From: mcarley@kudonet.com (Michael Carley)
Message-Id: <199706111752.KAA10633@kudo20.kudonet.com>
Subject: Re: getting into PhD programsy
To: jbeaton@UVic.CA (J B BEATON)
Date: Wed, 11 Jun 1997 10:52:31 -0700 (PDT)
Cc: socgrad@csf.colorado.edu
In-Reply-To: <Pine.A41.3.96.970610165524.30574A-100000@uvaix2e1.comp.UVic.CA> from "J B BEATON" at Jun 10, 97 04:57:47 pm
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> 
> I notice that you say your GPA was 3.1-3.2 and that might be a reason for
> you getting screened out. I'll be applying next year for a Phd and I am
> wondering what role the GPA plays. What is the 3.1 and 3.2 comparable to
> in letter grade or numeric terminology?
> 
> Thanks very much
> Jamie


	GPA is traditionally measured on a 4 point scale:  A=4, B=3, etc.  In my own case, one C in a one-year graduate program caused my GPA to poorly reflect my work.  As far as the role GPA plays, as others have noted, it varies, but many schools use it and GRE scores as screening mechanisms to make the number of applications actually reviewed by the committee more managable.  If this is the case, the applicant must find other ways to make sure the "good" parts of their application are reviewed and noticed.

					mike


> 
> ==============================================================================
> 
> James B. Beaton, 
> Graduate student, Sociology
> University of Victoria
> 
> Department of Sociology
> P.O. Box 3050 MS 7572
> Victoria, B.C.
> V8W 3P5 
> ==============================================================================
> 
> 
> On Tue, 10 Jun 1997, Michael Carley wrote:
> 
> > 
> > 
> > One should know that the application process is very fickle.  You really have to work to catch someone's eye.  I was recently turned down by three schools, although I have a few publications / presentations and a Master's from a top 10 school.  One person suggested that it might be my graduate GPA (3.1-3.2).  If that is the case, I'm out of luck, because they'll screen me out before they get to the publications, recommendations, and personal statement.
> > 
> > Is anyone on the acceptance committee for their department?  It would be great to hear from them.
> > 
> > 						mike
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > -- 
> > *******************************************************************
> >  Michael Carley		    *  Life in a vaccuum sucks.	
> >  235 E. O'Keefe #7          *
> >  East Palo Alto CA 94303    *  Some mornings, it's just not worth
> >  (415) 326-2098       home  *  chewing through the leather straps.
> >  (415) 949-3282 x208  work  *  --Emo Phillips
> >  mcarley@kudonet.com        *
> > *******************************************************************
> > 
> 


-- 
*******************************************************************
 Michael Carley		    *  Life in a vaccuum sucks.	
 235 E. O'Keefe #7          *
 East Palo Alto CA 94303    *  Some mornings, it's just not worth
 (415) 326-2098       home  *  chewing through the leather straps.
 (415) 949-3282 x208  work  *  --Emo Phillips
 mcarley@kudonet.com        *
*******************************************************************