I made a lot of mistakes in undergrad and I got a low GPA. I got my bachelors in psychology and want to get a masters in school psychology. All my undergrad professors told me there was no grad school in the country that would accept me with this GPA. Is there anything I can do like take classes over or something to get accept into a grad school? I'm willing to do it no matter how long it takes.
2006-08-01 16:44:33 · 5 answers · asked by candigal 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
I think that your professors are probably wrong. There are good schools who do not have extremely competitive admissions. What I would do is make a list of schools that you'd like to apply to and contact the psych department at the school. Either the department chair or the graduate director (usually one of the profs) can answer your questions. Tell them the truth - what you had a hard time with, how much you want to do this, etc. They can tell you whether they'd admit you or what you'd need to do to qualify for their program. Yes, at some schools if you take a class or two and do well you will have a better shot. Others will admit you provisionally and then you have a semester to prove yourself.
Just keep in mind that you will not get funding from your department. You will be able to get student loans, but the funding that they give out is based on your GPA. Some schools will consider you for funding after your first year if you get really good grades that year. And remember, really good grades is all A's. No exceptions in grad school. Getting a C at this level is failing, so a B is a mediocre grade.
Now that I've freaked you out... I had a lousy undergrad GPA and finished my masters with over a 3.9 and graduated with honors. I have other friends who did the same or better, after struggling as undergrads. Desire is more than half the battle, and you've got that. You can do this!
2006-08-01 19:10:28 · answer #1 · answered by pag2809 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It's not impossible, but you will have to put in some pretty hard work first. As others have mentioned, your GRE will be important, but the most important thing will be that you get some work or voluntary experience in the field that shows you are serious about pursuing psychology as a career - you could help out in a special school, as an example - and this will also provide you with a positive reference.
The suggestion that you take some additional courses is a good one. You may try to take some topic-related classes related to child care or education, for example. This could give you some additional information to use regarding your commitment and ability.
Also, you could ask if you could take your first class as a non-matriculated student (ie they haven't accepted you into the program, but will let you pay for a class) to demonstrate your capability and willingness to 'reform'. If you do well, they may consider you!
Good luck!
2006-08-01 18:52:21 · answer #2 · answered by mel 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Virtually all graduate schools require at least a cumulative GPA of 3.0, however if you score high on GRE exam they may make an exception. I would ask the various departments from different schools if they would make an exception if you scored high on the GRE.
2006-08-01 17:23:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, maybe you should see if they are running any summer courses, or, go to a community college.
2006-08-01 16:50:24 · answer #4 · answered by Princeton Girl 808 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Redo your undergraduate schooling. And stop partying around so much this time around.
2006-08-01 16:48:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 7⤋