Getting Into Grad School: Advice for Students with Low GPA

[MrJB]

Many graduate programs seem to require at least a 3.0 gpa in undergraduate coursework. My undergrad gpa was ~2.95. What can I do to get into a graduate program? I graduated a year and a half ago with a BS in physics, but I'd like to do math. I've taken / am taking a few math courses since then to fill in what I didn't take as an undergrad. Any advice?

 

[berkeman]

An outstanding GRE score in math and/or physics would probably help a lot. How are your GREs?

 

[MrJB]

Physics GRE was at 65 percentile.
I'm scheduled to take the Math Subject test in less than a month.

 

[Laura1013]

Have you been working in your field since you graduated? Work experience helps, as well as a good recommendation from your supervisor.

Do you know any professors in the departments you're applying to? If a professor can personally vouch for you, that may tip the scale enough to grant you an acceptance.

You could also inquire whether the grad departments would allow you a conditional or probational acceptance. Usually, that means you are given a semester or a year to prove that you can make the grade. Your application would have to really stand out for them to take that chance, though.

 

[MrJB]

I have not been working in field. My low gpa has been a barrier to that.

I'm still not sure where to apply. I'm looking for not top tier programs to apply to.

Thanks for the suggestion, I will ask about conditional or probational acceptance. I'm not sure how common it is.

 

[berkeman]

Physics GRE was at 65 percentile.
I'm scheduled to take the Math Subject test in less than a month.

I'd recommend taking whatever practice tests or other math GRE tutorial material that you can find. Have you found any good study resources specifically tailored to the math GRE?

 

[MrJB]

Have you found any good study resources specifically tailored to the math GRE?

I'm planning on swinging by a bookstore this week to find a study guide for the test. I've worked though most of the sample test on the GRE website.