Getting Into Grad School: Advice for Students with Low GPA

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around strategies for gaining admission to graduate programs in mathematics for a student with a low undergraduate GPA. It includes advice on improving application strength through GRE scores, work experience, and recommendations, as well as considerations for program selection.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that many graduate programs require at least a 3.0 GPA and seeks advice on improving their chances with a GPA of ~2.95.
  • Another suggests that an outstanding GRE score in math and/or physics could significantly enhance the application.
  • A participant mentions their Physics GRE score was at the 65th percentile and that they are preparing to take the Math Subject test soon.
  • It is proposed that work experience and strong recommendations from supervisors can bolster an application, especially if the applicant has not been working in their field.
  • Some participants discuss the potential for conditional or probational acceptance, indicating that this may be an option if the application is particularly strong.
  • There are inquiries about study resources for the Math GRE, with suggestions to utilize practice tests and study guides.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of GRE scores and recommendations, but there is no consensus on the commonality of conditional acceptance or the best study resources for the Math GRE.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific information on the effectiveness of various strategies and the uncertainty surrounding the acceptance criteria of different graduate programs.

Who May Find This Useful

Students with low GPAs seeking admission to graduate programs in mathematics or related fields, as well as those preparing for the GRE.

MrJB
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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?
 
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An outstanding GRE score in math and/or physics would probably help a lot. How are your GREs?
 
Physics GRE was at 65 percentile.
I'm scheduled to take the Math Subject test in less than a month.
 
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.
 
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.
 
MrJB said:
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?
 
berkeman said:
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.
 

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