Hey everyone, I have applied to some Physics PhD programs in the US and even though I submitted my applications, I am very worried about my GPA.
I am studying in an integrated masters program in the UK (Top 10 in the country) where I directly went into the second year of the program. I have a high 2.2 classification for the moment which translates to roughly 3.1 GPA. The main reason for my GPA being low was consistent poor performances in exams. I struggle with dyslexia and dysgraphia that was only diagnosed last summer. I have struggled with the symptoms of these since my first year and it has tanked my performace in high pressure, timed scenarios (like exams). My university refused to provide any disability support for me as I did not have an official diagnosis and I wasn't able to afford a diagnosis for three years as they cost over £1500 (Couldn't use the NHS as the clinics in my city had waitlists of 4 years, so private was the only option). I only got it diagnosed after saving some money from the REU that I took part in. I talk about this in my personal statement and one of my LORs talks about it as well.
The main question I guess is that do I have a chance in competitive programs like at UC Berkeley, Stanford, Caltech etc. ?
GRE: Not taken
Research Experience: I have worked with multiple international collaborations in key roles, and many research projects in my university. Currently, I work in two leading cosmology surveys as an Observing Scientist, pipeline architect and in their respective science teams to develop methods to combact systematics. Got two papers in prep from each collaboration and two PIs of my current projects are writing LORs for me.
Computational ability: C++, Python, ML, Pipeline architecture
Teaching : I was PI for an astrophysics project organised by a student research society and I volunteer teaching mathematics in a charity.
Coursework : Multiple Graduate level classes, and attended two postgrad level summer schools in cosmology.
Am I cooked ?
