How do I get into grad school with a college GPA of 2.9 when they all want a 3.0 or up?

Question

I did not do well my first year of college and the last 3 years I received A's and B's but I was never able to get my GPA up above 2.9 no matter how hard I tried. It seems that it is easier to make it go down than up. How can I get into a grad school with that kind of record behind me?

Answer 1

Although you won't have a shot at admissions at top-tier grad schools, if your GPA for your major is much higher (well above 3.0), you could still choose to apply. Sometimes, admissions committees can waive basic requirements for strong candidates who have an explainable blemish on their records.

For example, we recently admitted a candidate to my program whose overall GPA was 2.8. He started college as a chemistry major, got Cs and Ds, and hated it. He later changed majors, did superb work in those classes, and earned a 3.8 in that area of study. In his statement of purpose on his application to our graduate program, he explained this situation, and emphasized his strong preparation in his new major and intended area of graduate study.

Like I said, we admitted him.

Answer 2

One aspect that many graduate programs look for is work experience. In fact, there are several graduate programs out there that will not take recent grads. These graduate programs want their students to have experienced the "real world" for some period of time. If you have a job in your profession, work at it for a few years. Once you are in your profession, the GPA "issue" becomes a minor point. At the end of the day, its all about having the degree which you have achieved. (And by the way, congratulations, because only 50% of undergraduates obtain degrees.)

In some cases, the employer may pick up the tab for your education, especially if you work for a large corporation.

Answer 3

It depends on what grad school, where and what you intend on studying. GPA is nothing more than a formality.

But to quickly answer your question....GPA isn't the end all be all for entering a graduate school...normally they take several things into consideration such as work experience, letters of rec and the statement of interest.

Besides if you feel that strongly about your GPA you can simply offset it with a higher GRE score.

Or they may take note of the upward trend in your transcript....

or they may recalculate your GPA for any prerequsites that are required for admissions.

Answer 4

Be sure to include that information in your application. They may be willing to remove your 1st year grades from your overall GPA. As long as your GPA for your last 3 years is above 3.0 you will probably still qualify. Also, look at your GPA for only the classes in your major. If that is high you will want to point that out to them as well.

My sister failed out of college her first year. When she went back her remaining 3 years were better and she got in to Grad School.

Answer 5

You can take courses in your chosen field at your college of choice as a non-degree student. If you know which degree you want to pursue, you can buy a catalog at the Student Bookstore, and take the required pre-requisites to prepare you for graduate work. Study hard, do your best, and your GPA will elevate. Your transcript will state your courses, grades, points, and non-degree status. You will have a stronger application and they will see your sincerity and dedication. Also, think about which professors you want to know better as you will need three letters of recommendation to apply for grad school.

Good luck. Hope this info helps. Feel free to contact me if you have more questions.

Answer 6

If you have an employment record that applied your college course, and if you could obtain letters of recommendations/endorsements from your previous college instructors and employers as to what kind of student/employee you are/were, that would add plus points that could gain you entry. Mind, if college is hard work, graduate school is torture, especially when it is thesis writing time. But all could be hurdled with perseverance and focus.

Good luck!

Answer 7

So if I got a 2.76 GPA I will never get into grad school, correct?

Answer 8

Well, this might seem dishonest. But, I would go back to the school and take two easy classes on the quick. Seriously. Take like blah blah blah 101 and blah blah blah blah 101 and if anyone asks just say you are exploring subjects for grad school and that you will need to have them on your transcript.

Then, after you finish the two easy classes. Just take the GRE and start applying for grad school.

You will have to pay for the two easy classes out of pocket, but who cares.

Seriously. Taking two easy classes that you have not taken before... after you graduate is all I know to tell you. Just make sure they apply to something academic and are not like bowling or something.

Answer 9

Ask your profs to write recommendations for you.

Ask your employers to write recommendations for you.

Write a really cool essay on the application.

Answer 10

Take the GRE and MAT tests. study for them beforehand, have solid letters of recommendations, keep your options open about where to go..