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When you repeat a course the most recent attempt will factor into GPA calculations so you might have a higher GPA than you believe. Do you have any idea what your overall GPA is figuring in your post-bacc courses and repeats? What programs/schools are you interested in?Hi all, terribly nervous to get this all down in writing, but would really appreciate insight and advice.
Ugrad: UC (took 5 years)
Major: Architecture (and Pre-Med)
GPA: 2.6 (with plenty D's and a few F's in there, lots of re-taken courses)
Post-grad GPA: 4.0 (not many units, classes taken after work and on-line through university program, won't have much effect on GPA, but hoping it'll show my interest in continuing education and an upward trend of some sorts)
GRE: TBD (first practice test 158 on V&Q, hoping for >160 after lots of practice, plan to take early May)
Experience (from the last 5 years):
- Tutor for two students who have combination of autism and learning disabilities (1 year)
- Health Educator for Peer Health Exchange: taught health education workshops in schools lacking health education programs (2 years)
- Volunteer and Clinical Coordinator for on-campus club providing medical clinics, and health and nutrition education to rural Guatemala (2 years)
- Research Assistant for nutrition lab, conducting live-participant study to research novel zinc biomarkers in human body; Funded by HarvestPlus in development of zinc-fortified rice (1 Year)
- Office manager assistant for psychiatry clinic (6 mos)
- Full-time Clinical Trials Research Coordinator and Data Manager for a NCI-designated oncology clinical trials program. I work with cancer patients to find them clinical trials that they may be eligible for, work to enroll them, and manage all of their data. By the time I apply, I will have been here for just about two years. I feel this may be my biggest asset to my resume as some of my biggest interests are in cancer epidemiology and social/behavioral aspects of cancer etiology.
My GPA: My biggest opstacle -- lots of indecision about my major. Attempted to double in molecular cell biology and architecture in an attempt to fulfill my desire to obtain a "truer" liberal arts education, one that could encompass science, math, technology, history, art, and philosophy (isn't that how it always is? Come into undergrad wide-eyed, come out completely jaded ). Became completely overwhelmed by the polar opposite coursework between the two majors and the hours needed to do well in both. Struggled with some illness that resulted in one outstandingly terrible semester. As a result, I became disengaged in my school work and put all my energy into my extracurriculars. However, long story short, from my work in my extracurriculars, found my passion was in public health, and worked to not only have a career in public health post-grad, but also to take public health course work post-grad (epidemiology, biology of cancer, health advocacy, nutrition).
Advice I would really appreciate: What are some things I can do between now (March 2015) and the application cycle this upcoming fall that would improve my application (aside from the obvious, GRE and Recs)? Would finding a volunteering opportunity, or taking more post-grad courses be beneficial? Which should I prioritize?
I know what I want to study, but what are some careers that I can begin to explore? Program development? Epidemiologist? I find my current job to be extremely fulfilling and rewarding, but do yearn for something with more depth and exploration. Any direction would be extremely helpful.
And obviously, finally, what are my chances given poor GPA but public-health focused experience? I would love to go to a competitive program, and I know I can do well based on my work experience, and post-grad work, but how do I convince admissions committees?
Thank you so much for anyone who can give me any advice! Thanks for reading
I'd like to add that some programs will consider your performance in the last 90 credit hours or upper-division classes.