PhD programs. Cumulative GPA and two degrees

[mixolyd]

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Hey guys. Does anyone know how PhD programs look at two degrees? I'm currently finishing my second BA in psychology; my first was in philosophy. My transcript situation is a mess because for my first degree I transferred schools, took community college classes, and studied abroad two semesters. Then my second BA is at a different school.

If schools take all of my undergraduate coursework into account, my cumulative GPA is not so good. 3.25 if abroad credits are counted, 3.20 if not. I know some programs have strict cutoffs, which is frustrating me because my second degree and psych GPAs are 3.95, and my GPA for the most recent 137 credits is 3.72. I really hope that classes I took 5 to 8 years ago when I was a total idiot don't end up screwing up my chances!

 

[bmedclinic]

This is a topic that is near and dear to me. I went to undergrad having just turned 18, and I acted like it. I went to an academically challenging school that also has a rep for being a great party school. And I had fun. And a low GPA. I think a lot of places will be forgiving of the GPA for the first few years when you screw up (I bet my screwups GPA wise surpass many others btw!). For me, I knew I wasnt going to get into a phd program out of undergrad (for many reasons) though I did have 1 paper being published.

Long story short- if you cant get into a phd program, get into the best masters program for you, and prepare yourself to crunch in two years of making your vita better, making connections, and working to get into a good phd program.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I'd email each program individually, as some might only ask for your most recent degree, particularly since that's the one in psychology.

Even if every program asks for information on both degrees, a 3.2, while below average, shouldn't get you auto-cut at most departments (at least the mid-tier ones where the hard-and-fast line is usually drawn at about 3.0).

 

[wigflip]

Long story short- if you cant get into a phd program, get into the best masters program for you, and prepare yourself to crunch in two years of making your vita better, making connections, and working to get into a good phd program.

This can happen. Good luck!

 

[mixolyd]

Thanks guys for your responses.
I am hoping I don't have to resort to doing a Masters program. I don't want to take out more loans, and I heard that many PhD programs barely count your Masters credits towards the PhD, I'm about to turn 27 and feel behind, so I'd prefer not to delay any longer :/ We'll see, I guess. Keeping my fingers crossed!