Grades in college and grad school?

Question

Okay, I'm just looking for a little reassurance... I am beginning my 4th semester in college and right now I have a pretty good idea of what I want to do and it involves grad school. I am excited that my plans are forming but I'm nervous because my first 2 semesters I didn't do so well. I think I had a 2.2 gpa and then a 2.5. I did a lot better last semester and I currently have a 2.5 cumulative GPA. I was just getting used to college and now I feel like I messed up my chances of getting into grad school. Does anyone have any experience in this? I know I am going to do so so so much better from now on. Did those 2 mess up semesters ruin my chances?

Thank you so much!

Answer 1

It will really depend on what kind of grad school studies you intend to do.  If you plan to be a med student, you're screwed.  If you plan to get a master's in fine arts, maybe not so much.  Either way though, you s******g off for two semesters will reflect on your transcript as having the potential of being a not very serious student.  Now's the time you need to really study hard and show that you can do better.

Answer 2

You will find a grad school to take you for sure eg:

http://extension.harvard.edu/alm/

So simply continue to do your best, secure in the knowledge your plan to go to graduate school is sound.

Thanks

Bill

Answer 3

Some schools have a cutoff gpa requirement, usually a 3.0. Others have this requirement, but if you don't meet it, they will use a formula. For example, a business school would use the following formula: gpa x 200 + GMAT score= 1050 or 1100 (GMAT scores range from 200 to 800), meaning if you reach those numbers, you can be accepted (it's not a guarantee of admission of course b/c they consider other factors as well.) They may also use a similar formula using only the gpa for your last 60 semester hours, which will be your junior and senior year in college. FYI: When they use one of these formula, most schools will allow the gpa requirement to go only as low as 2.75, but some will go down to 2.5.

Not sure what area you plan to study, I just used business school and GMAT as an example b/c it's what I'm familiar with. If you don't plan on getting your masters in anything business related, then you'd more than likely take the GRE and the school would probably have a similar formula for it. Anyway, the best thing you can do is continue to bring up your gpa, find out what graduate admission test you need to take, and study hard for it. Try your best to get a very competitive score. Good luck!

Answer 4

Hi. Good job bringing up your GPA! Those first semesters can be so hard and most graduate schools will take that into consideration. As long as you continue to do well and bring up your GPA to at least a 3.3, I believe you'll be fine. I was in the same situation as you and I was able to bring mine up to a 3.5. Remember to get involved and volunteer as well...good luck!