How to move forward with a less than perfect undergrad gpa

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by a participant with a less than ideal undergraduate GPA seeking advice on pursuing graduate studies in physics or engineering. The conversation touches on academic performance, research experience, and potential pathways to graduate school.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • A participant expresses concern about their cumulative GPA of 2.778 and lack of research experience, questioning their chances of getting into graduate school.
  • Another participant inquires about the grades in upper division physics classes to assess the academic performance more closely.
  • Grades in various physics courses are shared, indicating a mix of performance, with some higher grades in upper division courses.
  • A participant suggests that it may be possible to gain admission to a less competitive program with a GPA below 3.0, emphasizing the importance of Physics GRE scores.
  • Concerns are raised about the participant's lack of research experience, with a suggestion that gaining such experience is crucial for both personal interest and enhancing candidacy for graduate programs.
  • Another participant agrees on the importance of research experience and asks for suggestions on how to obtain it to improve the participant's resume and clarify their career goals.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of pursuing graduate studies with the current academic record. Some believe there are pathways available, while others are more skeptical about the participant's chances without research experience.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the variability in graduate school admission criteria and the potential impact of standardized test scores and research experience on candidacy. There are no definitive conclusions about the participant's options.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering graduate studies in STEM fields, particularly those with lower GPAs or limited research experience, may find the insights and shared experiences relevant.

Natey213
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I recently got by B.S. in physics and political science from Wisconsin. I may have had a little too much fun in the beginning of college. I had a couple of bad semesters. I got my act together during my last three semesters. But anyway, I have B.S. in physics from a pretty good school with a 2.778 cumulative GPA, no real research experience, and no idea how to move forward. I really like physics, but with such a bad GPA, and only trivial physics related experience, I can't imagine any path to graduate school. I would like to go for it. I know I can do it, I did a really good job at the end of college. I thought about perhaps trying to get into a masters program for engineering and then work for a while and then maybe try to get into a physics Ph.D program. Does anyone have any advice for me? Thanks guys.
 
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What were your grades in upper division physics classes
 
All physics grades:

1st Sem: T
2nd Sem: T
3rd Sem: B
Mechanics: AB
Lab 1: AB
Electromagnetic Fields: BC
Quantum 1: BC
Lab 2: AB
Quantum 2: C
Thermal Physics: AB
 
Is AB like a 4.0 in your school.
 
Sometimes you can get in (not top tier) with less than 3.0 on probation. Your scores on the Physics GRE would probably be a primary factor.

Depending on the school you may even hedge your bet a little and apply for M.S. program, then move on to the Ph.D. after a couple semesters once you've established you can do the work. But some schools don't really distinguish.
 
I'm not going to lie, with those grades and the fact that you have no physics research experience, it doesn't look promising at all. The most important thing though is that to make sure that you even want to attend graduate school in the first place. Since you've never done any physics research in your life, what makes you so sure that it's what you want to do for the next 5+ years of your life? Getting this experience is invaluable to both figuring out what you want to do and enhancing your viability as a candidate.
 
Nabeshin,

I would agree with that. Do you have any idea how I might get that type of experience, to both bolster my resume and to help me determine whether or not this is what I want?
 

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