Is a Ph.D. Program Realistic for Someone with a Tumultuous Academic Past?

[lubuntu]

Need opinions, I'm entering my "Senior" year in physics, and have a had a tumultuous academic past. I changed majors a lot before settling on physics and used to withdraw from classes halfway through the semester because I'd get bored with Gen Ed's etc. Last semester I had a rough go of it because of some personal situations and ended up with a C+,C+ and D+ in some important classes. While I will finish my degree within the next year or so I probably wouldn't apply to a ph.d. program until the year after and do some research work/ take graduate classes in the meantime.

I have a lot of physics credits left to take this coming year and my overall GPA at my current University is 3.63 for 70 or so credits. My career GPA is somewhat lower, in the 3.0 range, due to my less than stellar history in mostly Gen. Eds. For instance I'm doing 16 credits in Physics next semester, hopefully I can pull my GPA up and so I can do outstanding in advanced physics coursework.

I'm also doing research at an affiliated university on a major experiment in particle physics. I have been doing it since January and will probably continue until the end of next summer.

What do my options look like for grad school. How will my older grades and my aberration last semester effect me? What I can do to be more competitive?

Thanks!

 

[lubuntu]

Anyone?

 

[Vanadium 50]

What do you want us to say? Bad grades hurt.

In the past, you said your school was terrible, and you got poor grades there. Bad grades at a weak school hurt more. Recent bad grades hurt more still.

Taking a huge load of advanced physics courses all at the same time in hopes to increase your grades is somewhere between "very risky" and "unrealistic".

For two years now, you've been getting advice like this:

The bottom line is you have to maintain good grades, whether you like it or not. First you do all the computations until it is impressed in your head - if you can't even maintain an interest to do calculations, you won't be doing physics later. Sorry but this is true.

I'm afraid your chickens are coming home to roost.

 

[lubuntu]

What do you want us to say? Bad grades hurt.

In the past, you said your school was terrible, and you got poor grades there. Bad grades at a weak school hurt more. Recent bad grades hurt more still.

Taking a huge load of advanced physics courses all at the same time in hopes to increase your grades is somewhere between "very risky" and "unrealistic".

For two years now, you've been getting advice like this:



I'm afraid your chickens are coming home to roost.

I'm glad you remember me Vandium. It's not that I have bad grades or am unable to do the work. Most of grades in real classes are A's, besides my bad semester this last one. Pretty sure I can handle the coursework, I don't know I'll just try my best and see what happens when I apply though.

 

[Matrix0]

I can understand your concern about your academic past and its potential impact on your future prospects for a Ph.D. program. However, I believe that with determination and hard work, a Ph.D. program is definitely realistic for someone with a tumultuous academic past.

First of all, it's important to acknowledge that your past does not define your future. Just because you had some struggles in your earlier academic years does not mean you are not capable of excelling in a Ph.D. program. In fact, your ability to persevere and overcome challenges can be seen as a strength and a valuable asset in the academic world.

Your current GPA of 3.63 in 70 credits is a good indication of your potential for success in a Ph.D. program. Admissions committees will also take into account your research experience and your strong performance in advanced physics coursework, which can help offset any lower grades in Gen Eds.

To be more competitive for grad school, I would recommend continuing to excel in your physics coursework and research. You can also consider taking some additional advanced physics classes or participating in other research projects to further demonstrate your abilities and dedication to the field.

In terms of your older grades and last semester's aberration, it's important to address them in your application. You can explain any extenuating circumstances that may have affected your academic performance and highlight the steps you have taken to improve and excel in your current coursework.

Ultimately, what matters most for grad school admissions is your potential for success in a Ph.D. program. Your research experience and strong academic performance in your major will speak volumes about your capabilities and dedication to the field. So don't let your past hold you back from pursuing your goals. With hard work and determination, a Ph.D. program is definitely within your reach. Best of luck!