MS Behavioral Analysis - Chances/Advice?

[Roren]

Hey everyone. Sorry to take up your time. I'm in the middle of applying to one particular program that I'm very interested in getting into. However, as someone who's a habitual worrier, I can't help but constantly think about what my chances might be of actually getting in. The program in question is at Jacksonville State University in AL. I'm focusing primarily on Masters programs because I don't believe I meet the typical requirements for most Doctoral programs, and focusing on this university in particular because the location makes it ideal, and I feel as though I could thrive in such a program and bolster my undergraduate GPA for a later push toward a PhD.

 

My cumulative undergraduate GPA amounted to a 2.9, at Rutgers University in NJ. I took the GRE and received 152 Quant / 160 Verbal / 6.0 AW. While in undergrad I was a research assistant for two years at a lab analyzing the value of social-emotional learning. In addition to this, I was an intern at both a child study center at NYU for a summer, and at a therapeutic day school for children for a semester. I'm currently working per-diem as a Mental Health Worker at an inpatient unit in a nearby hospital, while at the same time substitute teaching regularly. I'm currently preparing to take the GRE Psychology subject test, and studying zealously for it.

 

I recognize that my GPA is very low. I made many mistakes during my time in undergrad, and was dealing with an unhealthy relationship with my significant other and family for the entirety of it which affected my motivation (which I'm not going to get into or use as an excuse because it's neither here nor there). However, I want to know exactly what my chances might be for being accepted into the program this fall, realistically, in your opinion.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I know that it's probably a mess, and I apologize for my being long-winded. I'm very concerned about this, and as such my thoughts seem to be a bit scrambled. If any more information is required, please let me know.

 

Again, thank you so much, have a wonderful day.

 

EDIT:  I suppose I should also mention that I got my B.A. in both Psychology and English, if that helps at all.

Edited December 18, 2013 by Roren

[Lisa44201]

I am not familiar with the program at Jacksonville State, so I can't comment on that particular part of your app.

 

Having said that, yeah, your GPA is low, and that's going to hurt, but it was from Rutgers, and your overall GRE is pretty good. I'd hope you could get in somewhere (and kudos for not being geographically limited).

[Roren]

Thanks so much for the response.  I'm just trying to get a read on exactly what I should expect when it comes to what the standards are.  They don't have any minimum cut-off for GPA or GRE listed, but they also don't have average statistics for previous classes listed in those areas, either.  That being said, I realize that doesn't make my GPA acceptable, I just hope they're able to look past it.

[fingerscrossed2014]

You can always try Sage University's online program

[Roren]

I definitely appreciate the suggestion! As I said before, this program is what I'd really like to focus on, as it kinda fits the bill in every way that I can think, but I'll definitely look into your suggestion as well.

Mostly the thing that has me tearing my hair out is that there are no statistics for average GPA, GRE, etc. for previously incoming classes, so I have no idea whether I'm legitimately competitive or I should expect a rejection. I was hoping someone may be able to shed a bit more light onto that, as I don't have much to work with in tempering my expectations.

[smartypants14]

Stanislaus has a good ABA program just fyi