Low GPA? 6 Strategies for Getting Into Grad School in 2020

[@LaurenValdez]

Vote what should my next video be on in the comments: A) Masters in Architecture B) Stanford Masters in Ed SOP C) Before feedback and after feedback STEM SOP D) Other (you tell me!)

[@phoebeho5661]

C

[@christopherho8015]

Great content as always. I would be grateful if you could explain how to draft a personal statement that complements the SOP, especially for someone who hasn't gone through many hardships in life.

[@qianxvluo3576]

Lauren Valdez B！

[@khalidhassan9208]

Master of Architecture! There isn't much content online about the specifics and would be great to hear your perspective. It's also quite different from the other disciplines that you've covered so it's great to hear an alternative angle!

[@LaurenValdez]

@@khalidhassan9208 Great. That will be coming soon.

[@laughoutmeow]

"first year of grad school I had cancer.." woah can't compete with that.

[@LaurenValdez]

It was hard but dealing w/ challenges during grad school is very common. I had a partner on a class project who was going through the exact cancer diagnosis and treatment as me one semester. I also had friends lose parents. Life is life even when you are in school and it's important to remember that school is not the end all be all. Cancer was a good reminder for me to slow down and not take grad school so seriously.

[@ranjanjuneja317]

The last line " You just have to find a different pathway" killed it. Thanks for the video. Supper informative and uplifting.

[@LaurenValdez]

You are welcome!

[@halinafonseca533]

When I was going to school I was going through a big addiction, and an abusive relationship that made it so hard to grasp information, and stay focused. I felt so incompetent at the time, but I managed to graduate and get my bachelor's. I feel so full of regret bc now that I recovered and want to get my master's I feel like I self sabotaged my future. Thanks for this video. 🙏

[@nantiabolotaeva2594]

I can relate that as a person who has had a surgery running back forth to physical therapy and then helping parents, I tried my hardest to boost my GPA but it was not easy.

[@natysanchez9307]

After watching many videos this one gave me faith. Thank you.

[@ochomsophie143]

Very informative video, you gave me courage to go ahead with my graduate school application. I got 3.24/4.0 & I was worried. Thanks really

[@LaurenValdez]

I wouldn’t worry about a gpa above a 3.0

[@yoli5779]

Thank you for this invaluable video. I’m currently feeling discouraged to apply to graduate school just because of the time it has taken for me to get my BA and although I received an okay GPA upon graduating I still feel I’m not good enough at least for the schools I’m aiming for.

[@LaurenValdez]

There is no rule that says you have to go to grad school. Some of the most successful people I know got bad grades and never went to grad school. Try out other things. Grow your experience with jobs, internships, etc. You can always decide later if grad school is right for you.

[@seutatia]

This was extremely helpful and encouraging for me. Thank you for your honesty as well as your motivation. I would love to connect with you, as I’m pursuing an MBA myself.

[@tiffanychildwithin]

This is a great video and is spot on. Wish I had seen it a year ago, however, I ended up doing all of these things mentioned on my own and did get into a couple great grad schools (as well as rejected from one). These are the exact things I would recommend. They definitely worked for me.

[@LaurenValdez]

Awesome! More people need to hear examples like this because many people think they can’t apply with a low gpa

[@calebmills8809]

Thanks so much for the tips! As someone with severe insomnia, and who works constantly through school, this video was very encouraging!

[@bosby8742]

C has my vote

[@SummerChick500]

this video was so informative thank you lauren!

[@kyli3__]

I have a Bachelor's in public health and I've been thinking of grad school then found this video and loved your story about public health. Can't wait to watch more of your videos! Feeling much more confident about looking at grad schools now.

[@redneckgirl3326]

This made me feel better. I went from a 3.75 to 2.41 GPA in one semester due to an illness. Then, I took 3 years off. I got a 4.0 this semester. I am attempting to get into grad school.

[@kmart014]

Did you get in? My gpa was barely 2.0 and I barely got my degree. 35 now thinking abt grad school

[@redneckgirl3326]

@@kmart014 I thought I'd let you know that I was notified today that I have been admitted with a full admission status, meaning no provisions.

[@heidi1992]

With a GPA lower than 2.5. Do you recommend I still apply to master programs? Because most of them have a cut off at 3.0 or 2.5.

[@LaurenValdez]

Many universities are open to lower GPAs if you can demonstrate growth. For example, if you have work experience that shows your abilities. They need evidence that you can be successful. They also are understanding that some people had struggles in school that made it difficult to focus on classes. Some schools even have a GPA statement that people can submit if they have low GPAs.

[@KR10612]

I have a low GPA in engineering major from India currently in final year i feel like it's the end of the world for me for grad school abroad and this happened because of the hardship faced during the pandemic along with long lasting depression and hopelessness 😔😔😔😔😔😔

[@nabeelkhan00]

Great explanation

[@TheRacingWind]

Lauren!!!!! I was just looking desperately at your channel hoping you'd upload something new. I've watched every video now 😂

[@LaurenValdez]

Glad you enjoy them. Make sure you hit the notification bell when you subscribe to make sure the videos show up in your feed. If you are on my email list you will be the first to know about office hours, new resources, and videos. landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i0p4x3

[@TheRacingWind]

@@LaurenValdez Oh girl you know I'm already signed up for all that 😂

[@missogikoya3123]

Yes I agree, so go follow and message instagram.com/jack.smith_07/ on instagram if you need help changing your school grades..

[@samsamia1630]

Thanks a million you are an angel ❤️

[@nopianocovers6628]

Thank you very much for making these videos, I really appreciate them!

[@LaurenValdez]

You are welcome! Make sure to subscribe and if you are on my email list you will be the first to know about new resources. landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i0p4x3

[@missogikoya3123]

I'd love to recommend this guy, he helped I and my friend out in hacking and changing my school GPA grades.. So I said that I must testify and I want y'all to go follow and message instagram.com/jack.smith_07/

[@cherylnyc89]

Thank you, very helpful!

[@rockybalboa9198]

Carry on. Your videos are really good.

[@LaurenValdez]

Thank you! Make sure to subscribe and if you are on my email list you will be the first to know about new resources. landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i0p4x3

[@IvanValdovinosGradSchool]

Lauren, great video! Very helpful tips.

[@LaurenValdez]

Thank you! Make sure to subscribe and if you are on my email list you will be the first to know about new resources. landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i0p4x3

[@jonathanjackson1388]

Great video! Thanks for the advice!

[@osaretinebuehi3175]

I love your video. Thank you 🙏

[@brighttooth3592]

Thank you

[@fiorellarivas9619]

Thank you so much for this amazing content, I want to apply to an M.Arch program that feels so much like a long shot that I'm scared to even say it out loud, hehe, hopefully everything goes well

[@edmondboateng2664]

wow, this is really helpful

[@LaurenValdez]

Glad it helps!

[@osaretinebuehi3175]

Thank you for this. Hope you're doing well now?

[@paolamirihara7283]

Great video :D

[@isassasinbro]

Thank you!!

[@varleenkaur5940]

Also please make a video on how to get into grad school after 3 years of undergrad. Because in some countries like the UK and India undergrad is of 3 years. I do know that some universities in Canada and America do accept 3 years undergrad.

[@LaurenValdez]

I'm not that familiar with the process for international applicants. If you have met all the prerequisites, it shouldn't matter if the program was 3 years.

[@สุภทัตห่อวโนทยาน-ง5ฒ]

Thank you so much for this amazing video :D Actually, I also had a tough time during my second year when I was studying mechanical engineering(Bachelor degree) at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand (my home country), therefore my GPA ranged from 2.77-3.29 for each semester. Fortunately, from my junior year until the last semester, I was recovered from my mental health, and my GPA turned out to range from 3.33-3.71 for each semester. I finally became top 20% of students of my undergrad school even if my average GPA is 3.15( for all semester) "Do you think I can write down these situations in my personal statement to show my improvement along the way to get my bachelor's degree to make my application outstanding from other applicants?" Moreover, two years ago, I was admitted into the most prestigious university in Japan which is the University of Tokyo. I put all of my effort to study and do much research during my grad student life here. As a result of this, I got a 3.92/4.00 GPA (4.00 for major subjects, top 1%) and got many experiences from research projects related to what I would like to study at UC Berkeley, UCLA, Umich as well as CMU.[I am planing to apply for a PhD program] According to my master's degree GPA and abundant research work I have done, do you think it will compensate for my undergrad GPA and help me distinguish myself from other competitors? Thank you for your video and support in advance I really appreciate it

[@LaurenValdez]

Yes it sounds like your previous GPA will be a minor factor as you have done a lot to show your growth.

[@สุภทัตห่อวโนทยาน-ง5ฒ]

@@LaurenValdez thank you so much for your comment Now I feel more comfortable and confident Before this, I was a little bit stressed out due to my undergrad GPA is just fair(not highly competitive) thanks to your amazing video and comment I will write down my story into my personal statment to show my improvement and strong ambition :D

[@rawanalfaqi10]

@@สุภทัตห่อวโนทยาน-ง5ฒ Hi, can I ask you how you got into University of Tokyo? What do you think was the strongest factor that got you in?

[@cocoarecords]

THANKS

[@fernandafernandesreis]

My situation is one of that you’ve mentioned. Low grades on the beginning of undergrad and excellent grades on the last year. Do I have to mention it in my personal statement? I only wanted to don’t talk about it 😅

[@LaurenValdez]

You can briefly mention it like with one sentence. Something like, "Once I settled on my major and discovered my path, I was able to focus in school and improve my grades"

[@BeeScaggs]

hello ! i have an undergrade GPA of 2.7, my enrollment advisor is suggesting i write an addendum...? research is showing me that an addendum is really only relevant for death in family/medical issues/hardship. i didn’t have that, only “issues” is i worked and commuted 45 minutes to school, so i’m really unsure on what to do. any advice anyone, please

[@wtfsylvia]

what if you have a 500 word limit and the university has asked you to outline what research you want to pursue?

[@doniadb4385]

Thank you so much for this video! Really, thank you! This is my situation, I have a bachelor's degree that I earned back in 2014 with a very very very low GPA (2.3) due to health issues and medication that caused me a physical disability. However, last year in 2022, I earned a master's degree from Harvard University - HES- with a GPA of 3.89. My goal is to apply to HBS (Harvard Business School) Ph.D. So, which GPA will the admission officers consider the most? What are my chances? Thank you very much! :)

[@beyonddoodles4236]

How would you suggest i could reach out to the admin staff? Like what should i ask exactly?

[@LaurenValdez]

You can start out by asking about resources they have for applicants. If you are part of an underrepresented group, ask if they have admission support services or if they can connect you with an office of diversity. You can ask if they can connect you with current students who are willing to talk about their experience in the program. Stuff like that.

[@beyonddoodles4236]

@@LaurenValdez got it, thanks Lauren!! :D

[@fabbehn0190]

I would like to apply but too scared.

[@ammu.live100]

Hello mam, I got low GPA during my undergrad but my post-grad GPA are pretty decent & I have a GMAT score of 700. So mam will my undergrad GPA matter anymore & will I get academic points during my profile evaluation & final shortlisting bases on my undergrad GPA or post-grad GPA. Please reply

[@LaurenValdez]

It depends on your experience and essays. If your essays and experience are stellar, then your GPA doesn't matter so much.

[@purvathube3428]

Hey I am from India and have low gpa . My graduation years were rough I am not awesome enough to have worked and support. I was an amateur who didn't know what to with my life , going through depression and had no help. I lost my dog and my grandmother and everything became worse . I tried to pull myself together in my 3rd year but it didn't do much for the first sem but for the last sem I scored really well. I attended some hands on trainig workshops and was part of a community service program. I wish to get into University of Miami for the Msc program of marine science, Since I found my love for the ocean and sharks. Please I need your guidance 🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️

[@LaurenValdez]

Schools like to see progress and you can talk about your situation in a personal statement and how you overcame those things to end with a high GPA.

[@seutatia]

How can we connect? I’d love to consult with you more on my candidacy.

[@LaurenValdez]

Make sure you are on my email list to get updates on free office hours and when my grad app academy program starts in the fall newsletter.laurenvaldez.com/

[@saadimran4784]

What is considered a low GPA for an average grad school?

[@LaurenValdez]

It depends on the school and program. For example for med school/law school, under a 3.5 is low. For programs ranked top 10, under a 3.3 might be considered low. For schools that are not that competitive under a 3.0 is low. However, even if you are on the low end, it's still possible to get into top programs if the rest of your application package is strong.

[@Jess-gs2pw]

@@LaurenValdez Lauren, thank you so much for providing tremendous value and information of use to all of us in need of it.

[@amandasun9014]

@@LaurenValdez so i.e. for top 10 mfe 3.6 is not a low gpa right?

[@dchang11]

@@LaurenValdez I left undergrad with a 3.0 and ended up at Georgetown MSFS five years later. It's possible. It's a uphill climb, but you can do it.

[@percyk6884]

thank u so much for this extremely useful vid! i have a question, i have a single F in an irrelevant subject, which doesnt affect my bachelor's degree other than just being there, my overall GPA is 3.5, i have high grades in the subjects that i want to pursue on my masters course, will the F affect the process somehow? P.S. i absolutely have a reason for it and plan to explain the circumstances in my essay.

[@LaurenValdez]

that shouldn't be a problem. The thing they want to know, is "can you be successful in the program." One bad grade in an irrelevant subject doesn't matter much.

[@percyk6884]

@@LaurenValdez Thank you for the response, much appreciated!

[@adaamm]

I have 4.0GPA, but not confident with the quant section on the GMAT (1/2000 in my quant finance class too) ( but awful at basic math )

[@thelizrd_]

For low GPAs (ie 3.223/4.0) should you mention why it was lower in a SOP or personal history. I want to make mine semi brief because my mental health did affect my GPA my first year

[@LaurenValdez]

Yes, you want to address any doubts the admissions committee has about you. Check out this video with more details and strategies about overcoming low GPA. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6vTimd8hK14n8U

[@dchang11]

One strategy is to call them up and break down your numbers together. Harvard might be out of the equation, but schools like Georgetown might be within reach. If you are honest, upfront, and ask tons of questions - the tide might reverse in your favor.

[@Four-dq4tv]

What is considered as a low GPA?

[@happygirl4378]

hi, im from india. i have been living USA for 6 years. my bachelors cgpa was 2.80. now i want to dos MS here. is this possible for me to get into a university with this low cgpa? please reply me, i am so much frustrated.

[@stalluri11]

I have low bachelor GPA but ok GPA in Masters will I get admission in Phd?

[@portiaawuah4655]

There’s nothing in the description box

[@LaurenValdez]

Thanks it's updated now!

[@verenislucas3277]

The grad school that I am looking at wants a 2-3 SOP. I need help

[@LaurenValdez]

My office hours will be resuming in a few weeks and you can come to ask your questions

[@Tiffany_FeeFeeTV]

How far back do I need go with older undergrad transcript submissions that are let’s say more than 10 yr old. If my actual completed undergrad is from 2021

[@LaurenValdez]

If you completed transcript has transferable credits show from other universities, then you don't need to submit transcripts from older universities

[@abdelrahmannabil7821]

By essays, you mean personal statement? and what should i ask my referee's to write about me?

[@LaurenValdez]

Each school has different requirements. Sometimes there is both a Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement and sometimes there is a series of short essay questions. You can learn more about reference letters in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpC7pGOwhJ15qLc

[@mianwaheedurrehmankakakhil2680]

Good v.good

[@JasminyPaul]

I’m an international student and my cgpa is 6.66 out of 10. Can anyone suggest a legit converter so that i can covert my cgpa to a 4.0 scale? Also will I be able to get through with this grade? I also have 3 years of work experience in engineering management field and my course of interest is MS in engineering management. Pls respond

[@LaurenValdez]

I'm not familiar with score converters. however your experience matters a lot, so I would worry less about your GPA and more on writing great essays and getting great letters of rec.

[@JasminyPaul]

@@LaurenValdez wow thanks ! You’re the best !

[@dooho1492]

2.6/4.0 is possible?

[@LaurenValdez]

It's possible if your experience is strong and you have good letters of rec. You want to make sure your essays really make you stand out. Identify a few great examples from your work experience that show your abilities.

[@jagadeeshabburi570]

Hi Mam, I am having 55.21% in graduation with year extended due to personal reasons, I am having work experience of 3 years in various technologies, could you kindly make a video for the people like me who can get into MS data science Universities in Canada/USA/Australia. It will be really really a great help mam

[@srirams785]

Having 2.5 gpa out of 4 and having 310+ gre score and 2+ years experience as a .net developer. Can I get A+ category schools??? I need your help in SOP madam plz

[@LaurenValdez]

It's possible if your experience is strong and you have good letters of rec. You want to make sure your essays really make you stand out. Identify a few great examples from your work experience that show your abilities.

[@missogikoya3123]

Yes I agree, so go follow and message instagram.com/jack.smith_07/ on instagram if you need help changing your school grades..

[@GPLovesJesus]

😩

[@benwolf5264]

no need for your right speaker for this video

[@titianl1778]

you have magic to attract people looking at your talking🤣

[@NiggaSlayer666]

Thank you so much