If I do bad at the bachlors level, can I redeem myself at the master's level?

Question

I made a bad choice in choosing the major of sociology for an undergrad at a college that was limited in the major I wanted. I am a senior now with the worst GPA. I plan to stay at my college and get a masters in the major I should have choosen (FCS). I have a better chance I believe getting in here b/c I already attend, plus they are willng to let me in under conditional terms and the course work only requires 32 semester hours and it is a fast track program (evenngs and weekends). I need as much education that I can get as a single parent of three, can a masters redeem me if I want to continue on wth higher education?

Answer 1

If you can get into this master's then and do well then yes, you will have recovered. For those who intend graduate study, the undergraduate GPA only serves to get you into the best possible program.

When all is said and done, there are only three GPA ranges in undergrad:

3.5 and above -- exceptional student
2.0-3.5 -- average student
under 2.0 -- failed out

In grad school it's about being above a 3.0 and as close to 4.0 as you can stay. For PhD programs you will compete with plenty of people with a 4.0 and even more over 3.75.

So, if you can get into the master's then worry about your graduate GPA - the undergraduate is done.

Answer 2

Well, if your school is going to let you in on conditional terms then I'd say you'll be okay. Granted, GPA requirements in the master's level must be kept high and there are limits to the amount of C's that you can make while persuing your masters degree before you are put out of the program.

I don't think you'd have much luck applying outside of your current school because master's programs require high GPAs and graduate exam scores among other criteria.

If those conditional terms will allow you to get in you're going to have to work extremely hard to not fall behind. It can be done tho. Just work closely with your advisor on this one.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You should be commended for wanting to further your education with the additional responsibilities of being a single parent.

If you are able to apply yourself in FCS and improve your grades, it will be a positive for you in your life. You are very lucky to be enrolled in a college that is willing to work with you in order for you to continue and improve your GPA.

Choosing major and minor fields of study is difficult for many student, no matter what their circumstances; but the opportunity and hard work will be what counts. You may or may not have to discuss your undergraduate degree and GPA to an employer in the future.

If you work hard and do well with your Masters program, that is what will stand out, the fact that you have a Masters, and also the fact that you worked a bit harder to achieve it.

Improving yourself, your life for your family and your ability to attain a better choice of employment is always a good thing.

Congratulations, and I hope that you do well in your chosen field of study.

Answer 4

If you have a poor GPA in your bachelors it may be hard to get into grad school. I had a 2.85 and good scores on my GRE. I tried to get into the master portion of the program I had just finished at the same school and was passed over for others. Granted the program was a popular one with alot of compitition but getting into any masters program these days is very difficult. Talk with your advisor and see what they can do to help. If you have electives left you may want to see if you can take some grad level courses now.

Answer 5

If you keep good grades in your master's program, you might be able to redeem yourself and go on to doctoral studies.

Answer 6

A masters will help, but unfortunately your bad grades will not disappear.

Answer 7

i don't no much about this but you could have chance.