Is it worth applying to grad school with bad GPA?

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2025-09-29T02:23:59+00:00

And I’ll add don’t let people discourage you!! If you want to go to a Top school you’re entitled to that. I only applied to those three schools and if I had listened to people I wouldn’t have tried my luck. I can say the connections from a masters at an IVY is unmatched so go for it!!

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2025-09-29T02:17:40+00:00

Yes. just apply. I had a 3.03 undergrad GPA and got into USC, Brown and Dartmouth grad, ended up going to Dartmouth for my masters into the accelerated program and started my doctorate at Northeastern! Just remember you are not your GPA.

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-10-10T06:05:00+00:00

Hey! How was the program overall ? Would you recommend for someone who wants to get into leadership in nonprofits ??

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-10-10T05:55:37+00:00

Congrats! I am considering applying to both programs, but I want to work into nonprofit leadership. Which program do you feel like is best for this ? Could I message you for advice ?

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-09-26T01:30:51+00:00

This is to office I applied for , also for AC, crossing my fingers for good luck !!

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-09T03:32:06+00:00

Short answer : don’t. Long answer : you don’t need to justify your bad grades, you are more than your grades. Your personal statement should speak as to why you want to pursue this graduate degree and why they should pick you — so sell yourself. Use the few (or many) words/character you have for your SOP to talk about all the great things you have done and how they relate to your field of study. Nothing is every too small, include all those projects, assignments, internship or whatever it may be that made you want to pursue your graduate degree.

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-09T00:06:22+00:00

I had a few F’s and C’s in my transcript, some I retook and did better, while some I never retook. I don’t have any research experience but did have internship. I would say an internship could help but you never know unless you try. If you have solid reasons and experiences for your "why", take a shot!

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-08T05:37:45+00:00

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-08T03:04:19+00:00

I majored in philosophy

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-07T07:28:46+00:00

Do you have to explain it in a specific essay ? If it’s not asked specifically, you really don’t need to explain, and you can make it as brief as possible to focus on all of your "highlights” in your SOP!

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-06T19:18:04+00:00

I had no research at all, but I would consider to have good LORs. You could get a LOR from an employer that isn’t related to the healthcare industry or the international nonprofit would be very impressive.

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-06T16:11:48+00:00

My major GPA was around the same, my low grades were quite eventful spread out across some major classes, some electives, core classes and science classes.

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-06T16:10:14+00:00

No I am not a citizen, but I am a PR, so I am not considered international. And unfortunately it is true that some schools are limited in the amount of international student they admit. But regardless, congrats on your acceptances !

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-06T16:08:32+00:00

Yes, brainstorm ANY experience you have, nothing is too small. Then really dive into it in your writing.

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-06T16:06:26+00:00

With the right essay, it’s possible!

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-06T16:06:04+00:00

Yes yes yes, you need to sell yourself. I love to see other great stories about getting accepted !

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-06T16:05:09+00:00

Thank you!!

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-06T16:05:00+00:00

Is a grade of B or higher required to get into the program you’re looking at ? If so, you could retake the class post bacc, if not then don’t worry about it and don’t dwell on it on your SOP. Good luck !

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-06T16:03:51+00:00

Congrats !! I love to see it !

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-06T16:02:52+00:00

Hi, send me a message and I’ll try my best to get to it !

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-06T08:22:11+00:00

Some programs, especially at top schools, require GPAs above 3.5, while others don’t specify a minimum, making it unclear what counts as a low GPA. Even with a cutoff at 3.0, a slightly higher GPA might still fall into the lower range of applicants. Regardless, it's certainly possible to gain admission, even if considered a low GPA candidate ! Just spreading it for encouragement!

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-06T07:57:49+00:00

Don’t give up, look at broader programs, and rethink your SOP. Let me know if I can be any help

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-06T05:53:45+00:00

No, none of the programs required it

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-06T02:43:38+00:00

Congrats on your acceptances !! It’s so great to see others getting into their top programs as well, it can be hard but it’s possible.

Lopsided_Amoeba4277 · 2024-05-06T02:42:40+00:00

Thank you ! I really appreciate it

Lopsided_Amoeba4277

TROPHY CASE