6 answers
Reniah
Student
Aiken, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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What can get me a better chance in getting accepted into an hbcu with a low gpa?
My gpa is a 3.5 and I haven’t taken my SAT test yet, but I do not have high hopes for the score.
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6 answers
Allison Huelin
Personal Trainer
1
Answer
La Mirada, California
Updated
Allison’s Answer
Hi Reniah!
Great question. Most universities are looking for well-rounded students. This means that not only do your grades matter, but also your test scores, community involvement, volunteer work, etc. These places like to see you as a person, not just numbers on a page. Your 3.5 GPA is a great start, work on scoring well on your SAT, and try getting involved in your community through sports, volunteering, work, service projects, and such.
Hope this helps!
Allie Huelin
Great question. Most universities are looking for well-rounded students. This means that not only do your grades matter, but also your test scores, community involvement, volunteer work, etc. These places like to see you as a person, not just numbers on a page. Your 3.5 GPA is a great start, work on scoring well on your SAT, and try getting involved in your community through sports, volunteering, work, service projects, and such.
Hope this helps!
Allie Huelin
Jason White
Lead Product Manager- Network Security
80
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hey Reniah,
First I'll start by telling you that a 3.5 is actually an outstanding GPA. I'll say that a big part of applications can be extracurriculars on top of just academic success so any clubs or sports you're involved in can help greatly. I'm a fan of working things backwards so I would start by targeting which HBCU's you are interested in and making notes of what their admissions requirements are. After that you know what you are aiming for from a GPA and a SAT perspective so you can work diligently to achieve those standards if you don't already exceed them.
First I'll start by telling you that a 3.5 is actually an outstanding GPA. I'll say that a big part of applications can be extracurriculars on top of just academic success so any clubs or sports you're involved in can help greatly. I'm a fan of working things backwards so I would start by targeting which HBCU's you are interested in and making notes of what their admissions requirements are. After that you know what you are aiming for from a GPA and a SAT perspective so you can work diligently to achieve those standards if you don't already exceed them.
Alysia Furbish
Education
6
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Alysia’s Answer
Hello Reniah,
Your application is a reflection of your abilities, and it goes beyond just your GPA, test scores, and coursework. Your extracurricular activities add information about your character to your application, making it stand out rather than just numbers. When you're aiming for a particular major, it's beneficial to demonstrate a genuine interest in that area. Let's say you're applying for nursing. In such a case, having experience in volunteering at a hospital or a nursing home would significantly enhance your application compared to spending considerable time in neighborhood cleanup activities. While both are great extracurricular activities, one shows your interest in the area more than the other. So, let your passion shine through your application!
Your application is a reflection of your abilities, and it goes beyond just your GPA, test scores, and coursework. Your extracurricular activities add information about your character to your application, making it stand out rather than just numbers. When you're aiming for a particular major, it's beneficial to demonstrate a genuine interest in that area. Let's say you're applying for nursing. In such a case, having experience in volunteering at a hospital or a nursing home would significantly enhance your application compared to spending considerable time in neighborhood cleanup activities. While both are great extracurricular activities, one shows your interest in the area more than the other. So, let your passion shine through your application!
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
354
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
This is a good question, Reniah, and you have already gotten great advice. A few more thoughts:
- As several have said, a 3.5 GPA is reasonable to get into an HBCU. The average GPA at the more famous ones, such as Spelman and Tuskegee, may be higher. But don't give up on the college you want, especially if your grades have been improving or you could explain a dip.
- Some students like the ACT test better than the SAT. I doublechecked and UNCF schools take both. Especially if you like science, you might like the ACT better and perform better on it. There are free sample tests of both online so you can compare.
- When you think about extra-curricular's, think about quality over quantity. By that, I mean that having a few where you can show contribution and growth is more important that having a bunch where you only attend meetings.
- If you can, visit the campuses of at least a few HBCUs. This will help you clarify your criteria, demonstrate your interest in that college (a positive for admissions) and help you answer supplement questions.
I have put below a link to UNCF admissions information. It includes 37 HBCUs but there are close to 100 in the US.
Good luck!
UNCF - https://uncf.org/pages/applying-to-hbcus
- As several have said, a 3.5 GPA is reasonable to get into an HBCU. The average GPA at the more famous ones, such as Spelman and Tuskegee, may be higher. But don't give up on the college you want, especially if your grades have been improving or you could explain a dip.
- Some students like the ACT test better than the SAT. I doublechecked and UNCF schools take both. Especially if you like science, you might like the ACT better and perform better on it. There are free sample tests of both online so you can compare.
- When you think about extra-curricular's, think about quality over quantity. By that, I mean that having a few where you can show contribution and growth is more important that having a bunch where you only attend meetings.
- If you can, visit the campuses of at least a few HBCUs. This will help you clarify your criteria, demonstrate your interest in that college (a positive for admissions) and help you answer supplement questions.
I have put below a link to UNCF admissions information. It includes 37 HBCUs but there are close to 100 in the US.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Alexandra Ozieh
Consulting
1
Answer
Chantilly, Virginia
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Reniah! A 3.5 GPA is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. As a recent HBCU graduate from North Carolina A&T, your GPA matters, but not as much as you may think. It is more of a benchmark for you --- a way to see where you have excelled and where you may need to improve. Once you leave high school or even college, no one is going to really care about what your GPA is. Today, SAT/ACT is not really looked at as much as it used to be. With a strong extracurricular involvement, leadership skills, and a personable essay, I believe any HBCU would be lucky to have you. I would seek out which HBCU would fit your goals for the future and plan some visits. After that, I would research their admissions criteria and spend the next few weeks trying to obtain whatever is necessary!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Reniah, while a 3.5 GPA might not seem competitive for some top-tier programs, many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) look at more than just grades. They consider the whole person, not just their academic record. And remember, maintaining a 3.5 GPA is an achievement to be proud of. Here's how you can boost your chances of getting accepted:
• Powerful Personal Statement/Essays: Your essay is your chance to shine. Talk about your academic journey, the hurdles you've jumped, and why you're excited about going to an HBCU. Highlight how you'll add value to the campus and your future plans.
• Strong Letters of Recommendation: Get impactful, personal letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or community leaders who can vouch for your abilities, character, and work ethic. A well-crafted recommendation can underline your potential and resilience, even if your GPA is lower.
• Active Extracurricular Involvement: Highlight any leadership roles, volunteer work, or activities that show your commitment, skills, and community involvement. HBCUs value students who are active in their communities and have a clear sense of purpose.
• SAT/ACT Preparation: Give your best shot at the test, even if you're not feeling confident. Some schools have test-optional or test-flexible policies, but a good score could boost your application. If your score is lower than you hoped, concentrate on other areas like your personal statement and extracurriculars to compensate.
• Engage with Admissions: Get in touch with the admissions office to show your interest and find out more about their evaluation process. Some HBCUs may offer conditional admissions or extra support to students who show promise but are lacking in some areas.
Lastly, remember that each HBCU has its own admissions criteria. Many focus on a student's potential, community involvement, and desire to succeed. By playing to your strengths, showing determination, and proving you're a good fit for the university, you can increase your chances of being accepted, even with a lower GPA.
• Powerful Personal Statement/Essays: Your essay is your chance to shine. Talk about your academic journey, the hurdles you've jumped, and why you're excited about going to an HBCU. Highlight how you'll add value to the campus and your future plans.
• Strong Letters of Recommendation: Get impactful, personal letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or community leaders who can vouch for your abilities, character, and work ethic. A well-crafted recommendation can underline your potential and resilience, even if your GPA is lower.
• Active Extracurricular Involvement: Highlight any leadership roles, volunteer work, or activities that show your commitment, skills, and community involvement. HBCUs value students who are active in their communities and have a clear sense of purpose.
• SAT/ACT Preparation: Give your best shot at the test, even if you're not feeling confident. Some schools have test-optional or test-flexible policies, but a good score could boost your application. If your score is lower than you hoped, concentrate on other areas like your personal statement and extracurriculars to compensate.
• Engage with Admissions: Get in touch with the admissions office to show your interest and find out more about their evaluation process. Some HBCUs may offer conditional admissions or extra support to students who show promise but are lacking in some areas.
Lastly, remember that each HBCU has its own admissions criteria. Many focus on a student's potential, community involvement, and desire to succeed. By playing to your strengths, showing determination, and proving you're a good fit for the university, you can increase your chances of being accepted, even with a lower GPA.