What should I do about grad school, my future?

Question

I just finished my undergrad in English from GMU. I am now in a tough spot. I have a low gpa, due to working 65 plus hours throughout the end of my school. I would like to attend grad school for Speech Language Pathology, but a 3.0 in the min GPA for admissions. I have a 2.4 right now. What would be the best way to get my GPA up so I can pursue the career I really want? Take random grad classes, get a second bachelor's degree, get a different masters then pursue my dream? HELP!!!

Answer 1

You can still apply to the program even if you do not have the minimum GPA. I suggest really working hard to get a great GRE score which means a lot of studying. If your GRE score is way above the school average, you have excellent references, and your extracurriculars are outstanding you may still have a chance. This will still be iffy given how low your GPA is, but it is worth a shot. You could possibly take some random grad classes if you apply non-degree because all that is necessary for that is a college degree (no gpa requirement), but you will really need to improve your undergrad gpa if you want to get into that particular program. Why don't you email/call the department and speak to someone who can help you. They will tell you straight up what the deal is and then you can get on the right path.

Answer 2

You can't get your GPA up since you've already graduated. You could make yourself more attractive to the admissions board by doing volunteer work or getting a great score on the GRE or a similar test. Perhaps you should get some entry level work experience in your field so the admissions board isn't just judging you on your undergraduate career.

Alternatively, you could apply to a grad school with lower GPA standards for admission.

Answer 3

Exceptions can always be made. First, are your test scores good? If you can get a superior score in the GRE, then that will weigh in your favor and support your argument that work interfered. Also, get good letters of rec. Perhaps even from your employers, so the admissions board will know that you had a heavy work load in school. I would also send a writing sample that you are proud of. Finally, did any of your work experience have to do with Speech Langauge Pathology? If so, that could count in your favor as well.

Answer 4

Use your statement of intent wisely. In it, talk about the job you spent 65 hours per week doing. 65 hours a week as an undergrad is a lot. Do you consider it an accomplishment that you worked so many hours and still managed to graduate? In what way did doing that test you, change you, or prepare you?

Your job isn't to fool the admissions board into accepting you. Your job is rather is to convince them that you have the experience, interest and potential to benefit from what they can offer you. In light of that, use your statement of intent to talk about what you've put a lot of time and energy into, and how it's a good thing.

Answer 5

you want to make some judgements very with out delay. to start with in case you want to coach little ones to study and write you need to be qualified to coach. with a view to be qualified to coach you need to have an training significant and then do pupil education. once you've an pastime in counseling think about to get a minimum of a masters in clinical psychology or counseling, maximum in all possibility a doctorate. In any adventure it sounds as even with the reality that you've the incorrect significant to do and would recommend chatting with a occupation counselor before it truly is too overdue.

Answer 6

I would take some courses that you really enjoy. I have found that making the classes fun, as hard as it may be, helps my grades out a lot.