Problem with Low overall GPA

how low of a gpa? The lowest would be 2.0

hi AshleyW92,

Right now, without including my GPA from another country, would be 3.17 but if they will include my previous degree from my country it would around 2.54.

Look at the schools to which you're applying. Lottery systems may be your best bet in either case, but see what the minimum qualifications are for those.

You can get in trouble for academic dishonesty if you don't transfer your credits from your country, just FYI. This is something I actually discussed with an adviser because I have only one class I needed that I would have been glad to repeat from one school, and a bunch of other stuff pulling down my GPA from there. But I wasn't willing to risk it somehow coming up and getting kicked out and disqualified from applying again.

Thank you RunBabyRun for your advice. I don't intend to keep anything, I just am preparing for the worst

GPA is a huge factor. I would also recommend getting stellar recommendation letters and some volunteer experience to offset the low GPA.

StephenAndrews,

I know GPA is a huge factor. My pre req GPA is around 3.7, however my overall GPA will be pulled if they will include my grades from the other country where I am from. If it is just based on US grades it is around 3.17. I am hoping they will consider that.

3.17 is low, but it's not as low as you might think. I think with other good qualifications, you should have no problem. :) Good luck.

Thanks for your kind and encouraging words StephenAndrews.

I am still keeping my fingers crossed that overall GPA will not be their sole basis.

Is that the cumulative GPA? My school requires a minimum 2.0 in the pre-req courses. Because it's highly competitive, a 2.0 would never get you in. I have a cumulative 3.13 from my previous degree and the classes I've taken since going back to school.... I have 106 Credit Hours.... However, my pre-Req GPA is a 4.0.

Luckily, my school uses the pre-req GPA.

DadStudentPerhaps,

I am hoping that the school will do the same thing- just look at my pre req GPA instead of my cumulative or overall GPA. It's just sad how my past grades are haunting me ; (

Actually, the school where I am applying right now has 3 requirements: overall GPA, pre req GPA and act reading or accuplacer..I am ok with 2 except for the overall GPA.

It all depends on the school. Some schools do a cumulative GPA others go off of certain classes. Llike mine says a mininum 2.5 GPA but they do a points system off of 4 classes and you pretty much have to have all A's in those 4 classes. I would talk to an advisor at the school you are applying to.

Heathermaizey,

I already asked the school but their answers were too general. I tried posing this question to find out if there are applicants/students who had the same problem/experience that they could share.