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

Key takeaways

When you have a high Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score and a low GPA, it's essential to curate your application to highlight your achievements. 

• Impactful essays and strong letters of recommendation can support your grad school application with a high GRE score but a low GPA.

• Connect with an admissions counselor or faculty member to discuss your application and express your interest in the graduate program.

• You can tailor your resume to the graduate program by highlighting any relevant achievements and skills. 

Learn more about how to apply to graduate school with a high GRE score and low GPA.

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 write a letter of recommendation for you. Your letters should discuss your work ethic, dedication, capabilities, and personal character to further broaden an admissions committee's understanding of you as a graduate candidate.

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. 

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.

What GPA is too low for a master’s?

While the minimum GPA for a master’s degree will vary from program to program, a sub-3.0 GPA may fall below the requirements for many schools. However, some schools will accept a GPA lower than a 3.0, and other elements of your academic profile, including your test scores, can help enhance your application.   

Prepare for your academic journey with free resources 

Explore career trends and tips by subscribing to Career Chat, our LinkedIn newsletter. Then, you can check out these additional free resources as you prepare for grad school:

• Enhance your resume: 3 Resume Templates and How to Pick the Right One for You 

• Take a quiz: Career Test: What Career Is Right for Me? Quiz 

• Watch on YouTube: Can You Go to Grad School for a Different Major? 

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