applying with a low gpa

[cameronj]

I have been applying for Higher Ed/Student Affairs programs but have run into a problem. During my third and fourth year my gpa took a major hit for multiple reasons but was able to bring it up some my final year.I would like to know if anyone has any advise about applying for schools with a lower gpa. I have been looking at schools that have some form of conditional/provisional status but it is still a struggle. I understand that its a long shot no matter what I do but anything would be appreciated.

[Mal83]

There's a difference between low as in below the general 3.0 cutoff and low as in 3.2 or 3.3. If you're below 3.0 by a whole lot you might want to start contacting admissions offices of the schools you're interested in to get a sense of how they'd handle that. There's no sense in putting out all of that effort and money if your GPA is automatically going to get your application tossed. Also, very high GRE scores can sometimes offset a low GPA. Strong letters of recommendation and a convincing well-written SOP can help. Any relevant work or volunteer experience would be a bonus. The application is a package, not just a couple of numbers. If you can explain how you overcame those obstacles as an undergrad and brought your grades back up as a result, that would look favorable as well.

It depends on the schools too...if you're applying to programs where the average stats of accepted applicants aren't too far from your own then you have just as much of a shot as any other applicant. People with GPAs lower than 3.0 do make it into grad school.

Just to add, some people will take another class or two after graduating in order to demonstrate improved academic performance. Or they'll start graduate school as a non-degree student, taking classes to prove themselves and then transferring into degree status. Or they'll get some relevant work experience before doing grad school. There are things you can do if you're committed and it certainly isn't the end of the road if you don't make in this round. This is also where it's a good idea to contact programs, they might also have suggestions for you after explaining your situation and your numbers.

Edited December 29, 2011 by Mal83