Hi, I'm new to this forum, and I have a question for anyone who might know the answer. Would a graduate school have a serious problem accepting me if there is a recent "F" on my transcript? I have a high grade point average (over 3.7), but I had some problems this past semester with an upper level Psych class and will probably be getting an "F" for not completing the work. I am wondering how concerned a graduate school would be regarding that, if my grade point average is still high.

Thanks!

bdbear

Originally posted by bdbear
Hi, I'm new to this forum, and I have a question for anyone who might know the answer. Would a graduate school have a serious problem accepting me if there is a recent "F" on my transcript? I have a high grade point average (over 3.7), but I had some problems this past semester with an upper level Psych class and will probably be getting an "F" for not completing the work. I am wondering how concerned a graduate school would be regarding that, if my grade point average is still high.

Thanks!

bdbear

What kind of graduate psychology program (clinical or experimental) are you contemplating in applying? Do you have things such as research experience and publications to strengthen your application?

Hi and thanks for responding. . . I'm thinking about applying to a combined MA/PsyD program in Clinical Psych. No, I don't have any research experience or publications. I'm a continuing ed student and this last semester was my first time back to school since 1994. I'm graduating in May and ready to move ahead with my career, but now I'm worried about that damn class I'm going to be getting a failing grade in! I know most programs have a minimum gpa they expect for you to be admitted into their program, and mine will be way above the usual 3.25 or whatever, but I'll still have that glaring "F" on my transcript!

bdbear

Try to take some additional upper-level coursework, ace your GREs, do some research, get some clinical experience, and briefly explain in your personal statement why you received an "F" in that course. Try to provide the Admissions Committee with evidence of your potential for success as a graduate student in their program. A poor grade in one class will not preclude you from entering a PsyD program. However, you have to prove that you're a viable candidate through other measures.

I don't think you need to "ace the gres" even, just doing as well as most applicants (600-650 range V/Q) should suffice. I would, however, make a point to acknowledge the grade in your personal statement or, if you have a word limit, include a supplemental statement with your application. Explain that you had difficultly in this particular course, why (perhaps it was just a bad semester, personal difficulties, etc.), and emphasize your strengths. With a 3.7 GPA overall, one F wont make or break you. It sounds like you can't do anything about the grade now, but you can acknowledge it and emphasize your strengths. Some of the most important factors in the application package are experience (particularly research experience if you're interested in the Ph.D. track), and faculty match to your research interests. Also, since this grade may affect your psychology GPA, which most schools ask you to report, you may want to take the Psych GRE (even if it isn't required) to give an alternative objective measure of your knowledge of psychology.

Is there any way you can retake the course over the summer?

Hi and thanks for responding. . . I'm thinking about applying to a combined MA/PsyD program in Clinical Psych. No, I don't have any research experience or publications. I'm a continuing ed student and this last semester was my first time back to school since 1994. I'm graduating in May and ready to move ahead with my career, but now I'm worried about that damn class I'm going to be getting a failing grade in! I know most programs have a minimum gpa they expect for you to be admitted into their program, and mine will be way above the usual 3.25 or whatever, but I'll still have that glaring "F" on my transcript!

bdbear

If you can find a way to withdraw, withdraw. It's easier to explain.

Mark

Can't you ask for an incomplete and finish the work?

Post is from 2003 folks. Doubt bdbear cares anymore;)

Post is from 2003 folks. Doubt bdbear cares anymore;)

Haha. Good catch. This had to have been resolved years ago. Problem solved i guess. :laugh:

Ahh....a spammer bumped this from 4-5 years ago. :laugh:

-t

I notice that too (after posting), but I think it's still useful for undergrads with the same issue. There are a lot of them, to be sure