How do I get into grad school 10 years after undergrad work?

Question

I got my bachelor's degree about 10 years ago, and I'm now interested in going to grad school for political science. My undergrad GPA is far from stellar (sub 3.0), but I have strong work experience in the poltical world (communications director for a congressional campaign and several years working with a Lt. Governor).

So with a poor gpa and limited relationships with my undergrad professors (it was 10 years ago, very few will remember me), how should I go about applying for grad school?

I know the top schools are out of the question. But is there a school out there that might give me a shot?

Answer 1

Yes, some top schools will be out of the question (many graduate programs require at least a 3.0 or 3.5), but some schools will look upon your application quite kindly, because you have serious real-world experience! Make sure you ace those GREs, though. Seriously. If you don't, your odds of admission drop precipitously.

Even though your undergraduate days ended 10 years ago, you will still need letters from your professors. However, you can buttress those with letters from your recent employers.

Here's what to do about those letters from your professors.

Email those professors with whom you took the most courses, and/or got the best grades. In this initial email, remind them of the classes you took with them, and the grades you earned. (If you've forgotten, just order a transcript from your college and use that as your reminder.) Tell these professors (briefly) what you've been doing for the last 10 years, emphasize your political experience, and attach a resume to the email. In this email, tell these professors why you want to go to graduate school, what SPECIFIC area of study you wish to focus upon, and then ask them first, if they feel they would be able to write a good recommendation for you, and second, if they have any particular programs they recommend that you consider.

Odds are, they will agree to write for you. (We do this all the time!) Odds are, they'll remember you. (Believe it or not!) And odds are, they'll provide some great grad program recommendations, especially if you are able to describe, WITH SPECIFICITY AND PRECISION, exactly what you wish to study.

Best wishes to you!

Answer 2

Use your work experiences to your advantage rather than your undergrad experiences. Since it's been 10 years those may be the ones that matter the most. See what tests are required and take them (ex. GRE). Just go for it. You've got nothing to lose....good luck!

Answer 3

I'm sure there is! Take advantage of your professional experience, back up your application with recommendations from significant colleagues or previous employers/bosses.

Very much like you, I also had poor gpa but my 7year track record in professional practice was quite impressive, and i think that made a difference.

Keep trying and good luck!

Answer 4

Call the universities and see what you need to do to apply. Do what they require, such as tests, application, etc.