• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Can a person with ~2.5 GPA get into grad school?

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
In Grad School, anything below a B in your major is generally considered failing. For example at my school, a B- means you need to retake the grad class. So your "friend" is basically getting a C/C+ average and then is telling the grad school that he expects to get a B average while taking tougher courses. That is a tough sell. But with a lower reputation school, good recommendations, a great GRE, and a good application he can get in.

However, I think your "friend" has some thinking to do. Many grad students get paid as a student assistant or for doing their research. Even if he gets in will your "friend" be able to also convince the department/advisor that he deserves a salary? If not can he afford grad school? And one last thing, can your friend actually put in the effort required to get a 3.0+ in grad school, or will he flunk out? If he slacked off all throughout the undergrad school, why would he suddenly get this inspiration to get a minimum of 3.0? If he doesn't have this inspiration, why waste his time and money on grad school?
 
Zombie: you've picked a BAD time, probably. Certainly, your work experience counts for something. Right now, because of job shortages, grad school applications are WAY up. And they're not accepting more people... they're just taking the top X people that apply. Of course, it all depends on where you apply, too. 🙂

If I were you, I'd wait a bit of time.... or just go TALK to some grad schools about admission. They can usually give you a good idea of what they're looking for (and they'll only do this in person--in writing, you're not likely to get anything). And when in doubt, just apply. Its usually not horribly expensive.

Best of luck to you!
 
now do this rules apply to part-time MBA programs as well ?

I checked couple places online(Businessweekly I think) and most good schools had part-time MBA acceptance rate at or close to 75-80%.

and I think if I do well as part-time they should have no problem letting me switch to full-time I wish to do so. In my case I can attribute my low GPA to internships and co-ops(had no money so I made a choice, in late 90's GPA didn't matter too much).
 
Zombie: Yeah... a lot of the part-time MBA programs aren't very selective. You might get in easily there.... like I said, I would talk to the college you're interested in (don't go in blind). They can probably give you a good idea what they're looking for.

I finished undergrad in '99... so I know what you mean. In the late '90s... they were throwing money and jobs at well-qualified technical-degreed people. In fact, recruiters were calling my dorm-room on a regular basis. Oh... those were the days....

good luck!
 
I know someone who had a 2.7GPA from RPI (in business) and got into Columbia Business School. I guess it really depends on your work experience.
 
You can always try the back door.

Take the courses for grad school without actually applying for it.

Once you have proved yourself, go around to the front. At this point, you have shown you can do the work and the prof and department head(s) will know you.

I was only 8 credits shy of my MS when I got the BS. GPA was 2.6 in undergrad work 3.4 in grad work.
 
Originally posted by: TommyVercetti
A "friend" of mine who has such a low GPA asks. His parents are forcing him take the GMAT or GRE. They think he has a 3.0, and has an allright chance in getting into a grad school. Ofcourse he doesn't tell them the truth. "He" is considering either Finance, accounting or something related.
Click to expand...

what professor is going to give a glowing recommendation to a student with a 2.5?
the professor would kill his/her own reputation.

your friend should ask some professors for some honest advice about this - since it seems he only wants to go to grad school because he can't get a job right now.
 
Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
You can always try the back door.

Take the courses for grad school without actually applying for it.

Once you have proved yourself, go around to the front. At this point, you have shown you can do the work and the prof and department head(s) will know you.

I was only 8 credits shy of my MS when I got the BS. GPA was 2.6 in undergrad work 3.4 in grad work.
Click to expand...

EagleKeeper: I know SEVERAL people who have done this... and it works well for those who 1) have the motivation to handle the extra workload and 2) already go to that school. If the original poster is looking to go to a DIFFERENT school, they don't just let you walk in and take classes. 🙂
 
there are three facets to admissions criterea:

GPA
Test Scores
Letters of Recommendation

You need to be strong in at least 2 of 3, so it is possible. It is also possible you go to a program that has more relaxed critereon.



 
Originally posted by: HokieESM
Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
You can always try the back door.

Take the courses for grad school without actually applying for it.

Once you have proved yourself, go around to the front. At this point, you have shown you can do the work and the prof and department head(s) will know you.

I was only 8 credits shy of my MS when I got the BS. GPA was 2.6 in undergrad work 3.4 in grad work.
Click to expand...

EagleKeeper: I know SEVERAL people who have done this... and it works well for those who 1) have the motivation to handle the extra workload and 2) already go to that school. If the original poster is looking to go to a DIFFERENT school, they don't just let you walk in and take classes. 🙂
Click to expand...

Most schools will let you take individual classes (off the street). Take one or two per semester. Your job may also pay the cost. Once you have proven yourself (4-6 classes) then you can try the front door. If the front door stays closed, keep on taking the courses anyhow.

Even if they refuse you at the end- you will still have gotten the education that you are looking for.

Then on the resume, put down that you took all the requirements for the Masters, but did not apply for Grad School. IF you then get asked , tell the truth; Your undergrad CPA was to low and then point out that you did all the work and your graduate GPA (if it is worth bragging on)

 
Originally posted by: EagleKeeper


Most schools will let you take individual classes (off the street). Take one or two per semester. Your job may also pay the cost. Once you have proven yourself (4-6 classes) then you can try the front door. If the front door stays closed, keep on taking the courses anyhow.

Even if they refuse you at the end- you will still have gotten the education that you are looking for.

Then on the resume, put down that you took all the requirements for the Masters, but did not apply for Grad School. IF you then get asked , tell the truth; Your undergrad CPA was to low and then point out that you did all the work and your graduate GPA (if it is worth bragging on)
Click to expand...

Well, that's not always the case. In the three schools I've been at (all large state universities and in the engineering field), departmental approval was REQUIRED to take ANY courses, graduate or undergraduate. My current department makes other majors take placement exams before letting them take graduate courses.... but you still have to be accepted into the Graduate School at the university.

So I would say that this highly depends on the major, the school, and the department.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top