I applied to Master's programs and they seem to have a pretty strict 3.0 GPA requirement. I just got another rejection from Michigan Technological Institute purely for the reason of my low GPA - I was a risk they were not willing to take. When I asked what I could do to make my application stronger, this is what they said:
"In order to improve your application, I suggest you can do a few of things. First, contact your professors from UCLA and talk to them about your interests and aspirations to pursue a graduate degree. Ask them if they could write letters of recommendation, which could address your potential and possibly reasons for some of the lower grades. Second, discuss your grades in your statement of purpose. We would be interested to know if there were any extenuating circumstances. Third, you might consider taking some advanced math course(s) as an unmatriculated student. A couple of high grades in differential equations, linear algebra, or even a physics class such as classical mechanics would help you brush up on these subjects as well as show the committee you can succeed in these courses. Lastly, you should try to visit Michigan Tech. A positive interview can make a big impression on faculty."
Visiting the campus from California is expensive and difficult. So is taking time off work and taking classes. I guess grad school would put me into debt anyway, so what's a little more? Helpful advice, but somewhat disheartening.