Hello all,
I am only applying to the fall '17 M.A. programs at NYU and Columbia because of their proximity to home which will allow me to live with my parents thereby cutting costs. I am writing to humbly ask if anyone can offer advice to offset a low undergrad GPA (2.95)? I finished undergrad more than a year early but my Bachelor's degree was not in education. I earned my teaching certification through an alternative certification program here in the States and have been teaching primary school at an international school abroad for 6 years. I have also earned a solid GRE score (170 V / 158 Q). I am working to compose a perspicuous, perspicacious Statement of Purpose and I will be receiving three strong letters of recommendation from supervisors. What else should I consider to bolster my application and show the admissions committee that I am both dedicated to and capable of successfully completing a rigorous graduate education program?
I do realize this is a frequently discussed topic on the forum so please forgive me for opening it up again, but I proceed because I am not alone in my concerns and with the perpetual influx of new users to the board, this post may catch the attention of someone who has been in similar circumstances and can provide some little-known insight. If you have any helpful thoughts beyond what is typically recommended (explain low GPA in SOP, visit campus), please share them here or PM me. Your time and input are sincerely appreciated.