Can You Go to Graduate School with a High GRE and Low GPA?

Putting together your graduate school application is an exciting step toward higher education. If you have a high GRE score and low GPA, curating your application in a way that highlights your achievements while explaining how you have grown from weak points can help set you up for success. In this article, we will review how to structure your application to showcase your strengths, why graduate school is beneficial, and how to apply. 

Read more: How to Apply to Graduate School: Step-by-Step Guide

What is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), are standardized tests designed to showcase your academic knowledge and critical thinking skills to graduate school admission committees. Many programs look for scores from the GRE General Test, which includes sections related to verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. You can take this test online or at a testing center, which primarily consists of multiple-choice questions. 

To show specialized knowledge, you might also take GRE Subject Tests. These tests are offered in mathematics, physics, and psychology and are designed for students with advanced knowledge or formal studies. 

Many graduate programs consider your scores on this test when considering your application. For programs that do not require the GRE, you might still be able to submit your score as a way to strengthen your application. 

Read more: GMAT vs. GRE: Which Should I Take?

How to apply with a high GRE score and low GPA

When you apply to graduate school, it’s important to consider your strengths and weaknesses. Above all, you want to show a strong interest in the field and the tools to succeed. If you have a low GPA and a high GRE score, you should think about ways to highlight your GRE score while explaining why your low GPA does not fully represent your academic abilities. Some ways in which you can do this are as follows.

1. Highlight your strengths on your application.

While your GPA might feel like a big part of your academic history, it is only one piece of how you represent what you bring to a graduate program. You can use your high GRE score to represent your academic capabilities and likelihood of success in a graduate program. In your application, make sure to emphasize the successful courses you have completed, write strong essays elaborating on your journey, and curate strong recommendation letters.

2. Gain relevant experience.

To strengthen your application, showing success and dedication by participating in internships, volunteer work, or entry-level job experience related to your desired field can help set your application apart. It provides practical insights into the profession and strengthens your application by expanding your portfolio, connecting you with mentors, and representing your ability to learn and grow.

Read more: How to Get a Job: 10 Effective Tips to Land Your Next Role

3. Have strong recommendations.

If you have established strong relationships within your field, you should ask these mentors, colleagues, and professionals to recommend you for the program. Your letters should discuss your work ethic, dedication, capabilities, and personal character.

Read more: How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation (Template + Tips)

4. Tailor your resume.

Your resume provides an overview of your academic and professional journey. You should tailor your resume to your graduate program of interest and ensure it highlights your most relevant accomplishments and skills. If you know your program of interest values certain skills, customize your resume to align with the program. 

Read more: Resume Keywords: How to Find the Right Words to Beat the ATS

5.. Explain your low GPA.

While your GPA might feel like a big part of your academic history, it is only one piece of how you represent what you bring to a graduate program. You can use your personal statement or an additional essay to provide context. You can address any personal challenges, explain how it took time to find your academic focus or discuss your personal growth. Be genuine and honest in your essays.

6. Speak with an admissions counselor.

Admissions counselors can answer questions and guide you in the application process. Depending on your program of interest, admissions counselors can typically help you decide what aspects of your application to highlight and give tips to help you represent yourself well. Some programs may weigh application components differently, and applying to programs suited to your strengths may be beneficial.

7. Connect with faculty.

Taking time to initiate conversations with faculty members, especially those you would like to work with, can be advantageous. This demonstrates your specific interest in the field. In some cases, faculty may vouch for you during the admissions process.

8. Prepare for interviews.

In the interview stage, ensure you have practiced articulating your interest in the field, your motivations, and why you are a great fit for the program. This is the time to show your human skills to help you stand out.

Read more: How to Prepare for an Interview

When is graduate school beneficial?

Pursuing a graduate degree can be a strategic move if you want to elevate your career and expand your knowledge in a particular area. Depending on your goals, graduate school education offers several advantages. 

For starters, it can pave the way for career advancement, open doors to fresh job opportunities, and enhance your credibility in your field. Many employers look for advanced degrees in applicants, so having a specialized diploma to your name can set you apart. Higher education also allows you to explore certain topics in-depth, expand your knowledge base, connect with experts in your area, and hone specific skill sets. 

Read more: Is Graduate School Hard?

How to apply to graduate school

Applying to graduate school requires time, planning, and effort. When applying, you should carefully map out each component you need, decide when and how you plan to complete your application and consult with mentors or admissions advisors about any questions. While programs differ in requirements, you can likely expect to see the following components. 

1. Application forms

When you apply to graduate schools, most will have you complete applications online. As a prospective student, consult each program’s website for specific details such as application deadlines, submission information, and GRE codes if applicable. Making sure you adhere to all instructions can ensure admission counselors don’t discard your application before considering it. 

2. Application fees

Each university (and sometimes individual programs) usually require an application fee. You may be able to get fee waivers by demonstrating financial constraints or by applying through specific programs. The graduate division for each campus should be able to provide you with options. 

3. Recommendation letters

In your application, recommendation letters will play an important role in showing your experience, motivation, and strengths to application reviewers. If you’ve done relevant research or work, letters from mentors can showcase why you’re a great candidate for the program. When asking professors or mentors, give them enough time to create well-thought-out letters.

4. Transcripts

When applying for graduate programs, you will typically need to submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have taken courses at or graduated from (including courses at community colleges). This can take time, so request these early to avoid missing deadlines.

5. Standardized tests

Many programs require (or don’t require, but accept) standardized tests such as the GRE, such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) for medical students, Law School Admission Test (LSAT) for law students, Dental Admission Test (DAT) for dental students, and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) for students pursuing a variety of grad school degrees. You should prepare and attempt these tests early, so you have time for retakes if needed.

6. Statement of purpose and personal history statement 

Many graduate programs will ask for personal statements or personal history statements. This is a great time to explain your motivation for the program, your experiences thus far, and why you are a great choice for admission. If you have particular areas of concern on your application, such as a low GPA, this is an appropriate place to explain what may have influenced this, how you have learned from these experiences, and why you will succeed in the graduate program.

Start your journey with Coursera

Taking advanced courses on Coursera can strengthen your application for graduate programs. You can choose specific skills you feel would enhance your application, additional courses to deepen your subject matter expertise, or topics you may have gotten a low grade. Broad options include Professional Certificates like the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate or more specialized courses like Chemistry or Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People.