Get Into Graduate School with a Low GPA
You did it! You’ve reached the end of your undergraduate program and, despite the unintended struggles and unpredictability of life, you’re walking away with a bachelor’s degree that took time, grit, and energy, likely from years of your life. For many of us, the benefits of continuing our education in a graduate program are clear, but nothing can be more deflating than learning that our undergraduate GPA doesn’t meet the expectations of our intended graduate program. Fret not, though, weary studier. There are several components that contribute to the overall consideration of your graduate application, and many things you can do to combat a lower-than-ideal undergraduate GPA. Here are some things you can do to level up and become a more competitive graduate school applicant.
1. Don’t Give Up – finishing strong if you’re still in undergrad
There are many reasons why someone may have struggled to maintain a high GPA in an undergraduate program. Even if you only have a semester or two left, improving your grades in those final classes can exemplify your capabilities to succeed as a student. If your struggles have been circumstantial, for example, by suffering a personal loss, balancing heavy responsibilities, or having undiagnosed learning difficulties, this rise in GPA can provide evidence to an admissions committee that you have overcome these obstacles, which can be explained through a compelling admissions essay.
2. Write a Compelling Admissions Essay
When applying to grad school, you often have the opportunity to complete a personal statement, statement of purpose, statement of explanation, etc. This is your chance to shine and explain to an admissions committee why you are a good candidate for their graduate program, despite having a low GPA. It lets you address the problem head-on by acknowledging the reasons for your lower GPA and providing examples of how you have overcome them. Your statement should include:
- Your accomplishments and examples of growth. What have you done well, or shown major improvements in? Perhaps you were able to excel in degree-relevant courses, despite other classes falling by the wayside. Did you earn any awards, recognition, or positions based on your work or merit? What were some struggles you overcame that resulted in better measurable outcomes (e.g., retaking a course and receiving markedly better grades)?
- The personal or professional situations that impacted your GPA and the actions you took to improve your situation. Address why the reasons for your low GPA will not be an issue in their program. Acknowledge the obstacles you faced (e.g., experiencing a personal loss) and explain how you’ve positively handled them. Try to include examples of your progress.
- Personal and/or professional examples that exemplify your passion for and understanding of your chosen field. What are your personal reasons for wanting to do the work you are pursuing? What courses, training, positions, or experiences have prepared you for this work?
3. Take on Additional Coursework and Raise Your GPA
Sometimes, taking on additional coursework can help prove to an academic committee that you are capable of completing the required coursework for their program, despite having a low GPA. You can:
- Take on additional coursework that demonstrates your capabilities and knowledge beyond what your low GPA suggests. For example, excelling in a non-degree-related chemistry course can demonstrate your mastery of the program’s required material, even if your GPA is low.
- Retake courses you received low grades in – this can help prove that your low GPA was circumstantial, and not caused by your inability to excel in your work.
- Acquire a graduate-level GPA as a non-degree-seeking student. Enrolling in graduate-level courses at a local or online college will allow you to prove you can master the rigorous coursework of a graduate-level program, despite having a low undergraduate GPA. The key is to enroll in courses that are relevant to your intended graduate program and excel in them! You can enroll in individual courses as a non-degree seeking student at most universities or complete a non-degree program. Learn more about non-degree programs here.
- Obtain a relevant certificate or other credentials in your field. There are many options for obtaining graduate certificates, as well as other forms of licensure or professional certifications. This additional coursework can raise or supplement a low GPA, showcase your aptitude for completing graduate-level or field-specific coursework, and demonstrate your ability to work in your intended field.
4. Supplement a Low GPA with Killer Test Scores
Many graduate school applications allow or require you to submit testing scores from a relevant graduate school entrance exam. Whether taking the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or other required entrance exam, getting killer scores on these tests can often persuade an admissions committee to overlook a low GPA. You can purchase study materials or tutoring services from specialized providers like Kaplan, or hire a Graduate Student Success Coach to help improve your study habits in general!
5. Gain Relevant Work Experience
Proficiency in your field can be demonstrated outside academia. Taking on positions relevant to your intended program can prove dedication and mastery to an admissions committee that is not reflected in a low GPA. You can gain experience through internships, volunteer opportunities, professional roles, or even by assisting with relevant research projects. Not only will this bolster your graduate school application and provide you with real-world experience in your field, but it will also pave the way for you to secure stellar letters of recommendation.
6. Impress with Stellar Letters of Recommendation
A lot of graduate school applicants fall short in reaping the maximum potential benefits of stellar recommendation letters. Choosing recommenders that can highlight where you excel, not just in academia, but in your professional and real-world capabilities, can bypass a low GPA. Focus on recommenders who can speak to your most valuable attributes regarding your intended programs. Try to obtain letters from diverse sources, including academic professors, mentors, or supervisors, for any relevant research, professional work, or field experience you may have.
7. Be strategic in your Grad School Application Planning
Being strategic in your graduate school application planning can provide a buffer for the potential consequences of having a low GPA. For example, finding programs that don’t have GPA requirements, tailoring each program’s application components to their respective institutional values, and applying to multiple programs that fall within the scope of your professional goals can all be tools that can strengthen your chances of being accepted into a graduate program, despite having a low GPA. Take your time, and be smart and intentional in your graduate school application submissions.
In conclusion, it can be easy to throw in the towel when the odds are stacked against you. Just remember that having a low GPA is not a death sentence for your graduate school dreams. It may take some extra steps, but your goals are within reach if you’re willing to take the first one. If you’re interested in learning more strategies for successfully applying to graduate school, schedule a consultation with one of our Graduate Student Success coaches today!
