grad school admission- continuing ed? trying too hard?

Question

So I am cleaning up my portfolio for grad school applications, took a couple more grad level courses locally and scored an A and a B+. Took the GRE subject test, and GRE General. I still think, that although I have a masters in the major I want to earn a PhD in, that my undergrad record with a C average will STILL close the doors on the top programs I want to go to. Also, I don't think I scored so hot on the subject test. And, I had to take the couple of courses recently since in my masters program I didn't reconcile my lack of preparation back then, and hence scored some B-s in my masters program.

So, if I don't get into a top program that I would like to go to, do people think that simply going to the program I want to earn a PhD in and taking some more courses and getting A's in them and recommendations is a viable way to get into that program? Or would I be trying too hard? Or even worse potentially setting myself up for a possible rejection?

Answer 1

You're right. Most PhD programs look at your undergraduate grades, plus your GRE scores. They weigh these over any grades you got in an MS program. And worse, you got some B- in your MS program? That's not good. And if your GRE subject scores aren't that great...

If you were trying to beef up your academic credentials, you'd want to focus on two areas:

1) Improve your GRE scores
2) Improve your grades in undergraduate-level classes

So, perhaps rather than taking grad-level classes, take undergrad-level classes in areas you know are looked at by the admissions folks, but which your past grades haven't been that great. But only do this if you're willing to commit to getting As - so if you need extra tutoring, or need to do extra work, you should do it. Do anything possible to get As in those classes. Otherwise, don't bother.

Take a GRE test prep class. These can be expensive, but some state schools offer them for a lower cost. Your goal here needs to be improving your GRE subject test scores.

I also suggest that, perhaps, you take a step back from all this. Take a year or so off from looking at schools, and work. Beef up your work experience, which may help strengthen your admissions package.

But my #1 recommendation to you is for you to make an appointment with graduate admissions at one of the schools you have interest in. Also see if you can talk to the professor in charge of admitting students in your department. Talk to them, see if you can get a realistic idea of your chances for admissions. Ask them what you can do to make your admissions package stronger.

Answer 2

First, let me point out that I direct a graduate program, and in that capacity, I chair the admissions committee. I am not trying to discourage you, but I am going to be completely honest. (I realize that is NOT going to get me the "best answer" here, but your question deserves to be taken seriously.)

Your B minuses are the killer here. While your undergraduate grades will be considered, it's the graduate work that is the most problematic for you in terms of admissions. A "top" program in any field is not going to admit you. Period.

Sure, you could try to take some courses as a non-degree student, but that is pretty much a desperate move, and doesn't guarantee you squat.

If I were you, I would seriously consider an alternative to pursuing a PhD. Particularly at that "top program."

Answer 3

it is not "impossible,' and there is not any rule approximately this. jointly as graduate courses do opt to diversify their pupil bodies by using accepting scholars who did their undergraduate tiers someplace else, it particularly is unquestionably achieveable to be admitted to a graduate application on the college the place you probably did your bachelor's. i understand people who did all of their tiers at Harvard, as an occasion. it would not make any experience for a graduate application to settle for a huge style of scholars who had accomplished undergraduate tiers on the college; that would not make for an exceedingly exciting graduate pupil physique, and it would not make for an exceedingly distinctive adventure for the scholars the two. To get right into a graduate application at UCLA, you could would desire to accomplish fairly properly on the undergraduate point -- so properly, that the college have been aggravating to maintain you, by using fact they felt you would be an significant asset and a intense performer interior the destiny who could mirror ok on the college.