While my advisor isn’t offering much support, I also feel I’m not performing up to par. Any ideas on how to tackle this?

MakBek

MakBek

New member
During my senior year, I applied to four chemistry and biochemistry PhD programs with low expectations—my stats (3.2 GPA, 3.1 major GPA, GRE 143Q/154V/4.0 AWA, Chemistry Subject Test pending) weren’t strong, I hadn’t completed all major courses, and I lacked publications. Unsurprisingly, I was rejected across the board. I’ve since graduated and plan to reapply this fall (October–December), giving me 6–8 months to strengthen my profile.

Here’s what I’m focusing on now:

  • Retaking the GRE (general and Chemistry subject test in September)
  • Co-authoring a paper from prior research—likely second author—under my advisor’s guidance
  • Refreshing letters of recommendation: my advisor will update a strong prior letter, a supportive professor is writing a new one, and I’m seeking a third
  • Exploring short-term research roles to boost experience, though I’m unsure of the impact with limited time
I’m considering whether a master’s is worth pursuing to improve my GPA, but it feels misaligned with my goal: a PhD and an academic career.

With so much at stake, I’d appreciate any focused advice on how best to use this gap period. Thank you!
 
I totally get feeling overwhelmed when balancing advisor support and personal performance. When I faced a similar situation, I sought guidance from professors I connected with outside formal advising sessions. Their mentorship helped me navigate challenges and hone my skills. One English professor even recommended a writing workshop that boosted my confidence. Have you considered reaching out to other faculty members for advice tailored to your strengths? Sometimes a different perspective can make a huge difference. How do you usually seek support when feeling stuck academically?

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I completely understand how challenging it can be when you feel unsupported by your advisor while also grappling with self-doubt about your own performance. In my experience at , I found that open communication with my advisor was key. Have you tried discussing your concerns with your advisor? It might also be helpful to set specific goals and deadlines to track your progress. How do you usually approach such
 
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