Here’s a trick question - What is the primary thing every student hears when applying to universities abroad?
"Have a high GPA, because that is the key to getting into your desired university." Though that may be true to an extent, it is not completely the case. GPA, or the grade point average serves as an endorsement of your academic performance, but there can be various factors that may have hampered that. Thankfully, universities abroad allow you the opportunity to explain your lower GPA, if any.
When applying to foreign universities, a student’s holistic profile is considered, not just the GPA. For instance, a profile with a 3.2 GPA has less chance of being accepted into a top university, than one with a 3.0 GPA and a resume packed with extracurricular activities. Here, presenting your experience becomes very important - through statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and other essays.
Wondering who can assist you with shortlisting universities that match your profile, even with a low GPA, and help you with all the essays? It is Yocket! Get personalized counseling from expert counselors, score the highest on your standardized tests, and match with the university that accurately fits your profile!
Read this blog to find out about the universities that accept a low GPA, and how you can get admitted!
GPA Range: What are High, Medium, and Low GPA?
Grade point average, or GPA, is used to assess your test performance with scores from 0.0 to 4.0. The range can be compared in percentage terms between 0-59% and 94-100%. Before introducing you to the list of colleges and institutions that accept low GPAs, allow us to explain what the GPA ranges mean:
|
GPA Range (on a scale of 4.0) |
Level |
|---|---|
|
1.5-2.0 |
Very low |
|
2.0-2.5 |
Low |
|
2.5-2.69 |
Low |
|
2.7-3.0 |
Average |
|
3.0-3.5 |
Good |
|
<3.5 |
High |
What idea does the above table give? Understandably, according to US educational standards, a low GPA is between 2.0 and 3.0.
For candidates applying to US schools and universities, a GPA on a scale of 4.0 is often evaluated; however, for applicants applying to colleges and universities outside the US, a CGPA on a scale of 10.0 is evaluated.
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Note: For US colleges and universities, GPA on a scale of 4.0 is usually assessed, whereas, for applicants applying to other countries, a CGPA on a scale of 10.0 is considered at a majority of colleges and universities. |
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List of Universities that Accept International Students with Low GPA
Now that you have clarity on which GPA is low and high, what is next? Provided below is a list of universities in the US, the UK, and other countries, that accept low GPAs.
Universities in USA that Accept Low GPA
|
University |
Minimum GPA Requirement |
|---|---|
|
2.5 |
|
|
2.0 |
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
3.3 |
|
|
2.0 |
|
|
Lewis Clark State College |
2.0 |
|
3.0 |
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
3.31 |
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
3.2 |
Universities in UK that Accept Low GPA
|
University |
Minimum GPA Requirement |
|---|---|
|
2.0 |
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
2.5 |
Other Universities that Accepts International Students With Low GPA
|
University |
Country |
Minimum GPA Requirement |
|---|---|---|
|
China |
2.0 |
|
|
Seoul National University |
South Korea |
3.15 |
|
Canada |
2.9 |
|
|
Canada |
3.0 |
Thinking whether these are the only universities accepting international students with low GPAs? Well, sweat not! If you wish to find more such universities, utilize Yocket's College Finder.
Suggested: How to Convert 10.0 CGPA to 4.0 GPA?
Tips for Getting Accepted at Universities with Low GPA
Finally, the most elemental part. In this section, we will unveil some tips that can help you get into your dream university, with a low GPA. Start preparing for these several months before the application process.
Universities that accept international students with low GPAs put a selective focus on:
- Work Experience
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- Co-Curricular
- High scores in core modules and subjects.
- High standardized test scores (GMAT/GRE/SAT/ACT).
Let us elaborate on each, in detail.
Prepare Thoroughly For Standardized Tests
Ah, one of the most dreadful tests! Universities that accept low GPAs for master's programs usually look at GMAT/GRE scores, and universities are always hunting for strong SAT/ACT scores for undergraduate applications. Scoring high on these examinations will undoubtedly make you stand out from the crowd. Even MS-granting universities with low GPAs take these scores into account.
Enroll In Additional Courses
Some colleges that admit international students with low GPAs ensure that students take additional coursework to finish their degrees. While some universities that accept low GPAs for master's degrees take into account the applicant's additional coursework, already pursued. Wondering how you can do this? When pursuing a degree in a certain discipline, for example, you can choose 1-2 elective courses alongside the core module to differentiate your mark sheets from others'.
A Solid SOP
A well-constructed SOP can work wonders for your application. You can use your poor GPA to benefit yourself by highlighting your strong points in certain subjects, and other domains. Furthermore, you can also explain to the university why your GPA is so low. Elaborate on why you are fit to study at the university.
Select The Appropriate Program And Institution
State colleges in the USA frequently top the list of graduate programs with flexible GPA requirements. Even at universities that accept low GPAs for master's degrees, you can choose from specialized pathway programs. Popular universities with distinctive pathway programs include Massey University in New Zealand, the University of Sydney in Australia, and Centennial College in Canada.
Strong Employment Record
Colleges with minimal GPA requirements frequently focus on previous work history, internships, co-curricular activities, and projects. These can undoubtedly strengthen your profile. Do not overburden yourself by doing multiple jobs, but focus on doing qualitative and enriching work, for some time.
Create A Compelling CV
An engaging CV may be a requirement for admission to PG programs. Building a solid CV or resume will give you a distinct advantage over other applicants. Ensure to include educational and work experiences, former GPAs, awards, certifications, and additional achievements.
Although all these pointers might seem too much, they are what will make you stand out despite a low GPA. Remember to:
- Begun interning and/or working from your first year in senior college.
- Participate in intern-collegiate events, and organize events for your college. Build personal relationships with your professors, and gather your LORs months before applying.
- Keep updating your CV/resume.
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Suggested: Does work experience really matter for your admission?
From The Desk of Yocket
If you have a solid and notable background in terms of your grades, work experience, and extracurricular activities, getting into universities that accept a low GPA is relatively simple. By choosing pathway programs, you can even enroll in the university of your dreams.
Additionally, the majority of colleges with low GPA requirements are well-known internationally for their postgraduate employability rates and quality of education. If you are still in doubt that your poor GPA will prevent you from achieving your ambition of studying abroad, connect with the Yocket counselors to get expert advice. Book A Call Now!
Get personalized counseling, assistance with shortlisting universities that best match your profile, help with obtaining a visa, acing your standardized rests, and much more.
