can i get in to a good program with a 3.0?

[zgotts]

---

Members don't see this ad.

im graduating in may with a BA in Neuroscience, overall GPA 3.1, Neuroscience major GPA 3.0.

im really regretting not having put more effort into school- it's never been a matter of capability, just a matter of putting in the time.

of course that's no excuse, and doesn't change the fact that by numbers, I look MUCH worse than any other candidate. I'd like to get a PhD in Neuroscience or Pharmaceutical Science, but to get into a very good program (I'm thinking something like University of Michigan) i feel like I need to have atleast a 3.5 (and obviously a TON of solid research experience to back it up.

is it completely unheard of for someone with a GPA this low to get into a solid program like U of M (if of course it is offset by research/master's degree)?

would it be worth taking certain classes over again, particularly ones i got C's in?

any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[erg923]

im graduating in may with a BA in Neuroscience, overall GPA 3.1, Neuroscience major GPA 3.0.

im really regretting not having put more effort into school- it's never been a matter of capability, just a matter of putting in the time.

of course that's no excuse, and doesn't change the fact that by numbers, I look MUCH worse than any other candidate. I'd like to get a PhD in Neuroscience or Pharmaceutical Science, but to get into a very good program (I'm thinking something like University of Michigan) i feel like I need to have atleast a 3.5 (and obviously a TON of solid research experience to back it up.

is it completely unheard of for someone with a GPA this low to get into a solid program like U of M (if of course it is offset by research/master's degree)?

would it be worth taking certain classes over again, particularly ones i got C's in?

any help is greatly appreciated.

Unfortunately, Ph.Ds in neuroscience are often as competitive as med school or clinical psychology programs. I think it would be an extreme long shot, especially if you don't have much research experience. Retake courses if you can and get some experience. If your GRE is really high you might me able to get into a masters program to raise your GPA. I think these are your only 2 realistic options. Good luck!

 

[Ollie123]

Its tough - I think you probably have a chance at SOME neuroscience programs, but as with anything, if you want to go to the best of the best, you need to show you're the best of the best at the level below that.

I would definitely retake any classes you got C's in and pull that GPA up as much as you can, and really nail the GREs. That and research like crazy - I don't know how much you're coming out with, but you will need several years of quality research experience to have a shot at top programs. I don't know what your imagined timeline is like, but it may take an extra year or two of "damage control", either by doing a master's, or really working your butt off at a competitive, well-respected research center.

 

[paramour]

You actually need to first check with your university to determine whether or not you can even retake courses in which you earned a C--Some universities do not allow it, only if you received a D or F.

 

[zgotts]

thanks for the input.

i wasn't really planning on retaking courses here at Skidmore, i was thinking more of doing post-bacc program type thing, whether it be formal or informal. i also thought of just taking the same courses at a different university. would that work?

as far as research goes, i worked last summer in a lab at Brigham & Women's Hospital, am doing research at Skidmore this semester, and have applied to some research positions (2 year commitments) for when i graduate, though i'm not sure how likely it is that i get a spot.

i'm not too worried about the timing of it all, i figure i'd spend 2 years working in a lab, 1-2 years taking more courses (both retaking some and taking Physics and Calc to fill out the requirements), and then apply to grad programs.

also, can someone direct me on where i can research master's programs? everytime i search i end up at the school's PhD program.

thanks again!