From Troubled Student to Successful Graduate: My Story

[MichaelTKim91]

For those who are willing to take the time to read this post, thank you.

My name is Michael and i am currently a sophmore UCI undergraduate student. I am majoring in Biomedical Engineering and have recently changed to this major from a physics major.

Ever since my 2nd year of UCI, i have really made poor decisions(went out to have fun, played, didnt take school seriously) and now face a GPA of 3.124 cumulative, and a science GPA of 3.00, even a 2.9 depending at the end of this quarter.

This is no way acceptable for graduate school, I am not fool, i know this. After this past week, it finally has come to my attention(it had to take this long for me, but nonetheless) that i am growing up, and school is so , just so important. More so than my parents telling me, or more so than anything, I REALIZED how important it is.

I really want to go to graduate school, i really do, and I am going to start by really focusing on my grade for these next 2 years. i calculated the classes i need to take and i can go for an at leas 3.22-3.4ish Science GPA 3.22(straight B average, and 3.4 Straight A average) Is even a 3.22 acceptable to go to a decent BME grad school?

To be honest my goal right now that I am shooting for is UCLA BME program.

Their admission goes as follows.

1. ) JR. and SR. GPA will only be counted for a total gpa. (3.0 minimum)
2. ) A science GPA is also required
3. BME (upper-div) GPA is also required (or i think this goes under science GPA I am not sure.)

4. Graduate testing GRE, etc.

The question I am asking is, for example, with the goals i have now (GPA wise.) will i be able to stand a decent shot getting into grad school with the hole i dug myself from my 2nd year of college?

I also know research and other extras are important as well and will be working on them.

I know my post doesn't really have a solid question other than if i have good shot going to grad school, but i really would appreciate any tips, any advice, (harsh criticism *ur chances are low, you really can't make it up" etc. is highly welcome. I rather have the cold hard facts now, then be babied with lies.

Again for those who take your time to read my rant and reply, thank you so much. I feel so troubled about my future I am actually quite fretting over almost no immediate reason, but i do my college career seriously now.

Again any tips to getting into grad school (UCLA even) will be GREATLY appreciated.

With much consideration,

Michael Kim

 

[edgepflow]

Is even a 3.22 acceptable to go to a decent BME grad school?

My undergraduate gpa in engineering was just about the same. Similar to you, I did not do as good as I should have the first two years. But my final 3 years I averaged over 3.50 and made the honor role about 2/3 of the time. I was accepted to graduate school at at four major public universities.

So I would do as you plan, apply to UCLA, and a few others that may be suitable for you.

 

[flemmyd]

a 3.0 is bad, but not as horrible as you seem to make it out.
For example, I'm looking at Duke's physics program right now. They had this question in their FAQ*:

How likely is it to get an offer, given my C average in Physics?
Not likely. It would be difficult to get admitted to Duke Physics, unless you have a very good GRE Subject score and very good recommendation letters.

Now this surprises me because EVERY other graduate school says they won't really look at you unless you have a B average.

If you can get some good research in and avoid Cs, you can get into graduate school *somewhere*.

And really, all you can hope to do is get better grades, get some good research, and apply. You aren't as screwed as you think you are.

*http://www.phy.duke.edu/graduate/admissions/faq.php#faq_5_2

 

[flemmyd]

Oh and something Michael Dennin (a physics professor here at UCI) told us that might keep you working hard:

A C in physics is an A in life. Even if you get a D in quantum mechanics and get a normal job, people will be impressed. "You studied quantum mechanics?! Holy cow"