Currently, I’m an undergraduate sophomore majoring in applied physics. My freshman year GPA was 3.1 at my other institution, and my GPA for this semester (sophomore year) is looking to shape up around a 3.2. Admittedly, I am not the best exam taker, I study hard and have tried individually studying and study groups, my testing anxiety unfortunately tends to get in my way.
I really want to get my PhD in astrobiology. For my research, I want to further explore the atmospheric properties of exoplanets (more details can be provided if anyone is interested).
For research, last summer I presented at a molecular chemistry conference with my research in terrestrial atmospheric aerosols, and this semester, I did some observational astronomy analysis (not quite research, just requesting new observations through SKYNET and analyzing and configuring them). Next semester, I’m hopefully doing observational analysis regarding exoplanets, and working on a water quality project (kind of unrelated, but I do have a strong interest in climate science). I’m much more of a laboratory student then lecture in general, I thrive in an experimental environment.
I’m worried about my GPA in regards to applying to graduate school in general, not just a PhD. The PhD program I’m looking at is a dual-title PhD that requires admission to a separate program (I’m looking at the astronomy PhD), and is at a T20 school.
For other context, I am employed part-time during the semester and the summer, and am involved in a sorority on campus, as well as the varsity swim team and bagpipe band. So I’m hoping my extracurriculars will look good on an application. I also have a decent connection to both of my current research professors (one in major, one out of major).
I want to get my PhD, but I’m worried about my grades affecting admission. Does anybody have any advice going forward? Study advice and admissions advice would be very welcome. I can elaborate on anything further if needed!