hmacneill

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. I would be more concerned about the Ws if you were looking to pursue a graduate degree in the sciences. In any case, I never recommend taking a W for a course. Any admissions committee will be concerned with several Ws and will look for evidence that you are, in fact, a serious and well qualified candidate. You will need to address, in detail, your decision to switch majors and how you now know that your ultimate goal includes writing. As for your current class, I would recommend that you try to stick it out and not take another W. Assuming, of course, that you will be able to complete all of your courses with satisfactory grades. I hope this helps.
Heather

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Originally posted by lll005

AdmissionsConsultants,

I am a senior English major at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. I have been trying to rush graduation a bit and have managed to get myself into a jam. I currently have some W’s on my transcript. I have a W for Physics and Physics Lab as well as for Acting I. I also have a W on my transcript from my previous university in Biology. The two science classes that were dropped were done so due to a change in major. The Acting I class was dropped because I decided not to complete a minor in speech. I am currently debating if I should drop my English Seminar on Chaucer. I will be taking a different seminar in the Fall, Joyce and Modernism. That is more my area, one I want to persue at the PhD level. I have decided to extend my stay here until December. I figure this would give me more time to work on my writing and complete a minor in creative writing. I am working on my application to MFA programs. How do MFA programs in creative writing look at W’s. I know the writing sample is the most important part followed by the statement of purpose, but how will having a W in a senior seminar class look? How much will it hurt?

Thanks.

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AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. Retaking the test will depend on how much time you will be able to dedicate to studying for it. Retaking the test will show the admissions committee a certain level of determination as well as aptitude if you are able to dramatically raise your score. However, if retaking the test means you are unable to perform your current work and or studies well, then I would not recommend it. It sounds like you have a strong application but your GPA and test scores will likely put you into the majority of the applicant pool. Meaning, you will have to do something to draw yourself out from the other applicants. Anything you can do to do so will help you. I hope this helps. Good luck.
Heather

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Originally posted by csseu

I’ve decided to apply to graduate school, and am currently researching schools and making preparations for my application. I’m wondering if my current Chemistry GRE (770, 72%) will weaken it. I am wondering if you’d recommend me retaking the test, given my other attributes:

BS Chemistry 2005, Caltech
overall and major GPA 3.6
GRE verbal 700/96, quant 800/92, analytical 5/71
4 summers of previous research experience; currently working at a cancer research hospital and working on a publication

My recommendations and essays should be fine (hopefully I will write good ones!)

I’m looking into applying at UCSD, UCLA, USC, UW, Stanford, and Berkeley. I noticed that my GPA and general GRE scores are competitive for UCSD…not so sure about Stanford and Berkeley.
The rumors I’ve seen on message boards like these are that average subject GRE requirements at all the schools have been very high, hence my uncertainty.

Thanks for your help.

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AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. As long as you can show the admissions committee that you’ve gained valuable experience during this research experience and that you have some basic knowledge and understanding for why you want to go in a different direction you will be in good shape. Keep in mind the admissions committee will be looking at many different aspects while reviewing applications. Your grades and test scores are important but it is also important that you are able to distinguish yourself as a unique and qualified applicant through your essays and letters of recommendation. They will specifically want to hear why you are pursuing a degree outside of your field of research. If you can provide a compelling argument and plan, you will be in good shape.
Heather

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Originally posted by rich_acd

I am an engineering student, and most of my research experience is in fields like Embedded Systems, AI, and RFID technology, which is not what I want to pursue in Graduate School. Though my interest does lie categorically in the same field as RFID technology – Networking. Does this make my research experience less impressive?

Thanks,
Richa

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AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. A lot will depend on how you present the indiscretion and how well you are able to show the admissions committee what you learned from the experience. They will look closely at your maturity and at your references for notes of confidence. I will agree with the MBA post in that it is still possible, you will just have to work a bit harder to prove your maturity and abilities when it comes down to applying.

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Originally posted by wesky

Hi, I posted my query on the MBA board, but I’m also considering going to Grad school…

During my second year at Harvard I did something really stupid in trying to cheat on a test. They required me to withdraw for a year and I’m currently on leave for that reason. I am concerned how badly this hurts my chances for grad school. Will this automatically remove me from consideration at top schools?

I was slightly relieved when the MBA Admissions Consultant replied that it was still *possible* for me to get into some top schools. I hope that’s the case with grad school, but I know that B-school and grad school is pretty different.

Thanks.

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AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. It is never too early to start thinking about these things. I think it is essential for you to do as well as possible in the remainder of your undergraduate studies, especially in your major classes. This will help your overall and major GPA. Your research and extracurricular activities will be a plus in your application, so I think you are on the right track there. I would recommend that you consider taking preparation courses for the GRE well in advance of taking the test, this may help you test better. Another big factor in admissions decisions are the letters of recommendation. Start cultivating these relationships early to insure strong letters. Keep in mind that a letter from an alumnus is always a plus. You are certainly acquiring good experience that will help you when writing your essays and should allow you to highlight some unique qualities and experiences. Good luck in your studies.
Heather

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Originally posted by werd814

Dear admissions consultants:

I’m currently a student studying Biology with a minor in Physics at Colby College in Maine (A “Top 20” Liberal Arts School). I’m ineteresed in attending Stanford University (where my father went, so I have a legacy…perhaps?) for the Biology Graduate Program or the Geology and Environmental Science Program.

Right now my GPA is a 3.53, and should ultiamtely be somewhere betwen 3.5 and 3.8 when I graduate. My majro GPA is:

A (4.0) for my Bio classes with a B (3.0) in Single Variable Calc and an A- (3.7) in Mutlivariable calc (they are required for my major, but I’m not sure if they count for my “major GPA,” though I imagine they do)

I am active in an a capella group, the theater department doing plays, the Varsity Swim Team, the Water Polo team, tutoring at the local (meaning near Colby) middleschool, Colby Christian Fellowship, and I have a job working in security.

I will be performing air quality research, taking census on an endagered plant species, and living in a hut as a partial croo (yes, croo, lol) member on Mount Washington for the next two summers. This involves a weekend of leadership training as well, which might look good?

I’ve also done some data analysis for Clean Air Task Force, a not-for-profit organization that works closely with Congress and the EPA… perhaps that sounds imrpessive? heh

It’s a bit early, and I realize that, but am jsut wondering if things stay on this course, if there’s a good possibility of me attending my dream school.

I have not taken GREs, but assuming I did well on those (I did fairly well on the SATs, but, regardless, I mean to say this in hopes of finding out how the other aspects of my personhood/acedmic life affect my chances at Stanford), am I a fairly strong applicant?

I know it is extremely, ridiculously competitive to get into Stanford, but what, or where can I find out what, the average stats of acceptees/applicants to Stanford are? And, do you think my research experience will give me a better/much better chance of getting in?

Also, is there any advice as to what I should do with the rest of my college career in order to give myself the best possible chances of getting in?

thanks a ton!

Drew

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AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

[hmacneill]

It sounds like you may be looking for MBA advice? If that is the case you will be better served to post this at the MBA site. If you are applying to another type of graduate program let me know.
Heather

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Originally posted by Hollywood1

I hope I’m finally posting this in the right place….

I just took the GMAT for the first time this morning. The majority of what prep work I did was focused on the verbal portion, as I had little trouble with any quantitative problems I attempted.

I ended up with a 700- a 46 Verbal and 39 Math, apparently good for the 99th and 58th percentiles respectively. Obviously, I don’t have any problem with the Verbal score, but I cannot for the life of me imagine how I fared as poorly as I did on the Quant- though I did run out of time on the last two questions.

I’m wondering if I should take the exam again. I’m not confident that I’d re-attain a 99th percentile score on the Verbal, but feel I’d perform, at the very least, almost as well. I’m also convinced I could do better on the math if I put some prep work into it (or even if I didn’t).

Some additional details- I graduated from Wisconsin-Madison with a 2.7 GPA (slightly higher in advanced classes and the last four semesters), but that was back in 1998. Since then, I’ve accumulated seven years of experience in the finance/healthcare fields doing interesting, but hardly ‘bowl-me-over’ level work. I’ve also passed the first two levels of the CFA exam, and am sitting for the third this year. As for extracurriculars or volunteer work? Well, I don’t really have anything going for me there aside from reading and jogging, neither of which has yielded participation in any formal organization.

The schools in which I’m primarily interested are Texas, Georgia, and Rice, with perhaps Duke and UNC as a bit of a stretch. Chicago and Northwestern’s evening programs also intrigue me, as I live in Chicago.

Anyway, bottom line is that I was hoping my GMAT score would offset my weak GPA and lack of extracurriculars. While 700 isn’t going to hurt me, I am worried about…

1) The Quant/Verbal split, and

2) Whether 700 is strong enough a score to compensate for the other weaknesses in my background.

Whew. Thanks for reading. I appreciate any thoughts you may have. I’m stumped on this one.

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AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. You are certainly looking at some competitive graduate programs in the health fields so it is important for your grades to be as high as possible. Since you are still in your first 2 years will help but you should probably do as well as possible over the next couple of years to raise your GPA as much as possible. It is hard, however, to raise your GPA by taking a lot of classes. Your best option is to design your class load in a way that will help you perform in the best possible way. Try not to take too many hard courses in one semester so that you have plenty of time to study and do well in the important classes. It is still important, however to take a full class load. In addition, it is important to do well in the sciences. Many programs will look closely at your major GPA. They may also look at your average GPA from your final 2 years for a more accurate recent GPA.
It is important to understand that admissions committees look at things other than just GPA and test scores. They will also look at relevant work/research experience, maturity and motivation. It is equally important for you to obtain relevant experience in the field you choose to pursue for the experience and important professional contacts.
Good luck in your studies.

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Originally posted by Phrozen

Hi,

I am currently in my second year of a BSc degree in biological science. I want to either get a PharmD or go to either med or dental school (or possibly a grad program). My GPA so far is not very high – 3.11 (on a 4.3 scale – 4.3 = A+). That lands me at a B (73-76%) average. I am working hard to raise this as high as I can. What are some post-undergrad possibilities for me? Also, what can I do to raise my GPA a lot? Maybe taking a lot of courses during the summer and doing well in them would help raise it? I still have another 2 and a half years of my undergrad to go (including this semester). Someone please guide me.

Thanks!

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AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. Your first step will be to identify schools that appeal to you in regards to area of study and focus. Once you have figured this out, it is best to see what specific requirements each school has. More than likely, you will need to take the GRE test for admission consideration. You may also need to have your transcripts evaluated by an outside company, this will translate your classes and grades to a US equivalent and will make it easier for schools to review. You should also start to think about obtaining letters of recommendation from professors and/or supervisors, people that can speak for your academic and leadership abilities and how they relate to graduate school. Graduate schools will ask for essays that outline your interests and motivation toward graduate study so it is good to start thinking about your “story” and the unique qualities you would like to relate to the admissions committee.
Good luck in your quest.
Heather

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Originally posted by achl354

Greetings:
Currently I am in my final year of studies over in Sydney Australia finishing up my combined degrees of Bachelor of Bioinformatics + Bachelor of Science (Maj in Biotechnology). I have been hoping to attend a masters degree over in the US but I am not entirely sure what process/es or steps (tests, etc) I would need to undertake in order to achieve so.

As with previous employment records, I have had a few part time jobs during my previous years of my study and I am also currently doing my interns with an company.

My main area of interest for my masters degree would reside in the commerce domain.
Please share any information that might be helpful to me, and any help would be greatly appreciated.

also, how does the grade/marks get converted into the US standard?

cheers

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AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

[hmacneill]

The admissions committee will certainly look at the two applicants differently but keep in mind that they will be looking at other areas of the application, as well. Your work experience and graduate level classes will make up for some of your undergraduate struggles. But they will also look to your letters of recommendation and essays for evidence of your motivation and maturity for graduate study, something a GPA alone can not convey. I hope you get encouraging news soon.
Heather

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Originally posted by cardamomgirl

Thanks for your reply Heather. I understand the issue with my poor GPA, however, I am not sure whether the admissions committee considers a graduate student with a lower GPA taking graduate level courses, but 3 years worth of research experience over an undergraduate with a high GPA but not as much research experience. It kind of upsets me to think that this may be the reason for being rejected.

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AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

[hmacneill]

Hi and thanks for your post. I’m sorry that you’ve had a frustrating experience so far with your applications. I think you are correct that your GPA is going to be your biggest hurdle towards admission. It is possible, however, that strong letters of recommendation and a good personal statement can overcome a low GPA. I think if you have been encouraged to apply by faculty members then they feel that you do have some of the qualities that they are looking for in their applicant pool. Keep in mind, though, that the decision may not be up to one person. The committee will be looking at several things within your application and weighing them to determine their class. Your GPA may put you out of consideration for some of the schools that you are looking at but if your letters are strong and your essay communicates your strong motivation and unique qualities you may be considered for some of these programs. Try not to get discouraged.
Heather

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Originally posted by cardamomgirl10

Hi
I am applying for a PhD in Biomed Sci/ vet Biomed/ Micro this Fall and frankly the whole process has left me quite bitter. I know its competitive and everything and right now I feel, I don’t stand much of a chance.
This is a list of universities I’m applying to
Schools applying to for a Phd
High tier
Wisconsin- Rejected
UT- Galveston-
Virginia Tech-
Missouri Columbia-
Middle tier
Nebraska (Lifesciences Interdisciplinary Graduate Program)
South Carolina-
Oklahoma State-
Low tier
Utah State University
Oregon State
University of South Dakota

I have done my Bachelor’s in Vet Sci from a foreign school (above avg GPA) and my MS in Oklahoma. I have reasonably good GRE scores (V-680, Q-720, A-4.5), however (too long to explain), I do not have a good GPA for my MS (3.118). I also have a solid research experience and I think I would really do well in a PhD.
Now the problem is……….
I am not sure whether I am competitive enough for a ‘rotation’ school (u know, where scores of ppl apply and they pick the best ones). I have been sending out my resume and a shortened SOP to faculty/ dept heads and some of them have been quite encouraging and have asked me to apply. How much attention should I pay to this? Does it mean, yeah I have a good chance, or yawn, just another annoying grad student, let me send her a generic email?
In case of Wisc-Mad, the program I applied to, required me to snag an interested prof before hand and was quite assured of admission, only to be rejected. So thats been quite a bummer.
I also need help on determining if the schools I have listed are worth my time and interest? Right now, running away from this process and living as a beach bum seems more interesting to me.
Would appreciate this a lot, folks.

Be rest assured, I have a Bachelor’s that is equivalent to a DVM and that enabled me to TA vet classes during my MS.
Does this in anyway bolster my application over a 4.0 undergrad with a biology major in anyway?

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AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. It sounds like you have done a lot of good work towards a positive admissions outcome. Without seeing your entire application, though, it is hard to make any predictions. I think you certainly have the grades and test scores to be considered for admission to these programs. Every program, however, takes into consideration the applicant’s ability to communicate their passion and motivation towards their goal though essays and supplemental application materials. It is through your reference letters and essays that you are able to set yourself apart from the rest of the applicant field.
Good luck and I hope you receive good news soon.
Heather

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Originally posted by betafish

Hello

I recently applied to PhD programs in Political Science. Seeing as admissions statistics are difficult to find, especially anything telling what qualities/scores/gpa they are looking for, I was hoping someone could give me an idea of my chances of getting in. I applied to Stanford, Berkeley, UW and Univ. of Denver. I had a 3.7 undergrad and a 3.8 in my master’s program. I got a master’s in a related field at Georgetown, and followed that by a Fulbright Scholarship. Since then, I have worked for the UN, a community clinic, and now I teach high school. I got solid letters of recommendation, and my GRE scores were 710v, 730q, and 6.0aw. I am stressing myself out about getting in to these schools, do you think I have a shot at it? I know they are very competitive, so I am concerned.

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AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. Because you have a lot of relevant work and research experience it is likely the admissions committee will weigh this more heavily than your academic background. It is important, however, to present a strong application and provide the committee with confidence that you will be able to complete the graduate level academics at an acceptable level. You should be careful when explaining your past academic shortcomings and make sure you are able to tell them the lessons you learned from the difficult situations and not make excuses. Since you have a strong contact within the program, you might consider asking him/her if the GRE is heavily weighed and if it is worth re-taking. It is likely that they will choose to focus on the other areas of your application such as your essays and letters of recommendations. I think you have done a lot to improve your chances of admission such as graduate level coursework, work experience and research that should help your chances of gaining admission. It never hurts, though, to apply to additional programs to provide insurance. Good luck with your applications.
Heather

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Originally posted by sci999

Hi,

I want to attend a part time masters program in chemistry (non thesis). The problem is that I have an extremely low GPA (2.6) as well as GRE scores (550V,660Q,4 AW). The GRE subject test is also required, which I took twice and got the lowest possible score you could imagine and would definitely not surpass minimum requirements. I plan to address these issues in my personal statement (due to working 30+hours a week while attending school full time).

I do think however, that I have an excellent work history for the past 3 years as a scientist in a fortune 100 company. I’ve been told that I have made significant progress in my job given then amount of time I’ve been working and my degree. Therefore, I am sure that I can 2 excellent recommendations from my bosses.

I have also taken 3 grad classes so far as a non-matriculated student at the university which I plan to attend (received bachelors from the same institution). I also have had 2 research projects at the same institution as an undergraduate. One of my research advisors, who will also be providing a strong recommendation, is on the admissions committee.

What do you think my chances are of gaining acceptance into this type of program? It’s not considered a “top ranked” program, but there are a lot of applicants since it is a state university. People tell me that I shouldn’t worry given my experience since the requirements aren’t as stringent as PhD requirements. I don’t want to take the GRE’s over again because I don’t think it will help. Should I apply to another lesser ranked college as well? How far do you think my recommendations/work experience will take me? Thanks.

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AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

[hmacneill]

Thank you for your post. There are a lot of factors that go into selecting a graduate program: location, area of study, faculty to name a few. I think it is important to select the schools you feel are a good fit for you and then work from there to determine which ones are realistic based on your background. Regardless, of where you apply you will certainly have to address the semester of Ws on your transcripts. The admissions committee will have concerns about your ability and intent to complete a rigorous graduate program. The best way to address this is to provide a compelling essay outlining your strengths and unique qualities. In addition, you should be able to provide strong letters of recommendation that can speak to your academic abilities and commitment to study. There are certainly ways to address your semester of Ws due to depression and to detail the lessons you learned and skills you gained during that time that has made you a stronger applicant.
Best of luck to you.
Heather

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Originally posted by TommyH

Hello,
Like pretty much everybody else considering going to graduate school, I also would like to attend one of the top schools in the country. Whether I have a realistic chance of doing so is something that I would like to know. I would like to know what are the best schools that people with my qualifications, and my red flags, normally get accepted to.

My qualifications: I graduated last year from Boston College with a 3.65 GPA, cum laude. I majored in mathematics. I won’t lie to you, I have no work experience and I never participated in any extracurricular activity.

Some other red flags: I withdrew from the university one semester during my junior year because of depression. This is well documented. As a result, my transcript now shows a semester full of W’s. I also dropped out a course at some point during my sophmore year because of lack of interest in the subject. I regret doing so, since the natural tendency of most people is to assume that when someone drops a course, it must be because the person did not have the mental capacity to handle the material. That was not my case. I was immature and thoughtless; for signing up for a course that I wasn’t really interested in, and for being so rash in dropping out the course aftewards.

That being said, I would like get a master’s degree in mathematics. I have told you everything there is to know about my qualifications. Assuming that my GRE score, and my letters of recommendation are consistent with my GPA, what are the best schools that I have a realistic chance of being accepted to?

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AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. It is probably best to pick the person who can best speak for your abilities in the classroom. This will typically be the most recent course taken. I think it is better to ask which person can write the best letter and convey to the admissions committee the qualities that are most important when attending graduate school. The grade in the class is not as important as their assessment of your skills and abilities.
Best of luck to you.
Heather

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Originally posted by bolinzhang

Just curious: with all else being equal, is it better to ask for a recommendation from a professor whose graduate level class you received a B in, or a professor whose undergraduate level class you received an A in?

This is for a political science PhD program.

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AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

[hmacneill]

Hi Tom,
Sorry for the delay in responding to your post. Graduate admissions are actually much more based on the applicant’s experiences and unique qualities than it is on GRE and GPA. Your GPA and test scores typically are just the beginning. It is the essays and letters of recommendation that set you apart and help make admissions decisions. Keep in mind that every program is different and admissions statistics can change drastically from year to year. That is why it might be hard to find the data you are looking for.

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Originally posted by tparisi

Hi,

I was just wondering how to determine your admissions chances for any given grad program. There don’t seem to be published GPA/GRE averages for accepted students, and grad programs also don’t seem to publicize the percentage of applicants they accept the way undergrad programs do. Is this information out there somewhere?

I realize grad admissions are based on more than GPA/GRE numbers, but it would be nice to at least have a ballpark idea of where I stand with the numbers I have.

Do you have any suggestions for me?

Thanks
Tom

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AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

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