Need an honest assessment...

[Miles1201]

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I am working on my Clnical Ph.D. applications and am getting quite nervous. Academically, I don't feel I am the strongest applicant, GPA 3.4, GRE 1230 combined (V 640 Q 590). On the bright side I have 4 years of research experience in neuropsychology, and have a couple papers published. The programs are all so competitive. Any advice on whether I have a fighting chance? I'm afraid I won't make it through the first round with my average GPA.

Do you think I should acknowledge my weak academic history in my personal statements? Try to make an explanation?

Trying to stay optimistic, but need a reality check as well. Any advice would be helpful.

 

[sms2]

I'm kind of in the same boat as you, but I think you have a great shot. I have a good GPA, 3.9 but my GRE scores were less than good 1190 (720 quant and 470 verbal) with 2 years of research experience and nothing published. I think you're in a very good place. PhD programs are extremely hard to get into either way and each school is looking for something different. I get annoyed hearing this over and over again, but "it depends". It depends on what the school is looking for, but you definately need to go for it, your GPA is not bad at all and you have many other positive things to make up for it. Don't try to give an explanation for your GPA, just apply, you've got a great shot.

 

[ktwallis]

how do you all have such fantastic GPAs? i'm so jealous. damn you beer pong damn you

 

[Sorg1123]

how do you all have such fantastic GPAs? i'm so jealous. damn you beer pong damn you

mmmmmm, beer pong... ahhhhhhhgggggg. What? sorry that comment took me back..😴 . I think I just caught up on one of my undergrad blackouts! So that's how i got home! Thanks ktwallis!👍

To the original question: You're GPA is competitive and I'm envious of your research experience. If you have time, take the GRE again and boost your quant score. (this is easily done with practice test after practice test after practice test, you get it). I wouldn't worry if you've got the right academic creds b/c you seem to and the research exp is more important anyway.

 

[joetro]

It's hard to say what will happen. Your GPA and scores seem a little low for some places, but your other experiences sound great. It just depends on if they get to see the rest of your application or if you get weeded out beforehand. Hopefully, that won't happen. Good luck.

 

[PhDhopeful]

how do you all have such fantastic GPAs? i'm so jealous. damn you beer pong damn you

Dear Ktwallis, I am in love with you. lol. Damn beer pong...believe me I know😀 😀 😀

 

[green23]

seriously. except we play beer pong with PADDLES. you need to try it. it's the superior way for sure.

 

[PhDhopeful]

it is totally nice to know that people striving for the same career goals as me actually do have senses of humor. I was sort of scared that once I got in to my program that I might turn into a droid.🙄

 

[Miles1201]

Paddles are definitely the way to go for the experienced beer pong player. They really bring it to a whole other level....
Wow, you guys have inspired me. I think i will attempt to organize a tournement this weekend.
Oh yeah, and thanks for the advice!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Paddles....Beer Pong....DOES NOT COMPUTE!!!!!

-p

 

[Joe3462]

You fools....it's called Beirut, not "beer pong"......and paddles?? Oh, the humanity!

geez....didn't you guys learn anything in college?

 

[perfektspace]

Don't forget that some schools are perceived to be more difficult in terms of grading so a lower GPA may mean nothing.

 

[Sorg1123]

oh yeah, it is called beirut. 😎