So, your GPA is low, and you are hoping that your GRE score will make up for it. Well, the good news is that your low GPA is not the end of the line when it comes to grad school admissions.
Sure, a high GPA coupled with a high GRE score would make an ideal application. But even then, your chances could get really slim if you lacked in other essential things like work experience, internships, authoritative references, etc. If you traverse Reddit threads, you are sure to come across stories where having a less than ideal GPA got into Harvard Business or Law.
When it comes to grad school admissions, you have to understand that nothing is set in stone. Your chances of getting into grad school, even if you have a low GPA, would vary from program to program that quantifying it is outright impossible.
Therefore, the first thing you should do is thoroughly research the program you are applying to.
Some programs have a GPA cutoff requirement. In this case, applying is useless if your GPA is below the minimum requirement. Luckily, most programs don’t require a minimum GPA. Nevertheless, you must confirm the specific needs of a program, so that you don’t end up wasting your time and money.
Since many programs don’t have a minimum GPA requirement, you may still worry that others with exceptional GPAs would get preference over you. This is where many other considerations come into play. Let’s explore some of the things that can help you stand out more even with a low GPA.
In this Article
A high GRE score
GRE score plays a vital role in your admissions process. It shows your aptitude to excel in an academic setting. While applying, GRE is one of the few ways for the admissions committee to judge your academic prowess. Since your GPA is low, therefore a high GRE score can compensate by establishing your academic ability.
For some programs, the GRE score is so important that they will set a minimum GRE score requirement. Whatever the case, a high GRE is definitely going to make the admissions committee think twice before rejecting you.
To conclude, if you study hard and manage to get an excellent GRE score, say, 90th percentile or above, you can definitely get into a good grad school. Set out a schedule and set a goal, and then get to practice.
Strong Recommendations
Most grad schools would ask for at least two recommendation letters. Ask someone authoritative to write you a stellar reference letter. Ideally, this can either be a Ph.D. professor or a senior manager at your company. The profile of the person who writes you the letter is of utmost importance. The more qualified the referee, the better the odds would be in your favor.
Publish Research Papers
If you are working in a research field, then publish original papers. Take up exciting projects, explore different avenues, and publish your findings. The admissions board places a great deal of importance on research experience. If you can show them that you can pass rigorous peer review, it will significantly improve your candidacy chances.
Put energy in your personal statement
If you sincerely feel that your low GPA is not a representation of your intellect, then write an honest and thoughtful personal statement. Be direct in your narrative. Systemically lay down the reasons why you feel this way. You can use your previous experiences to show that you are familiar with the field and carry a passion for it. You can also specify individual professors with whom you’d want to work and why. Show them that you have really done your homework in that program.
If some personal emergency was the cause of your low GPA, you can explain that in a separate letter. Not all programs require such a letter. So again check the requirements beforehand. Be clear and concise; explain the specifics of whatever the incident was and how it affected your GPA. Perhaps you got sick one semester, or someone close to you fell into hardship.
In conclusion, GPA is not the ultimate arbitrator of your grad school admission. There are plenty of other ways to show the admissions committee how you are qualified for the program. However, an impeccable GRE score is one of the best ways to demonstrate your readiness for academic study at grad school. Good luck!