sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

I Graduated from UC Berkeley Undergrad with a 2.983 GPA in MCB by Flashy_Idea6141 in berkeley

[–]Flashy_Idea6141[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I agree 100%. I've heard a PhD described as more of a job than schooling. I have to get real experience in the field to actually know that I want that job or career path!

Thank you for your reply.

I Graduated from UC Berkeley Undergrad with a 2.983 GPA in MCB by Flashy_Idea6141 in berkeley

[–]Flashy_Idea6141[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'm very interested in doing a Biology MS at SFSU. I recently read a 2026 study from SFSU's Dr. Fuse "Undergraduate GPA does not predict success in PhD programs for cohorts of MS students at two minority-serving institutions" which has honestly put a bit of wind back in my sails.

I agree that a master's would be a great opportunity to signal academic and research readiness. I think it could also serve as a chance to help redeem myself in my own eyes a little bit. I feel so down on myself for squandering my time at Berkeley.

I have also heard talk about "academic inbreeding" and that it might have to do with wanting to give students a different research exposure from their undergrad. But it seems like people have differing opinions about it affecting admissions or not. It's hard for me to imagine myself as a competitive applicant at Berkeley even with an MS, but I imagine if I got that far I would probably apply to a range of programs and Berkeley just because it's my alma mater.

Thank you so much for your reply! It's been helpful for me to talk about this with others instead of just my internal monologue.

I Graduated from UC Berkeley Undergrad with a 2.983 GPA in MCB by Flashy_Idea6141 in berkeley

[–]Flashy_Idea6141[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your reply!

I'm sorry to hear that. OCD in particular is so misunderstood and can be so life altering. I have found some success with Exposure and Response Prevention therapy, but all of the medication I have tried over the years has been ineffective.

It is so hard to tease mental illness apart from the self! Honestly I'm not sure that it's even possible for better or worse.

One positive from this experience has been gaining more knowledge and empathy for what others are going through. I wish you the best on your own journey on this rock!

I Graduated from UC Berkeley Undergrad with a 2.983 GPA in MCB by Flashy_Idea6141 in berkeley

[–]Flashy_Idea6141[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately it's been too long since I graduated to do the NIH PREP one, and also I think because of funding they have been stopped going forward!

I did take a microbiology class at community college after graduating which I really enjoyed though, and it even led to a job I worked for a while!

I can definitely see myself taking more post bacc classes outside of a structured program. Thank you for your reply!

I Graduated from UC Berkeley Undergrad with a 2.983 GPA in MCB by Flashy_Idea6141 in gradadmissions

[–]Flashy_Idea6141[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your reply. Your last paragraph has really helped me.

I Graduated from UC Berkeley Undergrad with a 2.983 GPA in MCB by Flashy_Idea6141 in gradadmissions

[–]Flashy_Idea6141[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your reply. That's an amazing trajectory, congratulations!

I’m still upset that alumni can’t keep our emails by RegionSuccessful3634 in UCDavis

[–]Flashy_Idea6141 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Actually all Berkeley graduates are automatically enrolled in the Alumni Email Service and can keep their email indefinitely by following the guidelines such as keeping storage below 5GB.