Going to Grad School with a Low GPA

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For one reason or another, you didn’t perform well while earning your bachelor’s degree and you’re wondering how to get into a grad school with a low undergrad GPA.  

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You’re in luck! There are a fair number of schools that accept low GPA. While some schools have strict GPA requirements, most look at your entire application, including professional experience and test scores, which means there are plenty of graduate schools that accept a low GPA. On this page, we’ll help you figure out if you actually have a low GPA, best ways for you to get around having a low undergrad GPA, and list some top grad schools that accept low GPA students.

List of over 40 Grad Schools that Accept Low GPA

If you’re still worried about finding schools that accept a low GPA and how to get in, we’ve compiled a list just for you of nine schools that have low GPA reqts–and some of the graduate degrees offered at the school. In fact, many of the schools accept students with a 2.5 GPA or lower. Look through the sponsored list of grad schools with low GPA requirements for details about the school, common curriculum, and you can even request more information directly from the school to learn how to apply.

GPA Requirement: Varies by program. MSW for example is a 2.7 – May accept students with lower GPA’s based on other standards

Capella University offers competency based online learning in two formats: FlexPath & GuidedPath. Step up your game with flexible, affordable programs for the skills you need to help advance your career. Online degrees available in bus, counseling and therapy, education, health admin, IT, nursing, public health, psych, public service, and social work. Additional admissions requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
  • Completed application
  • Valid, current govt issued ID
  • May need more depending on the program

Graduate Programs at Capella:

  • (M.B.A.)Master of Business Admin
  • (M.P.H.) Public Health
  • (M.S.N.) Nursing
  • Psych
  • Criminal Justice
  • M.S.W.
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GPA Requirement: No Min Listed

WGU is an online university to fit modern life. They offer competency based learning and personalized, one-on-one faculty support to their students. The grad school at FSU requires that students have earned a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher from an accredited institution. In addition, your degree must be of a similar scope of subject matter as your intended graduate program. General Admissions Requirements
  • Official transcript from an accredited institution indicating completion of a bachelors degree
  • Transcripts for all prior college academic work
  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • Specific programs may have additional needs

Grad Programs at WGU:

  • M.S. in Data Analytics
  • M.B.A.
  • Healthcare Mgmt – M.B.A.
  • Online Teaching Degrees – Recognized in all 50 States
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GPA Requirement: 2.0 (Some programs have higher GPA requirements)

Liberty University offers a world-class ed with the solid Christian foundation you’re looking for. The many degrees and programs focus on teaching the values, knowledge, and skills so that you could make a lasting impact on your profession and your community. Many of the grad degrees at Liberty only require a 2.0 GPA while earning your bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. However, there are some programs, such as the Master of Arts in Public Policy, that require a 3.0 GPA for admission, though students with a 2.0 GPA may be accepted on a cautionary basis.

Graduate Programs at Liberty:

  • Teaching: Special Education
  • Marketing: Sports Marketing and Media
  • Marriage and Family Counseling
  • Religion: Biblical Studies
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GPA Requirement: 3.0 for Master’s (Lower GPAs should still apply for Provisional Admission)

Colorado State University – Global Campus is designed to provide academically authoritative and career-focused degree programs. These professionally relevant degrees are constantly evaluated to align with the fast-changing market and industry practices. Offering 12 master’s programs, many of which have multiple concentrations to tailor your curriculum, CSU-Global Campus typically allows you to compare your options and fine-tune your career goals to select the program that is best suited to help you.

Graduate Programs at CSU:

  • Project Mgmt
  • Professional Accounting
  • Information Technology Mgmt
  • Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Admin
  • Healthcare Admin
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GPA Requirement: No Minimum GPA Listed

As a regionally accredited higher ed institution, Northcentral University has the privilege of teaching students around the world through online programs. Their unique one-to-one format is typically designed to help you become a valuable contributor in your community. The graduate admissions requirements at NCU include:
  • Complete admissions
  • Official transcripts
  • Review with Enrollment Advisor

Graduate Programs at NCU:

  • Child and Adolescent Development Psychology
  • Technology and Innovation Management – Information Systems
  • Organizational Leadership – Human Resources Management
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With more than 57,000 students, Walden University has been serving the needs of adult learners for more than 45 years. Their programs reflect current market trends and promote positive social change so that you could make a difference in your career and community. To be eligible for admissions to Walden’s master’s degree programs, students must typically hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Applying for a grad degree at Walden is different than other schools. At Walden, you work with an Enrollment Advisor who guides you through each step, which include submitting your transcripts and resume.

Graduate Programs at Walden:

  • M.S. – Master of Science in Forensic Psych – Police Psych
  • M.B.A. – Master of Business Admin – Human Resource Mgmt
  • M.S.W. – Master of Social Work – Advanced Clinical Social Practice
  • M.B.A. – Master of Business Admin – Project Mgmt

GPA Requirement: 2.5

Strayer University is an accredited institution with a proud history of 130 years in quality education. The graduate admissions requirements include:
  • Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution (plus transcripts)
  • Completed application
  • Valid, current gov’t. issued ID

Graduate Programs at Strayer:

  • Accounting
  • Education
  • Health Services Administration
  • Public Administration
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GPA Requirement: 2.0 for provisional acceptance

Southern New Hampshire University has been offering degrees since 1932. They offer over 25 master’s programs and may have financial aid available to qualified students to help defer the costs.

The graduate admissions requirements include:
  • Entrance essay
  • Completed application
  • Official transcript for undergrad

Graduate Programs at SNHU:

  • Accounting
  • Applied Economics
  • Communication
  • Criminal Justice
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GPA Requirement: 2.0

Benedictine University was founded in 1887 and offer 16 progs for those looking for a master’s degree. Financial aid may be available to qualified students to assist in the cost of tuition.

The graduate admissions requirements include:
  • Letters of reference
  • Completed application
  • Official transcript for bachelor’s degree

Graduate Programs at Benedictine University:

  • Business Admin
  • Accountancy
  • Clinical Psych
  • Public Health

GPA Requirement: 2.0

Full Sail University offers online and campus programs for obtaining a master’s degree. Financial aid may be available to qualified students to assist in the cost of tuition.

The graduate admissions requirements include:
  • Gov’t. issued photo ID
  • Completed application
  • Official transcript for undergrad degree

Graduate Programs at Full Sail University:

  • Business Intelligence
  • Creative Writing
  • Media Design
  • Public Relations

GPA Requirement: 2.5

California State University offers 51 online and campus programs for obtaining a master’s degree. Financial aid may be available to qualified students to assist in the cost of tuition.

The graduate admissions requirements include:
  • Appropriate test scores
  • Completed application
  • Official transcript for bachelor’s

Graduate Programs at Cal State:

  • Accounting
  • Anthropology
  • Business Admin
  • Biology

GPA Requirement: 2.5

Webster University offers multiple options for those who are looking to obtain a master’s. Financial aid and scholarships may be available for those qualified who are looking to seek grad school admission into these programs.

The graduate admissions requirements include:
  • Bachelors
  • Completed application
  • Official transcript for bachelor’s degree

Graduate Programs at Webster U:

  • Advertising and Marketing
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Criminal Justice
  • Data Analytics

GPA Requirement: 2.5

Mississippi College offers multiple options for prospective students looking to obtain a master’s. There may be scholarships and fin aid available for those qualified who are looking to seek admission into these programs.

The graduate admissions requirements include:
  • Bachelors degree
  • Completed application
  • GRE score

Graduate Programs at Webster U:

  • Graphic Design
  • Biological Sciences
  • Business Admin
  • Mgmt Info Systems

GPA Requirement: 2.5

Troy University, in Alabama, typically offers multiple options for those who are looking to obtain a master’s degree. There may be scholarships and fin aid available for those qualified who are looking to seek admission into these programs.

The graduate admissions requirements include:
  • Bachelors degree
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Test scores
  • Transcripts

Graduate Programs at Troy University:

  • Adult Ed
  • Athletic Training
  • Computer Science
  • Criminal Justice

GPA Requirement: 2.5

National University was founded in 1971 and has over 175,000 alumni and offers 52 options for those who are looking to obtain a master’s degree. There may be scholarships and financial aid available for those qualified who are looking to seek admission into these programs.

The graduate admissions requirements include:
  • Bachelors degree
  • Graduate school application
  • Interview with admissions committee
  • Transcripts

Graduate Programs at National University:

  • Human Resource Mgmt
  • Strategic Communication
  • Business Admin
  • Public Health

GPA Requirement: 2.5

Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska was founded in 1887 and offers seven programs may multiple focuses for those looking to obtain a master’s degree.

The graduate admissions requirements include:
  • Bachelors
  • Application
  • Transcripts

Graduate Programs at Nebraska Wesleyan:

  • Business Admin
  • Nursing
  • Education
  • Social Work

GPA Requirement: 2.5

Sonoma State University in California was founded in 1960 and offers multiple programs for those looking to obtain a master’s degree. Students may be eligible for scholarships and financial aid to help offset the costs of tuition

The graduate admissions requirements include:
  • Bachelors degree
  • Application
  • Transcripts
  • Appropriate exam scores for selected program

Graduate Programs at Sonoma State:

  • Computer and Engineering Science
  • Cultural Resources Mgmt
  • Film Studies
  • Organization Development

GPA Requirement: 2.5

The University of Findlay in Ohio has been around for 135 years and offers multiple programs for those looking to obtain a master’s degree.

The graduate admissions requirements include:
  • Bachelors degree
  • Grad school application
  • Transcripts
  • Prerequisite course work

Graduate Programs at U of Findlay:

  • Applied Security and Analytics
  • Business Admin
  • Health Informatics
  • Occupational Therapy

GPA Requirement: 2.7

Jacksonville State offers a number of different masters programs. There is a large variety and they are offered in multiple formats. Students only need a 2.7 GPA to gain admission, but must maintain a 3.0 in order to remain in the program. Each program does have different admission requirements in addition to the main ones listed.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Degree from an accredited institution
  • Application
  • Official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities
  • Processing fee
  • All program specific admission requirements

Graduate Programs Available:

  • MFA in Art
  • Masters in Athletic Training
  • MBA
  • MS in Computer Systems
  • EdS, MS in Education
  • History
  • English
  • Music
  • Nursing

GPA Requirement: 2.5 GPA for provisional admission

The graduate program at Albany State University offers provisional admission to the school with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. Students must also have a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in the field they plan to study. They also need at least two letters of recommendation. The school offers a number of programs that are available both in person and online.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Application
  • Program specific requirements

Graduate Programs Available:

  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Education
  • MS in Criminal Justice
  • Master of Public Administration
  • Master of Social Work
  • Educational Specialist, MSN

GPA Requirement: 2.5 GPA

This online program offered by Talladega College allows students to complete the program at their own pace. It requires the completion of 30 credits and can be completed in as little as 18 months. The program is completely online.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Application form
  • Application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Resume
  • Statement of justification if bachelors is different course of study

Graduate Programs Available:

  • Master of Science in Computer Information Systems

GPA Requirement: 2.4 GPA

University of the West offers a number of graduate programs taught with the Buddhist mindset. The programs are offered in both online and in person format. This program is fully accredited.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Application
  • Application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Legal ID
  • Individual program requirements

Graduate Programs Available:

  • MBA
  • Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy
  • Doctor of Buddhist Ministry
  • Religious Studies Masters and PhD

GPA Requirement: 2.5 GPA

University of the West offers a number of graduate programs taught with the Buddhist mindset. The programs are offered in both online and in person format. This program is fully accredited.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Application
  • Application fee
  • Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university
  • Official transcript
  • Specific program admission requirements

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • MBA
  • Masters in Education
  • Engineering
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Natural Sciences
  • Doctor of Education
  • MSN

GPA Requirement: 2.5 GPA for conditional admission based on additional factors

Bradley offers a number of graduate programs that are both online and in person. This is a private university in Peoria, IL and is fully accredited. Programs include both masters and doctorates.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Application
  • Application fee
  • Two short essays
  • Proof of bachelors degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • GRE, GMAT or MAT scores
  • Individual programs may have additional requirements

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • MBA
  • Accounting
  • Master of Fine Arts
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English
  • Biology
  • Biochemistry

GPA Requirement: 2.7 GPA

Central Connecticut State offers a wide variety of graduate programs in both doctorate and degrees. They are fully accredited. The school does offer options for both online and in person learning depending on the program.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Application
  • Application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Legal ID
  • Additional requirements based on program

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Accounting
  • Art Education
  • MBA
  • Criminal Justice
  • Data Science
  • Education
  • English
  • Geography
  • Psychology
  • Mathematics
  • Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice and many others

GPA Requirement: 2.75 GPA, 2.50 conditional GPA

Arkansas State is a fully accredited school with multiple options for graduate programs. They offer masters degrees, doctorates and masters certificates as part of their program. Some of these programs are available in online or hybrid formats.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Completed application
  • Application fee
  • Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
  • Official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities
  • Individual programs may have additional requirements

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Doctor of Education
  • DNP
  • Doctor of Philosophy
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy
  • Accountancy
  • Teaching
  • Athletic Training
  • Engineering
  • Music

GPA Requirement: 2.1 GPA, however those with a 3.0 or higher will be given scholarship consideration

Metropolitan College of New York offers a variety of masters degree programs. They offer online and in person options based on the individual program. The school is fully accredited.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Admission application
  • Personal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • College transcripts
  • Additional requirements based on program chosen

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • MS in Education
  • MA in Community Health
  • MBA in Financial Services
  • MS in Project Management
  • Masters in Public Affairs

GPA Requirement: 2.5 GPA

Endicott College offers a wide variety of graduate programs. These may include masters, certificate and doctorate programs. They also offer programs in person and online and are fully accredited.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Completed application
  • Application fee
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Essay on career goals
  • Interview with director of program
  • Additional requirements may be necessary by program

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Social Justice
  • Educational Leadership
  • Education
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Homeland Security
  • Architecture
  • Nursing Administration and others

GPA Requirement: 2.5 GPA may be higher in some programs

The University of Southern Indiana offers a number of online and in person graduate programs. The programs are all accredited. The offer masters degrees, doctorates and graduate certificates.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Bachelors degree from accredited college or university
  • GRE, GMAT, or PRAXIS scores
  • Application
  • Some programs may have additional application requirements

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Communication
  • Criminal Justice
  • English
  • MBA
  • Education
  • Nursing
  • Social Work
  • Sports Management

GPA Requirement: 2.5 GPA

Cal Poly offers a number of programs for masters degrees and also a doctorate in education. The school is fully accredited and offers programs that are hybrid and in person.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Completed a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university
  • Transcripts
  • Application
  • Application fee
  • Each program may have specific other requirements for admission

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Agriculture
  • Business
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Design
  • Hospitality Management
  • Mathematics
  • Biology, among others

GPA Requirement: 2.5 GPA for some programs

DePaul University offers a number of programs on the graduate level. The programs may be available in person, online or a hybrid format. They do offer a DNP and are a fully accredited institution.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Completed bachelors degree from accredited program
  • Transcripts
  • Application
  • Application fee
  • Essay
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Each program has specific guidelines in addition to these for admission including test scores and interviews

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Business
  • Communication
  • Law
  • Public Service
  • Education
  • Psychology
  • Music
  • Nursing, among others

GPA Requirement: 2.5 GPA

Humboldt State offers a number of masters degree and certificate programs. They are available in multiple formats including in person and online. The school is fully accredited.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Application
  • Application fee
  • Financial aid information
  • Personal information
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Other requirements based on the individual program

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Applied Anthropology
  • Biology
  • MBA
  • English
  • Sociology
  • Social Work
  • Environmental Systems
  • Psychology, among others

GPA Requirement: 2.7 GPA

Eastern Michigan offers a broad variety of programs to get graduate degrees. These include masters degrees, certificates and doctoral programs. These programs are all accredited and some are available in an online format.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Completed application
  • Application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Each program may have additional requirements which may include letters of recommendation, test scores and interviews

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Accounting
  • Nursing
  • African American Studies
  • Statistics
  • Art
  • Athletic Training
  • MBA
  • Chemistry, among others

GPA Requirement: 2.5 GPA for most programs

Fort Hays State offers a number of masters degree programs as well as a DNP. They are fully accredited and offer programs both in person and online. The programs have individual admission requirements which may include a higher GPA.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Application
  • Application fee
  • Official bachelors degree transcripts
  • Entrance exam scores
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Each department has specific application requirements and some may require a higher GPA

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Fine Arts
  • English
  • History
  • Communication
  • Liberal Studies
  • Education
  • Counseling
  • Biology, among others

GPA Requirement: 2.5 GPA for most programs

Fort Hays State offers a number of masters degree programs as well as a DNP. They are fully accredited and offer programs both in person and online. The programs have individual admission requirements which may include a higher GPA.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Application
  • Application fee
  • Official bachelors degree transcripts
  • Entrance exam scores
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Each department has specific application requirements and some may require a higher GPA

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Fine Arts
  • English
  • History
  • Communication
  • Liberal Studies
  • Education
  • Counseling
  • Biology, among others

GPA Requirement: 2.5 GPA

ECPI is a fully accredited school that offers a number of masters degree programs. Many of these programs can be completed online and at your own pace.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Application
  • Application fee
  • Meet with academic advisor
  • Other items may be necessary based on program applying to

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Engineering
  • Information Systems
  • Cybersecurity
  • Nursing
  • MBA
  • Management

GPA Requirement: 2.7 GPA conditional admission below 2.7 based on test scores

Youngstown State offers a number of graduate programs. These programs are available in different learning formats including online, in person and hybrid. There are masters degree programs, doctorates and masters certificates all available on different topics. This is a fully accredited institution.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university
  • Application fee
  • GRE or GMAT
  • Official transcripts
  • Completed application
  • Each school or division may have specific requirements such as essays or letters of recommendation that may need to be completed

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Accounting
  • MBA
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Art
  • Physical Therapy, and may others

GPA Requirement: 2.7 minimum GPA

Fisher College offers masters programs for students with a lower undergraduate GPA. These programs are available in multiple formats including in person and online. The school is fully accredited.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Completed application
  • Application fee
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal essay
  • College transcripts
  • Additional requirements may be necessary based on the program applying for

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Business Administration
  • Criminal Justice
  • Counseling Psychology
  • Psychology

GPA Requirement: 2.75 minimum GPA

Upper Iowa University offers masters programs for students with a lower undergraduate GPA.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Completed application
  • Application fee
  • College transcripts
  • Bachelors degree from an accredited institution
  • Additional requirements may be need to be completed based on individual programs

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • MBA
  • Master of Education
  • MPA – Master of Public Administration
  • Master of Science Counseling

GPA Requirement: 2.75 GPA required for graduate admission

Missouri Western State University offers a number of programs for graduate students. The offer programs that have masters degrees as well as masters certificates. They do offer online and in person programs and are fully accredited.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university
  • Application
  • Required test scores
  • Application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Additional requirements may apply based on the program being applied to

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Master of Business Administration
  • Cybersecurity
  • Forensic Investigation
  • Sports and Fitness Management
  • Master of Science in Nursing

GPA Requirement: 2.75 GPA for most programs, 3.0 for nursing

Ashland University is a fully accredited school that offers masters degree programs. There are options for both online and in person programs.

Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Application
  • College transcripts and diploma
  • Application fee
  • Original certified transcripts
  • Each program may have additional admission requirements such as letters of recommendation or writing samples

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Master of Business Administration
  • Education
  • Creative Writing
  • Nursing
  • Criminal Justice
  • Applied Exercise Science and other options

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Do You Have a Low GPA?

When it comes to applying to graduate school, every little thing can make you nervous. Do you have enough experience? Are your GRE or GMAT scores high enough? This anxiousness can make you think you have a low GPA, even if it falls into the national average. While there are no across-the-board minimum GPA requirements for grad school, anything above a 3.0 should be considered safe.

What Is a Low GPA?

A 2.99 GPA or lower is considered low for graduate school. With a 3.0 undergrad GPA, you may not be able to get into some of the best graduate schools in the country, but you should have plenty of options. In fact, many graduate schools are taking a more holistic approach to admissions. This means they look at you as a complete person and not just your statistics. For instance, your GRE or GMAT scores can play an important role during the admissions process. So can your interview and essay, as they are an opportunity to address your weaknesses. Yes, your GPA is important because it shows schools how you perform as a student. But that doesn’t mean your low grades automatically disqualify you.

  • Some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
  • Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
  • Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access

Is a 3.3 GPA Good?

Anything between a 3.3 and 3.7 GPA is considered good and in the range of most students. But that also means you’ll be competing with many other students during the application process. So, if your GPA falls in this range, you should be looking at ways to improve your chances of being accepted just like students with a low GPA.

Do I Have a Low GPA?

While there are may be no across-the-board minimum GPA requirements for grad school, anything above a 3.0 should be considered safe.

9 Ways to Get into Grad School with a Low GPA

Can you get into school with a low GPA? Of course you can, but it will take a little bit more work. First, you have to address your GPA in your application. Whether it’s during your interview, in your essay, or in a GPA explanation letter, tell the admissions department why you performed as you did while earning your bachelor’s degree.

Think about it this way: schools are looking for the best candidates to bring into their school. While reviewing your application, they’ll find your weakness, whether it’s a low GPA or low test scores. You have a better chance of improving your odds if you address it up front rather than hoping they don’t find it. At least it gives you a chance to share your side of the story. Below are some of the other ways that you can get around your low GPA when applying to school and how you can still make yourself an appealing candidate, even with a 2.5 GPA or lower.

#1: Achieve High GRE or GMAT Scores

Earning a high score on the GRE or GMAT probably won’t get you into a top graduate school if you have a terrible GPA. However, it can make the difference if you’re on the fringe. Plus, some schools that accept low GPA students require them to earn a high score on the standardized tests or achieve a certain percentile. Achieving a high score on the GRE or GMAT shows admissions counselors what you can do when you buckle down, study, and truly apply yourself.

#2: Low GPA Explanation Letter

As mentioned earlier, you’ll need to know how to explain a low GPA for your grad school application. Many schools require that you write an essay, personal statement, or have an interview. These are all perfect opportunities to bring it up. However, if the school you’re applying to asks specific essay questions or doesn’t have the other options, you can always write a GPA explanation letter. Your letter shouldn’t be a list of excuses about how you thought getting a bachelor’s meant partying all the time. However, you should address the reasons why your grades were so low. For instance, did you work full-time to avoid taking loans? Did you volunteer on weekends? Or, if you did just party the whole time, address how you’ve grown and why you’ll perform better as a graduate student.

#3: Major GPA vs Overall GPA

Sometimes, students don’t perform as well in classes outside their major because there’s no stress to perform at their best. If this happened to you, and low grades outside of your major are dragging down your GPA, don’t be shy about addressing it, especially if you’re looking to earn a graduate degree in the same field as your undergraduate major. This can show admissions counselors that you have acquired the foundation in that particular field to perform well while earning your grad degree.

#4: References or Letters of Recommendation

Submitting high-quality references with your application can improve your odds of being accepted to grad school. Some of the best references can come from professors of your higher-level courses while earning your undergraduate degree or your boss at work to show your professional experience.

#5: Professional Experience

Pursuing a graduate degree means you’ll perform in-depth analysis of a specific subject. And, while your low undergraduate GPA may hurt your odds, if you’ve had professional experience you’ve already performed some of the tasks that may be discussed in your classes. When applying, most graduate schools ask for a resume where you can show your specific experience. But use your essay or personal statement to add more details about your responsibilities and how they would help you in your grad degree studies.

#6: Apply for Awards and Competitions

Earning awards or attending conferences show that you’re an active member in your field. And, your goal as you apply to grad schools is to present yourself in the best possible way. Add these awards or competitions to your resume or curriculum vitae (CV). This shows that even though your grades might not have been the best, you still learned the important lessons and are applying them outside of the classroom.

#7: Apply to the Right Schools

If you have a GPA below 3.0, you may have to search for schools that match your grades. This doesn’t mean lowering your standards. Instead, while some schools may have specific GPA requirements, others have different admissions requirements for different graduate programs. Find the programs that are a good fit for you, your academic standing, and your future goals. For instance, some schools may place more emphasis on GRE or GMAT scores while others may focus on GPA. Research a variety of schools and degrees to find the perfect program for you.

#8: Take Non-Degree Courses

Another way to show that you’ve grown from the person who earned a low GPA is to take non-degree or non-credit courses. Sometimes, these can even improve your GPA. However, most of the time they won’t. Either way, taking these upper-level classes (and doing well!) will show admissions counselors that you’re ready for the rigors of earning a grad degree. Plus, it’ll show that you understand the weakness of your GPA and that you’re trying to improve your odds.

#9: Seek Intermediate Degree

If some of the other options haven’t worked and you really want to earn a grad degree, consider pursuing a graduate certificate. These are typically three to six courses in a specific subject and, similar to taking non-degree courses, can show that you’re ready for a grad degree. Plus, many graduate certificates allow you to use the credits you earn and apply them to your master’s degree. Of course, this is only if you attend the same school and a similar subject.

How Important Is Your GPA to Grad Schools?

Every school is different. For instance, top-tier schools such as MIT and Stanford are looking for as close to perfect a student as possible. But, there are plenty of other schools that focus more on test scores, your interview, your essay, and your entire application. Everyone has a weakness. Luckily, if yours is a low GPA, there are plenty of ways to get around it to show schools that you’re ready to apply yourself and earn your grad degree.

What Graduate Degree Do You Want to Earn?

At many schools, different grad degrees have different admissions requirements. Usually, this depends on the school, the program, and the competitiveness of the degree. For instance, at many schools, nursing grad degrees are one of the harder programs to get into because there is so much competition. However, even at schools where the nursing program has strict requirements, the education graduate programs may not be as strict.

Therefore, it’s important to research individual programs and not just schools when it comes to applying to grad school with a low GPA. And, if you’re pursuing an advanced degree in a competitive field, such as nursing, you may need to use more of the techniques mentioned earlier to improve your odds of being accepted.

You may be interested in our article: Grad schools that accept 2.7 and 2.8 GPA

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