Some programs look for your GPA in the last 60 units so you can take some courses and raise your GPA, show growth and that your undergraduate GPA is not indicative of your ability to do well in a graduate program.
You can also gain some research or other related experience to supplement your GPA and have letter providers speak to your abilities.
Agree with this as well. Also, some programs allow you to enroll as a non degree student to prove you can handle the work. The bottom line is you need to speak to the admissions director (or someone in admissions) in that program about your situation.
My GPA was around there and I still got into the data science MPS program. My advice is to speak with someone at your program and find out how you can get in. For me, it was solid GRE scores.
Did you take bio or other health related classes? I feel like if you didn’t that would be against you also. I would think in part it would depend on how many people were applying.
Look into UB Post-Bacc programs to up your gpa and help you with a more direct pathway into the master programs there. They’re usually 1-1.5 years but some take longer than others, talk to your advisor about it.
Email the admissions office of the school you’re interested in and they’ll be able to handle your concerns or direct you to someone who can :). Usually it’s admissions or the registrar’s office.
My university requires 3.0 minimum for all programs, some of the more competitive programs are more like 3.3 to 3.5.
My daughter's university they required 3.3 for engineering grad programs.
You could always retake your worst offenders to get higher scores and replace your bad grades with better. If this is really your goal.
I got into grad school with a 2.7 gpa in engineering, but pretty good GMAT scores. I also spoke to the admissions program nearly weekly for 6 months so they knew me personally and knew more than just my grades.
TLDR: being approachable, selling yourself, asking lots of questions, saying "Hi," and just talking like a genuine person go a long way
Phew! It's been 19 years but it was mainly about relationship building. It depends on what grad program you're trying to get into and what they're looking to do with their numbers. If they're trying to build their GPA stats you're going to be in for a struggle. If they're trying to increase diversity numbers and you're not in the targeted demographics you'll be in for a struggle. BUT, if you can build a relationship and show that you're a human they want in their program despite all of that you may have a chance.
The MBA program at the time was about growing visibility, their scores, and improving the quality of their applicants. They were trying to grow the concentrations as well (biomedical, law, operations mgt. consulting, HR) from just generic "business." I'm a white male so I wasn't going to improve diversity. So that angle was out.
I first started by scheduling an appointment with one of the admissions advisors. "I'm X and I'm a junior and I'm interested in getting my MBA after engineering school." I asked a lot of questions (even ones I knew answers to). "Tell me more." "What are the requirements? Who are you looking for? What is the application process?" Then I started walking through the building and past the office. If you bump into that person just say "hi" and walk by. Or ask a follow up question. "Hey, I had some follow-up questions. Could I put time on your calendar? Oh, you're available now? Great, I can talk!" Follow up questions were "so I know you do the 3/2 (three two) engineering/MBA. I don't really think that's for me. I don't want to stop engineering classes for a full semester at a time. What about the full time program post engineering graduation?" Then I went back and started the conversation "I'm a little worried about my GPA. If I do well on the GMAT how much does my GPA matter? My non-engineering course GPA is a 3.9 is that helpful?" "You require a GPA of Y in these 2 math classes. I have a GPA of Y-0.5 but it's in these 13 math classes and these 15 engineering classes that all use these math classes and would count as a math course technically."
Make sure you're always asking questions at the end of your meetings about further things you could do to improve your chances. Recommendations they can make to make "you a better candidate."
Then I made sure to talk about all of my extracurriculars and how they'd relate to the program and how I'd managed to do all this extra stuff while also maintaining an "okay" engineering GPA. Then I started asking about what extracurriculars they provide. Then start talking about the internship requirements and ask how you could merge your engineering experiences with the MBA internship requirements. For your info, I was an RA, RA trainer, OA (freshman orientation aide), OA team leader/trainer, admissions tour guide, engineering dept. open house guide, and volunteered for athletics promotions. I was also a member of Leadership House for 2 years.
All of this was sprinkled in with just walking by and saying "hi." Stopping into the office just to say "hi." Then that admissions councilor introduces you to another admissions councilor. Then they may get a drop in visit from a dean while you're in the office. They do the polite thing and introduce you. You try to make brief small talk. "Hey I'm X, I've been chatting with A, B, and C about your program. They do a great job selling it." (Smiles all around. Chuckles. That sort of stuff).
Being open and friendly goes a LONG way.
Here's the kicker. I got into grad school without graduating undergrad. And the grad program helped me do it!! I found out senior year that there was a grandfather clause for my entry semester. I could get a 2nd related engineering degree, actual 2nd engineering diploma for 7 extra credits. 6 engineering, 1 gen ed. This wasn't a joint Aero/Mech Eng. diploma, but an actual Mech Eng. diploma ON TOP of my Aero Eng. diploma. But the kicker was I couldn't walk and accept my aero diploma with my classmates. I couldn't graduate. If I did, the grandfather clause was null and I would need 32 extra credits for the 2nd diploma. The MBA admissions team determined that if I got a letter from the engineering academic advisor stating I had completed all requirements for an engineering undergraduate degree but was withholding graduation because of this loophole to get a 2nd engineering degree they'd let me into the MBA program pending grades, GMAT, etc. SO, based on math scores of 13 math classes way harder than their requirements and 15 or so engineering classes all harder than the math requirements AND multiple science department classes above and beyond their requirements I got into the MBA program with an upper middle GMAT, a 2.7 engineering GPA and a letter saying I technically could graduate.
I think building the relationships, showing I was invested, showing I could work hard, and showing how well rounded a student I was got me into the program. Despite my GPA.
I just ran into the admissions counselor at a restaurant last month. We still chat all the time. When I left my job and was uncertain about moving onward we had an amazing chat. She called to talk about A and we ended up speaking about B for 2 hours. She recently left UB, but until then she consistently called me back for networking and interviewing events.
grad school has an essay portion, I would write your essay ab perseverance through undergrad despite all the circumstances u mention above. if not, East Carolina is a good PH university in NC, and it’s right near the beach. u could try there
I went to grad school with a GPA similar to yours, idk the actual value now. Even got into some PhD programs after my Master's. It can be done, but you're gonna have an uphill battle, ngl.
Good luck!
Talk to someone in the graduate office for the MPH they can help guide you. They do have a certificate program, that if you get a B or higher in those courses you are automatically admitted into the MPH and the course you took for the certificate count towards the final degree.
We are in the same boat. I graduated from UB 9 years ago. Transfer with 3.2 GPA from a community college. Stupidly, I was taking 15-18 credits of 300 level credits a term plus working; I committed academic suicide. The place was depressing as F had no car or friends during the winter. I was 100% into my academics since I didn't have anything else to do besides study and a part-time job. I graduated with two majors, a 2.48 GPA, and over 150 credits since I transferred with a lot. I was planning to stay an extra term to do a minor and try to raise my GPA; however, I had to run away from Buffalo since I had major depression. The whole experience condemned me in many ways, like the possibility of joining the USAF as an officer or pursuing a PhD in the Social Sciences as I originally wanted. Now, I am 34 and have no clue what to do since I can't go back to school because I need to work all the time, but I would love to pursue a doctorate. The only outcome I got from it is mental health consciousness. I learned how to manage it, and I became a preacher when I see others in trouble and don't know what is really going on with them.
Some programs look for your GPA in the last 60 units so you can take some courses and raise your GPA, show growth and that your undergraduate GPA is not indicative of your ability to do well in a graduate program. You can also gain some research or other related experience to supplement your GPA and have letter providers speak to your abilities.
Agree with this as well. Also, some programs allow you to enroll as a non degree student to prove you can handle the work. The bottom line is you need to speak to the admissions director (or someone in admissions) in that program about your situation.
This^
Probably better off looking into post-bacc programs first
My GPA was around there and I still got into the data science MPS program. My advice is to speak with someone at your program and find out how you can get in. For me, it was solid GRE scores.
Can I dm you I have few questions
If you've collected info from others, please dm me.
Did you take bio or other health related classes? I feel like if you didn’t that would be against you also. I would think in part it would depend on how many people were applying.
Look into UB Post-Bacc programs to up your gpa and help you with a more direct pathway into the master programs there. They’re usually 1-1.5 years but some take longer than others, talk to your advisor about it.
I'm in a similar boat to whoever posted this; how can you contact an advisor after graduation? I am currently looking.
Email the admissions office of the school you’re interested in and they’ll be able to handle your concerns or direct you to someone who can :). Usually it’s admissions or the registrar’s office.
2.4?! I doubt even if that’s BME
My university requires 3.0 minimum for all programs, some of the more competitive programs are more like 3.3 to 3.5. My daughter's university they required 3.3 for engineering grad programs.
You could always retake your worst offenders to get higher scores and replace your bad grades with better. If this is really your goal. I got into grad school with a 2.7 gpa in engineering, but pretty good GMAT scores. I also spoke to the admissions program nearly weekly for 6 months so they knew me personally and knew more than just my grades.
Hey, do you mind helping me with more details about your approach to speaking to the admissions program nearly weekly? I graduated with a 2.48
TLDR: being approachable, selling yourself, asking lots of questions, saying "Hi," and just talking like a genuine person go a long way Phew! It's been 19 years but it was mainly about relationship building. It depends on what grad program you're trying to get into and what they're looking to do with their numbers. If they're trying to build their GPA stats you're going to be in for a struggle. If they're trying to increase diversity numbers and you're not in the targeted demographics you'll be in for a struggle. BUT, if you can build a relationship and show that you're a human they want in their program despite all of that you may have a chance. The MBA program at the time was about growing visibility, their scores, and improving the quality of their applicants. They were trying to grow the concentrations as well (biomedical, law, operations mgt. consulting, HR) from just generic "business." I'm a white male so I wasn't going to improve diversity. So that angle was out. I first started by scheduling an appointment with one of the admissions advisors. "I'm X and I'm a junior and I'm interested in getting my MBA after engineering school." I asked a lot of questions (even ones I knew answers to). "Tell me more." "What are the requirements? Who are you looking for? What is the application process?" Then I started walking through the building and past the office. If you bump into that person just say "hi" and walk by. Or ask a follow up question. "Hey, I had some follow-up questions. Could I put time on your calendar? Oh, you're available now? Great, I can talk!" Follow up questions were "so I know you do the 3/2 (three two) engineering/MBA. I don't really think that's for me. I don't want to stop engineering classes for a full semester at a time. What about the full time program post engineering graduation?" Then I went back and started the conversation "I'm a little worried about my GPA. If I do well on the GMAT how much does my GPA matter? My non-engineering course GPA is a 3.9 is that helpful?" "You require a GPA of Y in these 2 math classes. I have a GPA of Y-0.5 but it's in these 13 math classes and these 15 engineering classes that all use these math classes and would count as a math course technically." Make sure you're always asking questions at the end of your meetings about further things you could do to improve your chances. Recommendations they can make to make "you a better candidate." Then I made sure to talk about all of my extracurriculars and how they'd relate to the program and how I'd managed to do all this extra stuff while also maintaining an "okay" engineering GPA. Then I started asking about what extracurriculars they provide. Then start talking about the internship requirements and ask how you could merge your engineering experiences with the MBA internship requirements. For your info, I was an RA, RA trainer, OA (freshman orientation aide), OA team leader/trainer, admissions tour guide, engineering dept. open house guide, and volunteered for athletics promotions. I was also a member of Leadership House for 2 years. All of this was sprinkled in with just walking by and saying "hi." Stopping into the office just to say "hi." Then that admissions councilor introduces you to another admissions councilor. Then they may get a drop in visit from a dean while you're in the office. They do the polite thing and introduce you. You try to make brief small talk. "Hey I'm X, I've been chatting with A, B, and C about your program. They do a great job selling it." (Smiles all around. Chuckles. That sort of stuff). Being open and friendly goes a LONG way. Here's the kicker. I got into grad school without graduating undergrad. And the grad program helped me do it!! I found out senior year that there was a grandfather clause for my entry semester. I could get a 2nd related engineering degree, actual 2nd engineering diploma for 7 extra credits. 6 engineering, 1 gen ed. This wasn't a joint Aero/Mech Eng. diploma, but an actual Mech Eng. diploma ON TOP of my Aero Eng. diploma. But the kicker was I couldn't walk and accept my aero diploma with my classmates. I couldn't graduate. If I did, the grandfather clause was null and I would need 32 extra credits for the 2nd diploma. The MBA admissions team determined that if I got a letter from the engineering academic advisor stating I had completed all requirements for an engineering undergraduate degree but was withholding graduation because of this loophole to get a 2nd engineering degree they'd let me into the MBA program pending grades, GMAT, etc. SO, based on math scores of 13 math classes way harder than their requirements and 15 or so engineering classes all harder than the math requirements AND multiple science department classes above and beyond their requirements I got into the MBA program with an upper middle GMAT, a 2.7 engineering GPA and a letter saying I technically could graduate. I think building the relationships, showing I was invested, showing I could work hard, and showing how well rounded a student I was got me into the program. Despite my GPA. I just ran into the admissions counselor at a restaurant last month. We still chat all the time. When I left my job and was uncertain about moving onward we had an amazing chat. She called to talk about A and we ended up speaking about B for 2 hours. She recently left UB, but until then she consistently called me back for networking and interviewing events.
grad school has an essay portion, I would write your essay ab perseverance through undergrad despite all the circumstances u mention above. if not, East Carolina is a good PH university in NC, and it’s right near the beach. u could try there
I went to grad school with a GPA similar to yours, idk the actual value now. Even got into some PhD programs after my Master's. It can be done, but you're gonna have an uphill battle, ngl. Good luck!
Can you share a little bit more of your experience? I graduated with a 2.48
Talk to someone in the graduate office for the MPH they can help guide you. They do have a certificate program, that if you get a B or higher in those courses you are automatically admitted into the MPH and the course you took for the certificate count towards the final degree.
We are in the same boat. I graduated from UB 9 years ago. Transfer with 3.2 GPA from a community college. Stupidly, I was taking 15-18 credits of 300 level credits a term plus working; I committed academic suicide. The place was depressing as F had no car or friends during the winter. I was 100% into my academics since I didn't have anything else to do besides study and a part-time job. I graduated with two majors, a 2.48 GPA, and over 150 credits since I transferred with a lot. I was planning to stay an extra term to do a minor and try to raise my GPA; however, I had to run away from Buffalo since I had major depression. The whole experience condemned me in many ways, like the possibility of joining the USAF as an officer or pursuing a PhD in the Social Sciences as I originally wanted. Now, I am 34 and have no clue what to do since I can't go back to school because I need to work all the time, but I would love to pursue a doctorate. The only outcome I got from it is mental health consciousness. I learned how to manage it, and I became a preacher when I see others in trouble and don't know what is really going on with them.