Going back to undergrad to up GPA or applying for Grad school (LSU MPA)?

[HoneyBadger]

I have not yet taken my GRE but I believe I will score well although I have not practiced the new format. However my undergraduate GPA is 2.35, I was very involved in community service and held positions in my service sorority. IF I go back and IF I make straight A's I can up my GPA to 2.5, still not very desirable but better than 2.35. I would leave with a degree in Public Affairs so I would be the proud owner of two degrees.

What are your thoughts? Should I just go for the MPA program or should I go back to undergrad- maybe try to grab a job in HR or something similar and later go back to school? Or even go back right away?

[cunninlynguist]

According to their FAQs, the average GPA and GRE for incoming students in the LSU program is 3.0 and 975, respectively. Given that there's no stipulated minimum GPA, a good GRE score could offset your GPA. I wouldn't recommend returning to undergrad -- an incremental improvement from 2.35 to 2.5 isn't significant enough, and it's another investment of time (and money) that could be spent acquiring relevant work experience.

Your best course of action is the workforce, to distance yourself from your GPA while demonstrating your professional commitment. A year or two should be sufficient, and as long as you secure some solid LORs and do well on the GRE, your outlook should be improved.

[maeisenb]

Well what do you want to do career wise?

[HoneyBadger]

Relevant work experience is hard to come by- I've applied to jobs but just can't seem to get a relevant one in my area.

Ultimately I think I would love to do city management but I like the idea of HR as well and think there will be more positions available for HR.