What are my chances of getting into grad school?

[jmall]

Hello everyone, looking for advice for my situation!

My undergrad GPA is less than the 3.0 requirement, but I have an opportunity this fall to come back and bring it up to a 3.11 if I retake two courses. However, that would mean paying for part time tuition and housing for an extra semester. And money is tight, so there would be a little bit of a struggle there. 

My other option is to live at home, save money, get work experience but apply to grad schools knowing I don't meet the minimum requirement. 

I guess my question is, which situation is more ideal? If I apply with less than a 3.0, what can I do to improve my application so that I have a chance of getting into grad school? (My resume and LOR are competitive)

I have also read on these forums about people taking online courses or retaking at other universities? Does anyone who has experience with that want to give me any advice? 

Thanks in advance!

[thespeechblog.com]

I'd definitely talk to an advisor at your school. Each school has different policies on how re-taken classes affect your GPA. Was your major SHS/SLP etc? 

I would check too with the schools you're considering applying too and verify that 3.0 minimum at each school you're interested in. If on the website they list it as a strict "minimum requirement" that applying with less than that would make it super difficult to get in. If 3.0 is their "average" or something, then you'd have a chance. 

Also, many programs consider just your last 60 credit hours of coursework when calculating your GPA. How would that make your GPA look?

[soontobeslp2018]

I’m not trying to burst your bubble, but most of the time to graduate school (not just the department) require your GPA to be at least a 3.0 when you apply. Since you’re not quite there it could mean they won’t even look at your application. Is there a way you could maybe take classes online somewhere or at a community college to replace the classes you need to retake? That way you could still live at home but also retake what you need? I just don’t want you to waste money applying to schools if they won’t look at your application

[jmall]

1 hour ago, soontobeslp2018 said:

I’m not trying to burst your bubble, but most of the time to graduate school (not just the department) require your GPA to be at least a 3.0 when you apply. Since you’re not quite there it could mean they won’t even look at your application. Is there a way you could maybe take classes online somewhere or at a community college to replace the classes you need to retake? That way you could still live at home but also retake what you need? I just don’t want you to waste money applying to schools if they won’t look at your application

Yeah I suppose I could retake the courses at another institution, but I'm unsure if schools would consider those courses since they weren't taken at my original institution

[CLCD]

Depending on what your first degree was in, I would look at a post bac program or a second degree. My first degree was in business at a well known university and my GPA was a 3.2. I knew it wasn't competitive so I enrolled in an online 2nd B.S. program in CSD through Utah State University. Because it was another degree (versus a post bac), I was actually able to take out student loans to pay for it at a really great interest rate, and didn't have to worry about paying it back until after graduation--which was huge for me , just like you, money was tight for me as well. The 2nd degree took me 2 years to finish because I did it part time, although you could finish it in a year if you went full time. Just make sure you get all As/A-s in your classes along with sufficient experience (shadowing/volunteering), a decent GRE score, and solid letters of rec, and you will be golden! I PROMISE!!! I was just like you and sooooooo worried, but I got into 10/11 of the schools I applied to (even with my initial GPA) . Let me know if you need any help. Hang in there ❤️ 

[jmall]

48 minutes ago, CLCD said:

Depending on what your first degree was in, I would look at a post bac program or a second degree. My first degree was in business at a well known university and my GPA was a 3.2. I knew it wasn't competitive so I enrolled in an online 2nd B.S. program in CSD through Utah State University. Because it was another degree (versus a post bac), I was actually able to take out student loans to pay for it at a really great interest rate, and didn't have to worry about paying it back until after graduation--which was huge for me , just like you, money was tight for me as well. The 2nd degree took me 2 years to finish because I did it part time, although you could finish it in a year if you went full time. Just make sure you get all As/A-s in your classes along with sufficient experience (shadowing/volunteering), a decent GRE score, and solid letters of rec, and you will be golden! I PROMISE!!! I was just like you and sooooooo worried, but I got into 10/11 of the schools I applied to (even with my initial GPA) . Let me know if you need any help. Hang in there ❤️ 

I got my first degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, so basically Pre- Speech Path ? so second degree isn't an option for me. I was considering retaking courses I got a C in at ENMU online, but I was worried that grad schools would over look that. 

[utteranomaly]

When you say undergrad GPA, do you mean cumulative or do you mean in-major GPA? If your in-major GPA is above 3.0, then I would say you still have a chance. You would need to research and talk to graduate programs you are applying to in order to make sure there is no GPA minimum requirement. For example, the University of Redlands only accepts applicants with a cumulative undergrad GPA of 3.0 or above. You'll also need to address your grades in your SOP, but be tactical about your explanation. For example, you may have gotten an undesirable grade from a teacher you didn't get along with. You would emphasize what you learned from the experience and how you would address the issue in the future. To increase your chances, be willing to relocate and look at graduate program options all across the nation. Additionally, make the most of your "gap year." Do jobs, volunteer work, shadowing, and activities that will broaden your experience and strengthen your resume. Things you do over your gap year can be great talking points in an interview. Best of luck to you!