Is a 2.55 GPA too low to get into Georgetown?

Question

I'm keeping my hopes up for an outside shot at their Walsh School of Foreign Service. Yeah, my undergrad GPA (2.55) is pretty abysmal to say the least.

But I have a lot of overseas work experience; I was a Peace Corps Volunteer for two years, so I really don't know how much better the admissions brass would want me to be (or how much I better I *could* be) in this respect.

And I think it would be really sad for the university not to give me due credit for this (which they'll probably say they will to be politically correct, but in reality won't)

If the university is going to look only at my GPA, then, yeah, I'd say my chances are nil.

I'm 27 and have a B.S. in Political Science--so, this question applies to graduate school admissions.

Answer 1

Honestly, you'll find it very diffucult to get in without a good GPA and excellent test scores.

Even some state schools, as well as top programs, require a 3.0 GPA to get in.. minimum.

You're not really post-college long/far enough to qualify under "conditional admissions" at most schools, either. If you were 37 and graduated 15+ years ago, it'd be different. But, you only graduated around 5 years ago.

You could apply and see what happens, but I'd apply to state schools, too. You'll have issues getting into even some state schools under regular admissions-- and might eeck by conditional admissions standards at less competetive state schools.

If anything, you should consider taking a few (or more) grad. school classes and focus on getting all A's. Then apply to Georgetown in a year or so.

It's a big gamble, and realistically, don't bet on getting in. Plenty of applicants have stellar GPA's, insane test scores, YEARS of executive work experience, outstanding community service leadership experience, etc. Go for it, but be realistic about the likely (unfortunate) outcome.

By the way, WHY Georgetown? Sure, it has good rankings, but you can get a quality education elsewhere at a place you're more likely to get into. Also consider costs-- there's no sense in shelling out $40,000 at Georgetown when you can get a Master's at a quality state school for $5,000. If you get a scholarship (very unlikely), that's another story.

Good luck though! Weigh out all options.

Answer 2

I think it is unlikely. The teaching in Nepal is good and so is the fact of your coming from far away; some colleges look for geographical diversity. The traveling means nothing. Promoted to office manager is good experience perhaps for when you are in the business world, but you're asking about entering an academic institution, and this position does not mean much, I'm afraid. The main factor many graduate schools look at is grades. Past performance is the best indicator of future performance. The schools you mention have high name recognition and visibility. They attract some top talent. 3.4 isn't the worst GPA by any means, but you'll be competing with people from schools judged (rightly or wrongly) as more intensely rigorous than the one you are coming from and they will have better grades from those places. I would be lying if I did not say that I believe that this is a serious weakness. Of course, apply if you want. Perhaps I'll be proven wrong. I have some experience in this field, but I'm not an admissions officer.

Answer 3

I think your GPA is too low to get into Georgetown, but you might still have a chance. They probably wont just be looking at your GPA. You probably will have to take some entrance exams, submit letters of recommendations etc.... If you do well on those entrance exams and the letters of reommendations are very very good, then you probably will have a chance.

Here is a list of the things that Georgetown wants you to submit when you are applying for their Master of Science in Foreign Service program: http://www3.georgetown.edu/sfs/msfs/admissions/general/faq.html

You should definately apply to their graduate school. It doesnt hurt to try.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

Georgetown Msfs Admissions

Answer 5

My dad went to Georgetown...its a cool school, but very competetive now. According to collegeboard.com, 2% of students admitted had a GPA of 2.5-2.99 so I guess that you theoretically have a chance.

However, I don't mean to give you false hope...it also says that 100% of the students admitted to Georgetown graduated in the top 1/2 of their class...and i tend to doubt that a 2.55 was better than a majority of your peers did.

Personally, I think that the admission people may just look at your grades and immediately throw out your application. Which is a shame, because working in the peace corps is really cool. But who knows? It cant hurt to throw in an application.

Answer 6

In my opinion, I feel that you should contact Georgetown University and apply there. It's simple to apply at a college. They will let you know if you are accepted or denied. If denied maybe you could take a few online classes at a college that will help you raise your GPA. Just a thought.

Answer 7

I'd say your chances of getting into their graduate program are pretty small. If you have some story about your grades (like you did great in your major or did great in your last two years) then they might consider other factors.

But I don't think Georgetown is going to happen for you.

Answer 8

Well what grade are you in? First Colleges look at your 9th grade grades and they go from there. If you GPA has been over 2.5 then maybe but your chances are slim but maybe. Volunteer work does help a little with getting into colleges. But still try your hardness to get in.

Answer 9

yes.