2/2 Is it not disappointing that institutions/universities, even PIs place strong emphasis on GPA and might not consider these students just because they don’t meet the GPA requirement?

1/2 I know many students scored average/below-average but have a deep theoretical understanding of their field of passion. Why is that? Because they engage intensely with topics they find interesting and prefer articles over curriculum-based textbooks that might disrupt their enjoyment of the field.

Hmm! Good point.

I feel like I have the right to do what I think is best for my project. But not sure to what extent it is professionally and academically acceptable to deviate from my advisor, especially because I am doing my MA thesis under her supervision.

Does that also work in the context of a student-advisor relationship doing an MA thesis? Like implementing without discussing?

Sorry to hear that. As an undergrad student, I am very interested in joining such seminars. Unfortunately, I have not found any similar sessions at my university. Do you think that making the seminar more accessible to a broader audience by making it hybrid might work?