If your grades are on the low side, you’re probably asking yourself how to get into college with a low GPA, and wondering if it’s possible. We’re here to tell you that it IS possible; by focusing on creating a standout college application you can significantly improve your chances. If you’re applying to colleges which use the Common App, you’re already on the right track, as this platform is an efficient way for students to keep track of multiple applications. In this blog, we’ll look at your chances of being accepted into college with a low GPA and actionable strategies to improve your GPA (including things you can do right now!).
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8 Ways to Raise Your GPA and Improve Your Application
For students who are still in high school, it’s possible to raise your GPA before you graduate and give yourself an improved chance of getting into college. There are a few things you can do to raise your GPA before you graduate:
1. Calculate Your GPA
First, you must understand what your GPA currently is, and explore what the minimum GPAs are for the programs you’re interested in. It might help you to shortlist some of the easiest colleges to get into and start there (to increase your chances of acceptance).
2. Hire a Tutor
Even the smallest improvement in your GPA will still be an improvement! There is no shame in asking for help if you’re struggling in a particular subject, or subject area. For instance, you may need additional support with mathematics. Trying to improve your GPA on your own can be stressful, and committing to a tutor only shows your dedication and determination.
3. Reduce and Balance Course Load
If you’re having trouble juggling courses with life’s responsibilities—or perhaps a particular course requires more time and energy, consider taking fewer courses each semester. Summer school can be a great opportunity to make up credits or boost grades as well!
Alternatively, if you’re struggling in a particular subject, talk to your guidance counsellor and determine if you need that course on your transcript for future college applications. For instance, if you’re hoping to be a teacher, you might not require one of the social science courses you’re struggling in!
4. Polish Your Skills and Enhance Other Qualities
While this may not directly improve your GPA, having a strong skillset, leadership qualities and valuable experiences within your community can strengthen your application if your GPA is low. Think of it this way: a large part of your college application will be the college essay. Knowing how to write a college essay is a necessity, but writing a stellar one can help you shine even with a low GPA.
Additionally, considering your Common Application activities section will require you to enter extracurriculars, volunteer and even employment experiences, it’s a good idea that to gain experience within your community or chosen field. These things can make you stand out as an applicant, even if you don’t have the highest GPA.
5. Improve Application Components
Improving specific components of your application can certainly contribute to ‘outshining’ a low GPA. Consider the following:
6. Wait to Apply
One thing you can do is wait to submit your college application. This can buy you time to improve your GPA or gain experiences. Many students take advantage of having a gap year in between secondary and post-secondary – if you decide this is for you, then you may wish to retake courses, improve your GPA, and explore extracurriculars or employment opportunities to enhance your application!
7. Look at Alternative Admissions Programs
If your GPA is below average, you can consider an alternate admissions program. Some colleges offer students with low grades an alternative admissions program as a sort of transition period between high school and college – you may be offered admission to a different program than the one you applied to, or one that is closely linked but requires fewer prerequisites (or, has a lower cut off for GPA). There are also pathway programs to bridge community college to degree programs.
8. Apply to Community College
Students can attend courses over the summer and fall after graduation, completing college-level credit courses to raise their average. If students earn a C grade or better and take a sufficient number of courses, they can transfer to a four-year college program as a transfer student in the spring semester.
Can You Still Get into College With a Low GPA?
Know that it is entirely possible to be accepted to college with a low GPA! Not everyone excels academically, and there are countless reasons for struggling with your GPA; from stress, to unforeseen circumstances, to learning difficulties.
But fear not — getting into a four-year program with a low GPA is possible with effort and the right approach. One of our consultants has some words of encouragement:
“As difficult as it can be, do not let your GPA define you. It may be true that a high GPA can do a world of good, but this is not an absolute. There are many parts that make up your overall application, other than your GPA, and in majority of the cases, the admissions committee looks at the whole package. Use your low GPA as motivation – motivation to go above and beyond in all other categories that make up your overall application … As long as you show a desire to work hard and succeed, your low GPA should not define your application.” Dr. Neel Mistry, BeMo Consultant
What is the Lowest Possible GPA for College Admissions?
With over 5,000 colleges in the US, some accept students with a 2.0 GPA…but applying with a very low GPA is risky.
What happens if your GPA is below 2.0? Well, you’re in a bit of a tough spot if that’s the case, but don’t give up:
"If candidates are hovering somewhere below a 2.0, having an honest discussion with the admissions committee to explain their situation and figure out the next best steps is ideal. In some cases, many will either re-take the courses they performed poorly in or do another undergraduate degree to override the first.” – Dr. Neel Mistry, BeMo Consultant
Can I Get Into College with a Low GPA as a Mature Student?
If you've graduated or are applying as a mature student, improving your GPA might not be an option – or at least not as straightforward as it might be for somebody who is, for instance, a junior in High School.
However, you can still get into a degree program with a low GPA. College admissions consider various parts of your application—as mentioned above, extracurriculars and experience do matter. For example, at some schools, your GPA may only account for 20, 30 or 40% of your application – other components, experiences and even your college essay can help balance your application and enhance your appearance as a strong applicant to admissions committees!
Should You Address a Low GPA in Your College Application?
Yes, it is advisable to address a low GPA. Why? Because, it’s important to provide some context and background information as to why your GPA is on the low side. Think of it this way: You can control the narrative – rather than allowing the admissions committee to draw their own conclusions about you.
How To Address a Low GPA on Your College Application
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how you should address a low GPA in your application, however, some students may opt to lean on their referees to write strong reference letters that emphasize the effort you’ve made to raise your grades, or how well you’ve contributed to your community through extracurriculars. Alternatively, you may choose to address it in your essay and explain any extenuating circumstance or life event that may have negatively impacted your GPA. Be sure to highlight what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown so the admissions committee sees that you are capable and determined to achieve better grades.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many actionable ways to improve your GPA, as well as other options you can consider as a recent graduate or high school student with a low GPA, approaching graduation. When you’re short on time to bump up a low GPA, you might think there’s not much you can do. But there’s still hope to get you into college, even sooner than you think!
FAQs
1. What’s the lowest GPA a college will accept?
Most four-year programs typically don't accept GPAs below 2.0, but options like community colleges or alternative admissions programs can help you succeed.
2. Can I still improve my GPA?
If you are still in high school, you can improve your GPA by hiring a tutor, talking to a guidance counselor, and developing better study strategies.
3. What should mature students with low GPAs focus on when applying to college?
Mature students should emphasize their professional experiences, personal achievements, and strong college essays to compensate for a low GPA.
4. Do the other sections of my college application offset a low GPA?
Yes, components like your college essay, extracurricular activities, and recommendation letters are often weighted more heavily than your GPA.
5. Can my college essay overshadow my low GPA?
A strong college essay can enhance your application and overshadow a low GPA, especially if it tells a compelling personal story.
6. What are my options for getting into college with a low GPA?
You can improve your GPA, apply to alternative admissions programs, or start at a community college to transition into a four-year program.
7. Do standardized test scores count for more than my GPA?
Usually, standardized test scores are less significant than your coursework grades and GPA, but they can still positively impact your application.
8. How do I get into college with a low GPA?
Yes, addressing your low GPA and explaining the reasons behind it can show maturity and resilience to admissions boards.
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