Grades are ****. How do I get extracurriculars?

[evomax01]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi. I've had a really bad semester and my GPA's now below a 3.0
A lot of research programs and other summer extrcurricular activities have GPA requirements and such. How can I get internships/research/some activity that would improve my resume when I have such a low GPA? Some people suggested emailing professors for research assistance, but I've sent around 25-30 with no replies.

Thank you

 

[samsunimomo]

Hi. I've had a really bad semester and my GPA's now below a 3.0
A lot of research programs and other summer extrcurricular activities have GPA requirements and such. How can I get internships/research/some activity that would improve my resume when I have such a low GPA? Some people suggested emailing professors for research assistance, but I've sent around 25-30 with no replies.

Thank you

When I was in high school, I sent around 50 emails and ended up with two positive replies. I don't know how you crafted your inquiries, but I have some general advice.

1) Sell yourself: List all of the courses you've taken that would be appropriate for the type of research you hope to do in the lab. Jot down the lab protocols that you are familiar with.

2) Appeal to the researchers: Skim through the professor's CV and express your interest in that particular field. Appeal to the professor's pride in his/her research. This will mean that you have to personalize every single request.

3) Explain your future ambitions: Write out how you believe that the experience could benefit you.

Good luck, OP, and don't give up.

 

[plumhill]

25-30 is average; chances are you're going to need to send a lot more e-mails than that if you want to get a lab position. Send emails both to people at your college as well as other colleges in the area; that might give you some more responses. Also, if you can't get anything that's paid/research/etc, then look for some heavy-duty volunteer experiences for the summer, or take some classes to raise your GPA again (or both). But don't give up hope yet! I've found that professors who take on students via e-mail usually know their openings closer to the summer. I sent out my emails (about 40) during spring break at the end of March last year.

 

[plumhill]

Also, make sure your emails are as professional-sounding as possible, and attach a resume/CV. You don't have to list your GPA on this; just list your previous experience as well as relevant coursework, as well as what you want to get out of the experience (usually in the "objective" field at the beginning of the resume)

 

[dreamweaver1988]

Hi. I've had a really bad semester and my GPA's now below a 3.0
A lot of research programs and other summer extrcurricular activities have GPA requirements and such. How can I get internships/research/some activity that would improve my resume when I have such a low GPA? Some people suggested emailing professors for research assistance, but I've sent around 25-30 with no replies.

Thank you

One strategy would be to first raise your GPA (and, in general, focus on academics, which should take precedence over ECs) and then worry about ECs. Of course, if you can fill a summer with something productive and not damage your GPA, then that would be terrific.

Asking some of your professors in person might be effective, as they would have a harder time ignoring you or saying no in person (hopefully 😉) Ultimately, however, your GPA needs some attention. Good luck!

 

[RookTookIt]

Hi. I've had a really bad semester and my GPA's now below a 3.0
A lot of research programs and other summer extrcurricular activities have GPA requirements and such. How can I get internships/research/some activity that would improve my resume when I have such a low GPA? Some people suggested emailing professors for research assistance, but I've sent around 25-30 with no replies.

Thank you

You have more important things to worry about than ECs right now. I would take your EC energy and put it into studying. Get psyched about the 4.0 Spring Semester Competition and destroy your classes next semester. Save the ECs for the summer.