4 answers
lexie
Student
6
Questions
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can i get into college with a 2.5 gpa ?
my friend has a 2.5 gpa and she wants to go to college what kind of colleges could she get accepted into
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1591
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
There are many reasons student's grades can drop, including family issues, illness, a switch in teachers during the year or a lack of maturity. And now the coronavirus pandemic, which prompted many schools to shift classes online and disrupted the in-person educational experience for millions of high school students, can be added to that list. Admissions officials recognize that an applicant's GPA isn't always an indicator of capability, you'll need to write an honest explanation about your grades.
If your still in high school and it’s possible to raise your GPA before you graduate, give yourself an improved chance of getting into college. If you’re struggling with your grades, and you know the college you have your eye on isn’t likely to accept you, consider getting some outside help to bump up your grades. It’s also advisable to work on rounding out your college application with extracurriculars, work experience, your college essay and recommendation letters.
Most colleges ask for 2-3 recommendation letters to gain additional insight into your character and work ethic. Whether they’re teachers, counselors, or coaches, your recommenders can speak to your strengths and even help provide some context regarding your low GPA. For instance, maybe you’ve had a teacher who witnessed your academic growth and knows how hard you worked to improve your grades. A good word from someone like this can go a long way in boosting your application.
If your much more than your GPA then your college entrance essay is a great opportunity to demonstrate that. Here’s your chance to show admissions officers who you really are and why you’d be a great fit at their school. When brainstorming ideas, think back to the most important experiences you’ve had in your life and how you could shape them into a meaningful essay. By writing a strong and impactful essay, you can greatly increase your chances of admission into college.
Having a low GPA may limit your college choices, but there are plenty of colleges that accept students with your GPA. Make sure your college application shows the BIG picture on how you will succeed at their college.
If your still in high school and it’s possible to raise your GPA before you graduate, give yourself an improved chance of getting into college. If you’re struggling with your grades, and you know the college you have your eye on isn’t likely to accept you, consider getting some outside help to bump up your grades. It’s also advisable to work on rounding out your college application with extracurriculars, work experience, your college essay and recommendation letters.
Most colleges ask for 2-3 recommendation letters to gain additional insight into your character and work ethic. Whether they’re teachers, counselors, or coaches, your recommenders can speak to your strengths and even help provide some context regarding your low GPA. For instance, maybe you’ve had a teacher who witnessed your academic growth and knows how hard you worked to improve your grades. A good word from someone like this can go a long way in boosting your application.
If your much more than your GPA then your college entrance essay is a great opportunity to demonstrate that. Here’s your chance to show admissions officers who you really are and why you’d be a great fit at their school. When brainstorming ideas, think back to the most important experiences you’ve had in your life and how you could shape them into a meaningful essay. By writing a strong and impactful essay, you can greatly increase your chances of admission into college.
Having a low GPA may limit your college choices, but there are plenty of colleges that accept students with your GPA. Make sure your college application shows the BIG picture on how you will succeed at their college.
Thank You Shiri. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
Doc Frick
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Yes, you can get into college with a lower GPA.
I had a GPA that was very close to one you mentioned. Now, I was unable to get into the large state university system, but my academic scores did allow me to get into a community college.
After three academic years and diligent work, and focusing on improving my various writing, science, and math skills, I applied again and was accepted into a university. My academics had improved enough for me to achieve this.
So, to answer your question the junior or community college might be the best for improving the academic skills and raising the GPA high enough to get eventually accepted to a university.
I had a GPA that was very close to one you mentioned. Now, I was unable to get into the large state university system, but my academic scores did allow me to get into a community college.
After three academic years and diligent work, and focusing on improving my various writing, science, and math skills, I applied again and was accepted into a university. My academics had improved enough for me to achieve this.
So, to answer your question the junior or community college might be the best for improving the academic skills and raising the GPA high enough to get eventually accepted to a university.
Nicolas McKissack
Independent artist
72
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Nicolas’s Answer
A lot of people look at their GPA and think they've reached their full potential. Don't stop raising your standards though as a lot of people mature when it is the right time to pursue college, and do well. Don't think that your GPA now is all you will be capable of acheiving. When you take a break or wait until the future you might build a new motivation. Also, you learn things along the way like study skills, habits, and strategy that will take you to the next levels. Remember your GPA is not a complete reflection of you and if you continue on your journey will you gain maturity which will allow you to handle more difficult tasks and reach higher standards.
Laura Roty
Study Facilitator
2
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hey Lexie,
I just recently graduated from college and I met many people throughout my journey who had low GPAs coming into college and even post-undergraduate but were still able to find great success in their careers! Life poses many potential obstacles which can impact students in many ways! As a fellow student who experienced my fair share of struggles, it’s almost never too late to reach out for help and create a plan to make positive changes both for a student personally and academically. Sometimes this looks like receiving support from a student advocacy program, academic accommodations, extra credit, or even having the opportunity to earn Y-grades or retake a class based on the situation.
The average GPA range for college acceptance is 3.0+ but it’s still likely your friend can be accepted by most universities. Depending on the circumstances thought, it may be wise to consider attending a community college first. Many students take the route to get their pre-requisites out of the way, work towards an Associates Degree, AND boost GPA, before transferring to a university. Community college is also a great route to take to save money and avoid student loans!
Thanks you for posing this questions. It is so nice to see you reaching out for a friend and I am very hopeful that they are reciprocative to your efforts. No one is ever alone!
Please reach out if you or your friend have any more questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Laura
I just recently graduated from college and I met many people throughout my journey who had low GPAs coming into college and even post-undergraduate but were still able to find great success in their careers! Life poses many potential obstacles which can impact students in many ways! As a fellow student who experienced my fair share of struggles, it’s almost never too late to reach out for help and create a plan to make positive changes both for a student personally and academically. Sometimes this looks like receiving support from a student advocacy program, academic accommodations, extra credit, or even having the opportunity to earn Y-grades or retake a class based on the situation.
The average GPA range for college acceptance is 3.0+ but it’s still likely your friend can be accepted by most universities. Depending on the circumstances thought, it may be wise to consider attending a community college first. Many students take the route to get their pre-requisites out of the way, work towards an Associates Degree, AND boost GPA, before transferring to a university. Community college is also a great route to take to save money and avoid student loans!
Thanks you for posing this questions. It is so nice to see you reaching out for a friend and I am very hopeful that they are reciprocative to your efforts. No one is ever alone!
Please reach out if you or your friend have any more questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Laura