Question by dom_neely: What are my chances of getting into a master’s program in school psychology with a low undergrad gpa of 2.98?
My strengths:
-Reputable private university
-Research experience
-Current work experience related to field
-Leadership responsibility
-Drive and passion for this field (school psychology)
Weaknesses:
-Low to mediocre GPA
-Afraid I will not stand out against other applicants with very high GPA’s
-Have not taken GRE general or psychology subtest and not very good at standardized tests
I would honestly like to know my chances of getting into a graduate program with a low GPA. It’s causing me anxiety thinking about it but I know that there is more to me than my GPA and I’m hoping that admissions counselors see that as well. Realistically, do I have a chance of getting into a graduate program?
Best answer:
Answer by mevadus
What leadership responsibility do you have to offer? That one caught my eye. Were you in the military? Are you a manager of a small group of people? You don’t have that low a GPA, but you might want to go back and take a few classes over to raise it. I think you have a chance to get into a Masters program, but you might want to continue to get more experience so that you have something more to offer than just a Bachelors Degree. Showing Drive and passion is great, but I could do that easily, and to be honest with you I have no interest in the field.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
Most universities do include a section on their graduate applications to explain low grades, so long as there is a reasonable excuse for a particularly bad semester or year.
Even without an excuse, you could manage to get into a program. I’d suggest really studying up for the GREs, and making sure you have some fantastic references about your character and dedication to the field. With a 2.98, unfortunately you wont be able to be considered for “top tier” schools, but could quite likely get a spot at a decent state university. Good luck!
It really just depends. The MAT and/or GRE test scores at most schools are a consideration, but don’t make or break you. The 2.98 GPA isn’t that bad, but you will need to sell yourself on your strenghts, mainly showing how you have interest by working in the field. Everyone has research experience and being from a big name school or some little school doesn’t really matter unless you are trying to go somewhere big name. For example, if you lived in California and attended UC Davis and wanted to go to UCLA, it might be harder than having gone to Cal Berkeley or SC. The only way you will know is just to apply.
It would help if you tell us some of the schools you have in mind. But your GPA isn’t terrible, espcially for a Master’s applicant so you won’t know for certain until you apply. If your goal is to get your Master’s somewhere, you will find a place that will accept you and I am not talking about those no name private universities. I think the main thing for you to do is research schools because they can vary greatly on admission requirements.