bad grades in college, but have degree. 2 years have passed, will grad school let me in??

Question

I went to a low level 4 year university and earned (barely) a BFA in Radio & Television. After working in the radio industry for a couple of years, I am ready to do something different. I was into drugs in college, hence the poor grades. I've turned my life around and want more for myself... any advice? can you outline the app process? I barely know what a GRE is!!

Answer 1

While you do have a degree, grads schools do look at grades unfortunately but I do believe that you can prove that you have turned your life around and are a mature person now. I went to a good college (William and Mary) and graduated with a 2.9 in psych (b/c of a bad freshman year in science brought my grades down even though I studied my a-- off and didn't party but b/c of this, some grad schools wanted me to explain my GPA (since it wasn't the minimum 3.0). I did, also took the required tests (just study for the GRE's and even take a prep class if that might help more), and just prove that you have worked hard after college and really, really want what you are going after and are very determined.

The application process will included a standardized test (depending on what you apply for - GRE, LSAT's, etc...), essay, transcripts, recommendations, and possibly an interview). Another thing that I would recommend is to possibly contact the Dean of Admissions and make yourself known and that you really want to enter the program of your desire.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

A psych major that wants to kill herself? I'm not sure if this is a joke or not, but I'll treat it as real. First, as a psych major, you should know that suicidal thoughts need to be treated by professionals. There may be a biological component as well as a mental component. See someone. You know suicide is not the answer Second, a 2.6 isn't bad. Depending on the GPA scale used at your school, it should be a C+ average or so, and "C's earn degrees!" Graduate school is still well within reach, but you may have some work to put in. Look around as the traditional schools this year. (Most deadlines are mid Dec. so be quick.) Some will accept you with a 2.6. Many grad schools only look at and consider your GPA for the classes in your major, and you didn't say what that was. If you still don't think you can get in, most for-profit schools will accept a 2.5+ without the GRE. If that route works for you, you can apply and start now. If you prefer a traditional school, start studying for the GRE now and plan to take it next fall. Then, take some Masters level classes outside of a program to establish a post-bachelor's GPA and prove you are capable of working at that level. Good luck with whichever you decide to follow.

Answer 3

Your low level university and your poor GPA are going to be an issue. Unless you absolutely kill that GRE, then you're going to have difficulty getting into a top level graduate program.

I'd have you take a GRE prep class, through Kaplan, or Princeton Review, or through the continuing ed department at your local university. That'll help you get ready for that exam, and also help you do your best at it.

If you just do okay on the GRE, then you won't get into one of the top grad programs. You'll have to set your sights on one of the lower tier grad programs. You'll therefore have to make yourself knowledgeable about how those sorts of programs are viewed in your field, and whether or not it will be worth it to attend. Sometimes, in cases like that, it'd be better for you to attend part-time, rather than full time. But no matter what, if your industry has any sort of professional accreditation for grad programs (like AACSB for MBA schools, etc.), make sure that any program you enter has it. Otherwise, you may not be particularly attractive to employers when you come out.

Answer 4

You can do it! Go to Barnes, or Borders and get a GRE review book. Take a look at them and see which one you think can help you best. Study the tests, and take your time practicing until you score is good. Then call schools you would like to apply to and ask about information + applications for the program you are interested in. Calling is best, I've found. You can ask anything and even if you may think you are asking dumb questions, it's ok because no one will remember you!

I'm studing GRE right now. Good luck!!!! By the way you can take it more than once, but the most recent score should be your best.

Answer 5

You would probably have to show more than 2 years since college for anyone to overlook your college grades, but the good news is that there are some schools which don't much care. Depending upon what you want to get your graduate degree in, you need to get an application from any school you plan to apply to so that you understand their process and take the appropriate admissions exam. Find people to be your references who can speak to the changes in you since college. Then just apply.

Answer 6

I found my grad school was easier to get into than college. What TYPE of grad school? I have a Ph.D. and the way I got it was to keep coming back to the hard stuff over and over again- I hated the paperwork, but I got it done.

Some schools only ask that you TAKE the GRE, not pass it. Passing it is a *****.

Answer 7

Take a prep course to help pass the GRE - take GRE and you will know pretty quickly if ya got a shot at Grad school.

Answer 8

Some grad school will just to get your money, but at least you'll get a degree. Other grad schools will reject you based on your grades.

My problem with going into grad school is not grades at all, but time and money for it...

Answer 9

all i can say is that grad schools do look at grades, but they are not the only criteria.

Answer 10

um.......