<p>I am looking at making some private lenders very happy by taking out more money to go back to Graduate school. One thing does worry me about this process more than the finances, though. My undergraduate GPA seems low for International Relations programs.</p>
<p>My overall ended up being 3.19 out of 4.</p>
<p>Nobody in my family has ever gotten a Master's or even been to college for that matter, so I'm not sure how useful this GPA would be if I were to pursue any graduate school applications for an International Relations program.</p>
<p>The dream school I have in mind for myself seems impossible to even shoot for (Oxford asks for a 3.7). During my undergrad I was coming out (ie realizing and accepting my sexual orientation) and that definitely had an impact on my academic performance, however I would hate to get into that in an application to explain away or make excuses for my low GPA.</p>
<p>How much weight does GPA hold in graduate admissions?</p>
<p>GPA is important, but it’s only one component. Do you have research or (for IR in particular) work experience in the field? What are your other qualifications? Why do you want the degree? What is your career goal? These are all important pieces of the puzzle. You need to counterbalance your not-outstanding GPA with other accomplishments that show you are prepared for and capable of graduate-level work.</p>
<p>A 3.2 is not disqualifying. I got in a ton of places with a 3.0. You may not get in the schools you want, but you can probably get in somewhere. And yes, you have no chance at Oxford. Sorry, not going to happen.</p>
<p>Applying to grad schools with a ~3.2 GPA is like trying out for the NBA when you’re only 6 feet tall - it’s not impossible, but you have to show them something extra.</p>
<p>I independently published a 15,000 word thesis in an academic journal related to my field in my undergraduate also. Maybe that would make up for GPA shortcomings. (Independently meaning, this thesis was not part of my set course of study.)</p>
<p>That would be a negative (The essay making up for the gpa). It’s hard to accept, but realistically Oxford is out of the pictures; Sorry. Its better to have realistic expectations, than be disappointed with very high expectations that will not work out. good luck.</p>
<p>Haha, it’s not that it’s hard to accept, I’m just honestly trying to get a feel for the rules of this very unfamiliar playing field. Your comments have been helpful.</p>
<p>hellocolorado, did your gpa have an increasing trend? if it’s your first year grades that pulled your gpa down, don’t worry. you should give oxford a try. but also look into cambridge, as they are more lenient.</p>
<p>By increasing trend - were your last two year grades <em>significantly</em> higher than your first year grades? I mean, were they at least 3.5+? And is your major GPA significantly higher? If the 3.19 is because you failed some gym and Drawing 101 then you have better chances than if you were pulling Cs in major courses.</p>
<p>Look at a wide range of universities. Don’t get fixated on Oxford - look at public universities that offer the degree as well as other mid-range places stateside that have good job placement.</p>