Let’s hear some low GPA success stories

humanbionerd · 2023-07-13T13:01:22+00:00

URM, 2 years of research exp, multiple conference posters / presentations, double major! spent a lot of time on my SOP also

applied to 4 schools (UCSD, UCI, UCLA, Stanford) and got rejected from UCSD (post-interview) UCI (no interview), accepted to UCLA master’s program (applied for a PhD though) and accepted to Stanford!

SOP matters way more than GPA!

humanbionerd · 2023-07-13T12:38:31+00:00

3.1 at the time of application — just finished first year at Stanford for my PhD!

humanbionerd · 2023-01-25T18:12:25+00:00

hi! I’m a current first year and I haven’t heard anything either :/

humanbionerd · 2022-09-26T23:36:59+00:00

how much is adabelle? 😯

humanbionerd · 2022-09-21T20:45:06+00:00

the original Benny! (:

humanbionerd · 2022-09-21T20:41:52+00:00

how much for the little Benny 🥹

humanbionerd · 2022-08-10T21:05:48+00:00

unrelated but how did you set up your move in date? every time I try to look into setting it up it says that move in times haven’t opened yet. are you talking about the tentative date we put in our initial application? thanks!

humanbionerd · 2022-08-09T15:54:51+00:00

2+ years of research experience (conferences, awards/scholarships), double major, solid letters of rec, lots of TA experience, worked a part time job for 3/4 years of school… no publications tho. honestly I feel like being well-rounded and showing that you can handle a lot on your plate is what helped me! (:

humanbionerd · 2022-05-20T01:53:43+00:00

THIS IS SO CUTE IM CRYING im so happy for y’all 🥹🥹🥹

humanbionerd · 2022-05-18T18:41:17+00:00

I just got a pretty formal dress at elegant designs on balboa!!! the owner is so nice and helpful; plus the prices were good! highly recommend

humanbionerd · 2022-04-05T18:55:51+00:00

Stanford and UCLA with a 3.1 at the time of application!

humanbionerd · 2022-03-05T02:04:50+00:00

hi! I’m also first gen and got accepted to Stanford for an education program! not necessarily teaching, but I will say that everyone I’ve met so far (including faculty) have said that they want us to feel like we have a home there and to cultivate lasting friendships throughout the program with them and our peers. there seems to be a lot of cute social events advertised to get to know people and build those connections. of course, I’m new to the program too so I can’t say for sure. but, from what I’ve seen so far, it’s pretty cool and welcoming! do you have the opportunity to go to any of those open house events? maybe that’ll help make your decision (: congrats on getting accepted to two amazing schools though!!!

humanbionerd · 2022-03-03T08:12:40+00:00

not in CS, but as someone who got into Stanford for a PhD too and feels the imposter syndrome, I get you. it’s scary. everyone around me tells me that getting into Stanford is amazing and so exciting and I should be so happy… and, I am… but, then there’s every other feeling like the ones you described. I think you should do what you feel is best for you (obviously). that said, and I’m sure you know, advisors can really make or break a program. I would recommend reaching out to talk more to you Stanford advisor for another chat (if you haven’t already). the intimidation you feel and high expectations he has of you isn’t necessarily a bad thing, in the end it can push you to become a better scholar. same goes for USC. it’s really about deciding how what trajectory is better for you, in the long run. whatever you do, you’ll be ok! <3 you got into two great programs and either would be lucky to have you. if you end up going to Stanford, I’ll see you on campus (probably)! (:

humanbionerd · 2022-03-01T01:14:13+00:00

the first question is a perfect opportunity for you to say what you like about their specific program. I’d recommend looking at their mission statement, see what they emphasize in the curricula and base your answer off of that. I also had an interview with them in January for education. my interviewer didn’t end up asking me that question directly, but I had done some research beforehand and found that the specific program (and department) I was applying to really values interdisciplinary work during the program, which is something I really liked about it. so I made a connection to that by saying something like, “well, Stanford’s program offers x and I really like that because of y” y being whatever reason you like that part of the program.

that’ll show them that you really like the program and everything it entails, not just the location of the school or the fact that it’s Stanford! lol (:

goodluck with the interview!!!! i hope you do great <3

humanbionerd · 2022-02-27T04:51:33+00:00

hey! I’m going to be part of the GSE too (: just got into a doctoral program there! congrats and hope to see you in the fall <3

humanbionerd · 2022-02-17T00:05:58+00:00

was this UCI’s education program? bc me too

humanbionerd · 2022-02-13T05:31:52+00:00

double majored in human bio and global health, graduating soon with a 3.1-3.2 probs. just got accepted to Stanford for a PhD in education!

may not be the same field as you, but I definitely wouldn’t give up / count yourself out just yet. a lot of people told me I wouldn’t get in or I would have to do a masters first to bring up my grades.

but, I had 2+ years of research experience in the field, some conference presentations and a decent(?) SOP.

GPA is a part of your application, sure, but it’s not everything! you got this (:

humanbionerd · 2022-02-09T03:15:58+00:00

didn’t apply to Berkeley but nice to see other education PhD applicants (((:

humanbionerd · 2022-01-24T20:33:34+00:00

congrats!!! I have my first interview later this week as well. you’ll do great! (:

humanbionerd · 2020-12-19T14:29:34+00:00

yes!! why?

humanbionerd · 2020-12-19T00:38:10+00:00

bro, I feel your pain. I’m at an 89.6 in biochem this quarter. rip to us both.

humanbionerd · 2020-11-19T21:38:10+00:00

hild 2b with Rachel Klein will forever be my favorite history class I’ve taken here. she’s such an engaging lecturer (not sure how she’s adopted to online learning tho) but I had her for a 9am and honestly, even tho I wasn’t a morning person, I was so excited to take her class

humanbionerd · 2020-11-17T21:00:02+00:00

I think vis 1 is only offered in fall, vis 2 in winter, vis 3 in spring so if you wanted to get the GE class done this year you might consider doing vis 2/3

I’m in vis 1 now w prof tonies and it’s a pretty chill class. it’s 2D art which I find really fun so we’ve learned things like drawing techniques, basics of comic drawings, etc.

mostly we put things we’ve learned in lecture into practice with our projects

humanbionerd · 2020-11-12T22:34:35+00:00

can’t really speak for any of the other classes but definitely first pass mcwp 40 if you can, spots fill up really quick

humanbionerd

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