Renie

I’m gonna be honest. It’s kind of frustrating to see people talk about “only” receiving one acceptance, when it’s my second round of practically getting shut out. I would appreciate any acceptance or interview that dropped into my inbox but idk...maybe it’s all about perspective and circumstances. But it’s frustrating to see and I’m 100% sure it’s all tied into my own shortcomings but yea...it almost always comes off as a humble brag haha

Hello to all! Posting here to maybe give hope to someone in the education/ed policy/higher ed field looking at graduate programs.
I was on academic probation/suspension 3 times before I graduated. I have gaps in my education since I took time to work when things weren't going well (best decision I've ever made tbh). I had to basically get all As once I returned to school in order to graduate, and I did, but my cumulative GPA is literally a 2.0. My in-major GPA is a 3.2, so good, but not stellar.
I graduated in the summer, then rushed to apply to graduate school despite having tons of doubts with my 2.0 GPA. First step was taking the GRE. I'm not a great test taker, and I wasn't super motivated to study for the GRE. I'm also super super terrible at math. Sooo.. my GRE scores ranged from terrible (20 percentile Quant), to average (50something percentile Verbal), to above average (90+ percentile Writing). 
Stats wise, literally everything was against me. So I worked very hard (and fast) to make sure the rest of my application was strong. So far, I've been accepted to 3 out of the 4 schools I've applied to, including 2 Ivy Leagues. I've received significant funding at two schools, waiting on financial aid from one, and waiting for an admissions decision from one.
I know I'm an exception, but I never expected to be. I'm not great at giving advice, but hopefully someone like me will read this and get that extra kick of motivation they need. 
My end goal (eventually) will be a PhD, so who knows how my past will come into play when the time comes. For now, I'm still playing the waiting game and will have a very tough decision to make next month!

Anything is possible. 
2.54 in undergrad. First generation college student.
Went immediately into a master's program. Got straight A's.
Spent a few years in the field.
Now thriving in the PhD program of my dreams. 
I remember reading this thread the FIRST time I applied to doctoral programs and did not get in anywhere. Second round I finally got in.
Trust. Everything happens for a reason. We stew over gpas, scores, and compare unique experiences insisting that we have some degree of control over the outcome of the admissions process--when in reality we probably have a lot less control than we'd like to admit. Where you are meant to be is where you are meant to be...
That said:
If you want to make a difference, go and BE THE CHANGE.
If you wanna reach for stars, fly out there and BE ONE.
If you have a calling, you better pick up that phone!!!