Graduate School Help!!?

Question

I am applying for grad school. In my first two years at university, I was directionless and lacking in motivation. I failed one course and got a D and did not do very well.

Now, I transferred to a smaller college, switched majors, and became full of motivation and direction. As a result, I now have a 3.7 Cumulative GPA. In my last semester in my third year, I got 3 As and 3 A+s. I am doing very well.

Now, I am applying for grad school and, I would like to know, if any of you had been in a similar situation to mine and if you were successful in applying to grad school, even though you began your undergrad studies with a fail and low grades. Thanks.

Answer 1

Don't stress too hard; it happens to everybody! Be truthful and let them know what happened and you will have no problems.

Answer 2

You'll have a little bit of explaining to do if they require a statement of purpose or if you have to attend an interview with a panel of faculty members in that field of study, but don't fret, admission committees will pay the most attention to your courses and gpa in the last two years of class- the courses you took as a junior and senior.  They almost expect that you will not do very well your freshman year- this is because they know that most freshman are still a bit immature, unsure of their major, unsure if they even want to be their, etc.  They also know that freshman year is usually devoted to general education requirements and many students are just plain bored with them.  As long as your overall gpa is above a 3.5 and you have shown steady improvement throughout the years, you should be fine.  Couple your gpa with a high score on GRE/GMAT, etc. and you shouldn't have too much to worry about!

Answer 3

There are many, MANY people in your shoes. A lot of us(me included) have started college half assed and then began picking up momentum as the years went by. Many college freshmen and sophomores start off there college years by partying or simply wasting their time. My girlfriend was the same way when she started College but started doing better and better and was recently accepted to USC's Master of Social Work program. you will be ok, Good Luck.