2 Bachelors degree

[Eme19]

I have 2 undergrad degrees from 2 different schools. Basically I didn't know what I wanted to do and no one advised me that I should've just done a post-bac instead. My problem is now that I'm applying to grad school my first GPA was a 3.6. Second one was 2.95. I went through some traumatic times there. Most schools/programs have a required minimum of 3.0. Will they average the 2 GPAs? Can I round up the 2.95? Or am I up a creek w/out a paddle so to speak?

[newms]

Are the 2 bachelors in the same field? Are they from similarly ranked schools? If the first bachelors is in the field you want to pursue in grad school and the other isn't, then they might place more emphasis on it. Either way though, they are going to see the 2.95 since you have to send in transcripts from all schools you attended. I doubt that you average the GPAs and I'm pretty sure you can't round up (wouldn't we all like to, though!), but you're not up a creek without a paddle as it is possible to get into a grad school with a GPA below 3. Here's by belowthree who had a GPA below three and s/he got into several programs as did other people with GPAs below 3.0. It's harder and takes more work, but it can be done. All the best with your applications.

[Eme19]

No they're not in the same field. First one was in Psychology with double minor in history and biology at a better ranked school. Second one is in the field I want to go into Biochemistry. I got 2 Fs which is why the GPA is so low but the 2 failing grades were not in my major, they were just required humanities at that school. I withdrew but the registrar said I didn't meet the deadline in time for withdrawals and would not budge. My major GPA from there which is what I'm hoping they'll take into consideration is a 3.4. I'm just worried because I've heard that if you have below a 3.0 they won't even bother looking at the rest of your app since its the cutoff.

[newms]

The fact that your major GPA is 3.4 from school B will help. They will definitely consider that. Are you applying for a research based degree? If so then any research experience you have will also help to offset the low GPA. All the best.

Edited September 9, 2010 by newms