this day.

I then did a MSc in Europe during covid, I took all graduate modules (e.g. QFT in curved space, super string theory) and got nearly 100% in every one of them, one thing I also realised at that time is I am a very bad test taker in the traditional way (maybe OP can relate?), i.e. I was really bad at reciting stuff under timed pressure. Luckily all my exams during my MSc were open-book and it was a bless.

I was also *extremely* lucky to work with one of the giants in my field, which resulted in 3 papers (inc one PRL).

So when I applied for PhDs I get into all of the places that I applied to (some of them even said on the website "minimum entry requirement is 3.7/4", but I applied anyway) . Overall I think what helps is:

1. getting a good GPA in MSc. (although I even doubt if that's necessary, read my edited comment at the end)
2. I spent 2 long paragraphs in my PS to explain my poor undergrad GPA (basically what I said above about the test taker stuff), my prof told me to not mention my undergrad at all, but I think mentioning it might actually helped my application.
3. 3 papers in hep-th and very strong recommendation letters, which is probably the 1st order contribution to my entire profile.

So don't stress about it too much, as others have said, focus on your research, and let your papers to speak themselves.

Edit: another thing that I remembered when writing this, I also know someone who had horrible undergrad GPA (even worse than mine which is rare), but managed to publish in one of the most prestigious journals in pure maths (I forgot if it's Annals or something), he was in pure maths so I don't know if admissions work differently but for him he didn't even get a masters, yet still got into most prestigious places. So yeah, the pt.1 above might not even be necessary.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Do you think it's a good idea for me to be transparent about my undergraduate grade

As opposed to springing it on them later? Surprise!

What's the worst case? That they aren't interested in anyone with a GPA that low, no matter the remediation. Isn't it better for you to find out sooner rather than later so you can focus on places that are?

 

[StatGuy2000]

What you need to do is:
1. Fix your academic deficiencies and demonstrate that you have done so. The first step is to find them,
2. Come up with a credible Plan B, ideally one that positions you to apply to grad schools down the road.

@Vanadium 50 , what would you suggest that the OP do to demonstrate that she has fixed her academic deficiencies, on top of doing well on the PGRE?

The OP has already stated that she will be finishing her Masters in applied physics. Would you suggest that she complete another bachelor's degree in physics?

I see a lot of snark from you, and no real actionable advice on this thread.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Once she gets a 95%+ on the GRE, we can discuss what else she should be doing.