Undergraduate grades

[am24]

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I've had a whirlwind of a week, and after some intense thinking I (think I) have decided a psychology degree (PhD) is the right path for me. Mainly, I want to interact with people and learn about why they do what they do. But I don't really know anything about the undergrad requirements to get there:
I'm currently sitting at a pitiful 3.1 cum (I'm a sophomore --> 2 C's in chemistry last year). This wouldn't be so bad if I weren't currently enrolled in organic chemistry and looking at a C for the semester (if I'm lucky!). I would be foolish to drop and take the W, though, right? (I already have a W from dropping Spanish III first semester freshman/last year, which I retook over the summer and received an A in).
What is a competitive GPA for a good school? I just want to know if I've already sealed a bleak fate for myself... thanks for any help!

 

[Day22]

I don't know much about graduate work, but since nobody has responded to you yet I'll take a shot.

I think there are post-bacc curricula specifically designed to boost your GPA high enough to qualify for a Ph.D. track. I'd suggest checking whether the schools you're interested in getting your Ph.D. at also have this sort of a program, so maybe you could develop some connections and get good referrals while raising your GPA.

 

[eo347475]

I am currently applying to Ph.D programs being a senior, and I have to tell you that for most schools if you have less then a 3.5, it's going to be very difficult to even get through the initial screening process. if you really want to look at requirements for specific programs, get the APA graduate programs guide.

 

[GeoffO]

Just whatever you do, take the advice given on this board with a grain of salt. There are many considerations schools take into account when accepting applicants, not just GPA. It is not nearly as uncommon as it is made out to be tobe accepted into a doctoral level program with a GPA under 3.0.

 

[Thrak]

Just whatever you do, take the advice given on this board with a grain of salt. There are many considerations schools take into account when accepting applicants, not just GPA. It is not nearly as uncommon as it is made out to be tobe accepted into a doctoral level program with a GPA under 3.0.

It sure ain't the norm though. I can't speak to Professional Psychology schools, but as for university-based programs where you get tuition remission and a stipend, I can tell you I don't know of anyone in my program who had a sub-3.0 cum. You gotta max out everything else to fight for a spot at that stage... last two year GPA, psych GPA, kickass General and Psych GRE, research experience, maybe even a pub or two.

Open a copy of Graduate Study in Psychology, flip through, look at the average scores. Let that be your guide. You don't need a 3.9 GPA, 1500 GREs, and 15 page CV to get in, but the competition is tough, and GPA does tend to be a factor.