I’m planning on applying to graduate school for the 2018 school year, and am currently on track to finish my Bachelors in August of this year.
Currently, I have a 3.2 GPA which I know is considered “low” on the graduate school end. With two semesters left, it is still possible to raise but there’s clearly no way I’m getting above a 3.4. In fact, I just had to withdrawal (chronic illness) which leaves me with little time to try and get my GPA up and further.
In my gap year I planned to do with with AmeriCorps, with the potential for two terms (if I’m accepted). I addition I have been employed throughout most of college.
Because the route I had to take, I HAVE to get a Masters in order to get my teaching license. Due to my medical problems had I tried to go through my university’s school of education, I would have been in much longer than I already have been. I’m particularly worried due to my medical issues. I feel as though that may make it appear I’m not suited for graduate school if asked to explain why my grades aren’t higher.
I’m also having a hard time finding statistics on graduate school admissions and GPAs. I’m certainly not looking to go Ivy League. I know the University of Toronto has a 3.0 minimum, however it’s hard to think I’d be accepted as an international student with a 3.2. The other schools I was looking at were the University of Colorado, and the University of Washington. Like I did for undergraduate school I will likely look into a lot more. There’s also always the option of continuing at Ohio University, where I currently attend.
Money is also a significant factor. I graduated high school with a 3.2 GPA and received a $40,000 scholarship to Seton Hall University. When I transferred to OU, no such luck. My first semester my medical problems arose and I tanked, though I have since retaken the class I got a D- in. Because my GPA did not transfer however, after three years I’m left with a 3.2.
Assuming I even get into AmeriCorps, what would my chances be of getting into graduate school with a 3.2-3.4 GPA? By no means is that bad I know, but this is graduate school and I’m starting to see some conflicting information. Thanks!