Seriously....Can people with similar stats advise?

[MBenigno]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Like most students, I have been lurking on this site and a few others for months now, and I thought it was time to share. I have good days where I feel that I have good stats and stand a chance (at some schools at least) and days where I freak out a little b/c I feel like it is going to be impossible to get in 😳. I am going to be applying toward the end of this year for the 2013 academic year. Here are my stats so far:

Undergrad University: Long Island University
Degree: B.S. Marine Science Biology
Undergraduate GPA: 3.13
Grad University: FIU
Degree: M.S. Environmental Science (conc: biological conservation)
Graduate GPA: 3.85 (while working full-time; my time management and study skills were greatly improved from undergrad)
Pre-req GPA: ~3.2
GRE: 1140 (640V, 500Q, 5.5W) - took it last in 2003, obviously have to re-take it with the new requirements, but I think with the proper amount of time to prepare, I'll do well.
PT Volunteer hours: Projected to complete between 120-140 within this semester
Other volunteer activities: Adopt-a-tree Miami, American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Liasion, Low-Country Lab Rescue

I'm currently taking the rest of my pre-reqs at a local community college (I am enrolled in A & P 1 w/ lab, I still need to take A & P 2 w/ lab and abnormal psych).

Schools I am applying to :
MUSC
FIU
U. St. Augustine (FL)
Armstrong Atlantic State University
USC (Columbia, SC)

I plan on doing whatever it takes to get A's in the last three classes I have to take (that includes the class I am currently enrolled in). This will edge my GPA up slightly. I went to FIU for my Master's so I contacted my advisor to see if there is anyone there he knows that I can speak with about the program. I also plan on scheduling some meetings with the schools that do NOT require interviews in order to get more information on the program and see ways to stand out during the admissions process. Seriously though, can anyone with stats close to mine weigh in on what my chances are? I still have a long road to go, but I need to make it happen!

 

[adh28]

Do well in your last few pre reqs and you will be fine! Also keep enhancing your physical therapy volunteer experiences! Good luck, I think you will be ok!

 

[Hopein2010]

I had similar stats-- and I'm pretty sure that my high gpa in grad school helped a lot. I know that they calculated my grad gpa into the overall, which gave it a boost. Also, the fact that you were in grad school at all reflects upon your ability to handle difficult coursework. Take a deep breath, and just go for it--try not to stress about it. Good luck!

 

[MBenigno]

Thanks guys! I real appreciate your input and that makes me feel better. I bought some professional interview clothes just in case (side note - as a girl, it is impossible to find blazers or nice suits that come as separates)... so that made me really excited.

Thanks again!

 

[jchen707]

My stats aren't similar to yours, but I think by having a high GPA in a grad program definitely helps you out because it not only shows that you can handle graduate level work, but also will improve your undergrad GPA. Since you did well on the GRE that long ago, I would say if you study/review some stuff you'll do fine on the new version ... though I didn't take the new one, I've heard (from a friend who recently took it for her grad program) that it is now longer than the older one. I took it last June and was out in a little over two hours. My friend said hers was about 4 hours, and from what she told me, there were two sections of each verbal and quantitative plus a non-optional experimental section (you don't know which one is the experimental during the test). Anyway, just wanted to say good luck with your application!

 

[MBenigno]

My stats aren't similar to yours, but I think by having a high GPA in a grad program definitely helps you out because it not only shows that you can handle graduate level work, but also will improve your undergrad GPA. Since you did well on the GRE that long ago, I would say if you study/review some stuff you'll do fine on the new version ... though I didn't take the new one, I've heard (from a friend who recently took it for her grad program) that it is now longer than the older one. I took it last June and was out in a little over two hours. My friend said hers was about 4 hours, and from what she told me, there were two sections of each verbal and quantitative plus a non-optional experimental section (you don't know which one is the experimental during the test). Anyway, just wanted to say good luck with your application!

Thanks! I believe you are correct regarding the GRE - I have already begun studying and the guides say it takes about 3:45 to complete. I am trying to brush up on my math skills and memorize loads of new words.

I appreciate your input!

 

[Onyang]

Solid stats. You should be fine. I had about 150 hours of volunteer, good amount of extracurricular activities, a 850 GRE score (LOL) but a 3.98 GPA final.