Getting into grad school with a low GPA

So I have been talking about my experience of getting into grad school with a low GPA.

When I finished my bachelors degrees I had a GPA of 2.86

The program I applied for preferred to have students with a 3.0 at least.

However, My director for my program gave me some insight that I think will be helpful to others in my position.

1. The most important thing is your letters of recommendation.

• Ask the professors that not only gave you good grades, but the ones you talked to. Ask the ones who saw how hard you worked and care about you.

2. Work really hard on your Statement. It's the second most important thing.

• You need to focus on your strengths, what you learned as an undergrad (as it relates to your masters program). Be sure to mention any conferences you spoke at or any publications you have. And also mention why you stand out from other students. What is your uniqueness that is an asset to the program.

3. GPA is the third most important thing.

• If your GPA isn't great, don't fret. Just shine on the first two things. And be sure to explain (if you can) about why your GPA might be low. Wether a personal or family emergency happened, or you were lazy your first few years and really got it together the last two years.

4. GRE scores.

• Not all schools require these. If your school does, a good score can make up for low GPA. If they don't just focus more on 1 and 2. Also, if you have a good GPA and a low GRE there's still no need to worry. Unless your school requires a minimum.. most schools don't care about the scores that much.

I hope this can help others out there that are in the same position I was. I did get into my program with a not so great GPA and a terrible GRE score. So there's always hope.