I am graduating in two semesters how can I raise my GPA before then?

Question

I want to go into a masters program but I don't want to be let in by an exception or on a bridge program. I am not doing well in the major I have and I find this is the case with alot of fellow classmates. At this point it is to late to switch becaue I will rack up more loans and I drive over an hour away, with kids.

Answer 1

I don't think in two semesters it is honestly going to help you (even if you get straight A's...I am saying this NOT knowing your current GPA and what GPA you will need). I say this because of this site (http://image-ination.com/test_maker/gpa.html). If you have a 2.5 and get straight A's...in just ONE semester (15 credit hours) you will only bring up your GPA by .25 points.

What I would do is try (if your current college even has your master's program) to apply at your current university. You have a little more invested in them so they may overlook you "not doing well" in your current major. Also...at my former university (and others that I know of) sometimes if you failed a course you can be allowed to "audit" a class (you would not have to pay for the class this way). Generally you would attend the class as if you were a paying student, redo all the coursework satisfactorily and they will "replace" your old grade with a better one. The negative grade would still be on file...but generally not on official transcripts. But you also have to explain why you would need this kind of opportunity (ie-explain IN DETAIL why you received the bad grade to begin with and if it was a situation with exceptional circumstances). It would take ALOT of extra work on your part (and I have no idea how many courses you did not do well in) but if you really want to improve your grade...it may be an option?

Why don't you want to be let in on a probationary status or on a bridge program? These are generally temporary situations and are lifted once you prove you are a dedicated student that is able to make passing grades. These are NOT reflected on any transcript and it will not affect you in getting a job after you receive your Master's degree. You will just have to "prove" that you are capable of getting good grades (which I am assuming you would be doing regardless of whether or not you had to prove yourself).

Also, if you have special circumstances (trying to raise children AND attend school full-time, to me, in and of itself would be a special circumstance that could affect your coursework) AND are applying to another school than where you are currently attending I would ask to speak to an advising counselor for incoming admissions asap and explain your circumstance and what options you have to get accepted to their college (what you can do in the last two semesters, etc). It may help...may not depending on the school.

The worst part about this (that many students find out) is that only at the end of your degree do you think about your grades and how they affect you if you want to do post-graduate studies and by that time it is HARD to correct the previous coursework. But it isn't impossible!!! After all, universities are the most GREEDY institutions and rarely care about the students they are turning out and they would rather have your money no matter if you are learning or not (which is reflected in your GPA).

I would just try to do better in the last two semesters (when you apply to other colleges, show them you are getting better grades) and if you have to...do the probation period...and then get your master's degree!!

PS-LOANS SUCK!!! :)

Answer 2

Work really hard to try to get as many A's and B's as possible. Even if you don't you could still go into a master's program as a non-degree student.

I am doing that starting next month and then hopefully be in as a grad student in the program next fall. So, there is nothing wrong with taking a different route. In fact, if you take a year off it would be ok too.

Answer 3

Talk to your professor, some of them will let you do extra credit work to increase your grade.

Answer 4

work off your butt and turn in every single assignment