How can I improve my chances of admission for graduate school if my GPA is low?

Question

I want to be a counselor (education or family counselor) but they require 2.75 while my GPA is 2.35. the advisor also told me that it's a very competitive program !!!

My background is in Chemistry and not in education. I've been through a lot while in college and that's the reason behind my low GPA. I took school seriously but the time wasn't helping !!!

Answer 1

Before I answer, I have two questions for you. Does the 2.75 GPA guarantee admission since you say it’s competitive. Also do they require a certain number of prerequisite courses in counseling?

If you lack some undergraduate preparation, I think it’s a chance for you to improve your GPA. But I can’t imagine a counseling degree requiring an extensive amount of prerequisite courses.

You should really find out how they do the GPA calculation because most universities only consider the last 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units). I don’t know about other states but at least that’s how it is done in most California schools (UCs / CSUs). It makes sense because it will be impossible to raise your GPA to 2.75 at this point even if you get all A’s in like 30 more classes. If this is the case, you can probably take some courses as an extension or a non-degree objective student to raise your GPA. You can also take some graduate courses at your expense and find a faculty member who is supportive of your cause. It would be especially helpful if that faculty member is in charge of graduate admissions.

Your GPA may be a little too low at this point to be admitted under conditional status (if they have such a thing) but if you can take a few courses and demonstrate that you are serious about school, you may have a chance. But you should definitely keep in touch with the faculty members in charge of admissions because they are the ones you ultimately have to convince.

Answer 2

See if you can get a probationary admission to the school of your choice.

Many schools given great latitude to department chairs. Talk with the chair of the appropriate department and maybe work out a deal for probationary admission.

Apply to a lessor school and transfer in to the good one.

Answer 3

Sometimes if your GRE scores are really good they may see your potential instead of your 2.35. Are you just now finishing your undergraduate work or have you been out of school awhile? Maybe you should check out other graduate schools?

Answer 4

I'm glad you won't be counseling my children. Let's face it, if you can't get a 2.75 as an "Education" major, you aren't fit to advise others on THEIR educational plans.