low GPA, most else is good.. opinions?

[Rusty Shackelford]

I graduated from respectable public university in the south this past spring.  I'm currently in my "gap" year (if I can even call it that).  I studied communication with an interpersonal concentration because my school didn't have a CSD related major/concentration/minor or anything.  The com department did, however, offer all but one common prerequisite (audiology), so I was able to take anatomy and phys of speech, phonetics, language development, and speech science, along with the obvious non-com classes like bio and chem.  My major GPA was around 3.4 and my final cumulative was 3.11.  I've taken the GRE once (less than two weeks ago) and got 157 on verbal, 154 on quant, and 4.5 on writing.  I haven't shadowed any SLPs or helped any professors with research, but I worked a significant amount throughout my last three years of school (and continue to do so, hence the "gap" year comment) with individuals on the autism spectrum.  I also have a younger sister at home with severe autism- she's nonverbal so she's a major reason why I want to get into this field. I'm also a male, and everyone seems to think that will help.

I'm only applying to UNC and Appalachian State this year.  I know both of these are highly competitive (especially Carolina), but I just cannot bring myself to apply anywhere else for the time being.  The prospect of leaving where I am now for anywhere other than Chapel Hill or Boone is anxiety inducing. I really really want to get accepted for Fall 2016, but I'm not getting my hopes up.  

Question 1: I only have one faculty reference.  He's the professor who taught all of my speech related courses in undergrad, he's a phd SLP.  Should I try to find another former professor to be a reference even if I didn't have them multiple times/they weren't in the field? 

The remainder of my references are employers: I work full time between two individuals on the spectrum right now and each of their mothers has relative clout with respect to the autism community and their knowledge of therapies and whatnot (I wish I could be more specific, but I can't), and each of them is writing me a recommendation.  The father of one of the individuals is also writing me a letter, but it's from an employer and personal perspective because he's served as kind of a mentor and is very knowledgable about my life and family situation. There were some pretty compelling things out of my control during school which affected my grades, so his letter will hopefully provide some slight explanation for my subpar GPA.

Question 2: do I even have a chance with either of these programs? In the back of my head I can't help but think my GPA will be too much of a problem.

[Kanga]

Well, like everything else anyone posts here......it's all speculation and opinion, So, here's my opinion!

Here are the stats for Appalachian State:

GRE:

Verbal reasoning: 143-168                       your 157 verbal is solid here. Not high, but solid.

Quantitative reasoning: 140-163              your 154 quantitative is solid here. Not high, but solid.

Analytical writing: 3.0-5.0                        your 4.5  is solid here.

GPA:

3.50-4.00                 your GPA of 3.11 is below the average.

Number of Applications Received:

Full-time Students: 341

Number of Admission Offers:  

Full time: 144    this school offers a lot of admissions: 42%. This makes it, in my opinion, a less competitive school than some.

 

So, the wild cards are your SOP and recs. I think only one professor isn't as strong as having two (I think a professional reference is fine as one, but two is pushing it)

 

UNC

GRE:

Verbal reasoning: 30-170         your 157 verbal is solid here. Not high, but solid.

Quantitative reasoning: 25-160   your 154 quantitative is solid here. Not high, but solid.

GPA:

3.4-4.0                 your GPA of 3.11 is below the average.

Number of Applications Received:

Full-time Students: 360

Number of Admission Offers:    10% acceptance rate!

Full time: 37

 

As I mentioned above, I have no idea (as would no one else, LOL) about your letter of intent/statement of purpose. I think only one academic reference will matter more here.

 

 

So, in my humble opinion, I think you have a pretty good chance at Appalachian State, but UNC is a very big stretch.

 

[jmk]

I would try and find a second academic letter writer, as wonderful as your personal writers may be. 

You are going to get mixed subjective reviews, mine included. No one knows the answer but the admissions committees. Thus: apply.

Personally, I think you should broaden where you are applying, and yes, I do think that your GPA will limit your acceptances. Are you applying to schools as you do not want to leave your job/move? Why not apply to any others in the Carolinas or neighboring states? That way, you have your top choices close to home...but also are broadening your options.

 

[ImHis]

I agree with the posters' advice about obtaining another academic reference. I had 1 academic letter for 1 school last year and that was one of the reasons I was rejected. I rushed to get another for a school that had a later deadline, which I think helped.

A few years ago, Appalachian accepted students with 3.2 so you are close. The range fluctuate every year and depends on the top applicant pool's GPA.

[JustJay]

I got acceptance into a graduate school last fall with all around lower stats then you! Its all about being strategic with where you'll apply. I believe you'll definitely get it! 

[Reneé]

I agree with Jaime, and I think you have really great experience. It is helpful to have faculty LORs but the ones you have now I'm sure will be able to testify highly to your passion and competency! I currently attend Appalachian State for undergrad and they do place a high emphasis on GPA. I actually had a discussion with the new graduate program director and she told me that my GPA was kind of low for their program (Cumulative 3.5). However, don't be discouraged by that. Focus on all of the positive aspects of your applications. You have more relevant experience than some of the grad students at Appalachian with whom I've spoken with. I really do think that you have a shot. And for the future, if you decide you'd like to apply somewhere else in-state, UNCG, ECU and Western all have accredited programs!