How to Get Into College With a Low GPA

Student reading bad grades
May 23, 2023
5 min read
Contents

”Rohan

Reviewed by:

Rohan Jotwani

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 5/4/22

Are you worried about how to get into a good college with a low GPA? Are you wondering if your grades are good enough to even apply to college? Read on to find your answers!

Some of the most successful people had a low GPA in high school. For instance, Albert Einstein was expelled from his first school and considered a poor student. Steven Spielberg had a low GPA that caused him to get rejected from several film schools. 

Even Oprah Winfrey struggled in high school, yet she is considered to be one of the most influential women of all time. All of these individuals demonstrate success is not solely determined by academic performance. Colleges recognize this too, which is why they conduct holistic application reviews that go beyond the numbers.

With that being said however, your grades will play a large role in your post-secondary education—so while they aren’t everything, you still may be worried about how to get into college with a low GPA. Rest assured, we will address the inquiry in-depth in this guide!

What Is Considered a Low GPA?

What is considered a low GPA can vary depending on the type of college you’re applying to.

For instance, Ivy League schools tend to have rigorous admissions standards, with average GPAs above 3.9. Students with GPAs that would otherwise be considered to be relatively high, like a 3.5, can be considered to have low GPAs by these standards. 

For non-Ivy schools, the range is wider, but generally speaking, a GPA that is under 3.0 is considered to be low.

Can You Get Into College With a Low GPA

The good news is you can absolutely still get into college with a low GPA! It will just be more challenging if you plan on gaining admission to selective colleges. 

Colleges consider many factors beyond just your GPA when evaluating applicants, so there are several ways for you to improve your chances of admission by strengthening these other parts of your application. More on this to come!

How to Get Accepted Into College With a Low GPA

Getting into college with a low GPA can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of being accepted:

Focus On Your Standardized Test Scores

Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, more schools have adopted a test-optional policy, meaning students do not have to submit ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admission. While this policy is beneficial for students that have an otherwise strong application, it can be tricky for those with low GPAs.

While choosing to write either of these tests will require you to take time out of your busy schedule to focus on your studies, doing so can help demonstrate your academic potential to the admissions committee. Your low GPA will call your academic performance into question, but high standardized test scores can offset this hesitation!

Research the median SAT and ACT scores of your desired schools and set your target higher than these medians so you are considered a more competitive applicant.

Writer Stellar Essays

As part of your college application, you’ll be required to write a personal statement and usually at least one supplemental essay. Use these essays to demonstrate your strong writing skills and share meaningful experiences that show your academic and personal merit. 

Your personal statement should give the admissions committee a glimpse into the type of person you are, what you value, and what you hope to contribute to their school’s community. Spend time on this application component and ensure you edit it multiple times before submitting it! 

Participate in Diverse Extracurriculars

If you have time to, try to participate in diverse extracurriculars to build your application. Admissions committees look for well-rounded students who are involved in activities outside of the classroom. Participating in sports, clubs, volunteer, or interships can demonstrate your skills and character.

Many colleges seek students with considerable community service experience, so consider dedicating a day or two out of your week to volunteer with an organization you’re interested in. 

Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation 

Carefully choose the teachers you ask to write your letters of recommendation. Ask teachers who you’re certain can attest to your academic potential and skills. Perhaps you achieved the highest mark on one assignment, were able to boost your grade significantly in one course, or excelled in one class more than others.

Whatever the case may be, ensure your recommendations demonstrate your academic performance, work ethic, and personal strengths and achievements. To help with this process, consider creating a brag sheet to help your recommenders.

Know Your Options

When you create your list of colleges to apply to, ensure you know your realistic options. While it may be your dream to get into Harvard, you should know their recent GPA median was 3.9! If you have a 3.4 GPA, you should still try your luck with Harvard but have several match and safety schools to fall back on. 

Similarly, you can consider attending community college for a year to boost your grades and demonstrate your ability to handle college-level coursework. 

Be Honest About Any Extenuating Circumstances

Whether you’re given the option to write about challenges in a separate prompt, or can do so through your personal statement, ensure you share any extenuating circumstances that made it difficult for you to achieve the grades you hoped for.

These circumstances may involve illness, family problems, or financial hardships. Sharing this experience with the admissions committee can help them understand the context of your academic record and evaluate you more appropriately.

Ensure you explain how you addressed this obstacle, the steps you took to try to overcome it, and what you learned through the process. 

Seek External Help

If you’re still unsure of how to get into college with a low GPA, leave it to the pros! Consider seeking expert help from one of your college admissions counselors who can tell you exactly how to strengthen your application to increase your chances of getting into your top choices!

FAQs: Getting Into College With a Low GPA

For any remaining questions on how to get into college with a low GPA, read on to find your answers!

1. Can I Get Into College With a 2.5 GPA?

While a 2.5 GPA is below the average of the majority of colleges, it is still possible to get into college with this GPA. 

You will have limited options but should consider applying to community colleges or low-ranking schools. For instance, Albany State University only requires students to have a GPA of 2.0 to be considered for admission. With a 2.5, you will be considered more competitive than most of their applicants. 

2. Can You Get Into College With a 1.9 GPA?

Unfortunately, with a 1.9 GPA, you will have a difficult time getting into college. Consider taking a gap year to improve your academic record and strengthen your application to have more options!

3. What Is the Lowest GPA Accepted to College?

In general, 2.0 GPAs are the lowest accepted by colleges. This number often represents the minimum requirement to apply to colleges, meaning you will likely still not be considered a competitive enough applicant to get into college with a 2.0.

4. Can I Get Into College With a Low GPA?

Yes, it's possible to get into college with a low GPA. Many colleges take a holistic approach to evaluating applicants and consider a range of factors beyond GPA, such as test scores, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and essays. 

By strengthening these other aspects of your application you may be able to make up for a lower GPA.

5. What Is Considered a Low GPA for College Admissions?

A low GPA for college admissions is typically considered to be anything below a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, it's important to note that admission requirements and acceptance rates can vary widely by college and individual circumstances.

6. Can I Explain My Low GPA in My College Application?

Yes, one tip to consider when learning how to get accepted into college with a low GPA is the importance of explanation! It's often a good idea to explain any extenuating circumstances that may have contributed to your low GPA, such as a medical condition, family issues, or other challenges.

Be sure to explain how you have addressed and overcome these challenges, and highlight any positive developments in your academic performance or personal growth!

Final Thoughts

Remember, a low GPA does not define your future! With hard work, determination, and the right mindset, you can still achieve your goals and get into college. You may just have to be open to different educational paths and be willing to put in the extra effort to ensure your application stands out!

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What Is Considered a Low GPA?Can You Get Into College With a Low GPAHow to Get Accepted Into College With a Low GPAFAQs: Getting Into College With a Low GPA

”Rohan

Reviewed by:

Rohan Jotwani

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 5/4/22

Are you worried about how to get into a good college with a low GPA? Are you wondering if your grades are good enough to even apply to college? Read on to find your answers!

Some of the most successful people had a low GPA in high school. For instance, Albert Einstein was expelled from his first school and considered a poor student. Steven Spielberg had a low GPA that caused him to get rejected from several film schools. 

Even Oprah Winfrey struggled in high school, yet she is considered to be one of the most influential women of all time. All of these individuals demonstrate success is not solely determined by academic performance. Colleges recognize this too, which is why they conduct holistic application reviews that go beyond the numbers.

With that being said however, your grades will play a large role in your post-secondary education—so while they aren’t everything, you still may be worried about how to get into college with a low GPA. Rest assured, we will address the inquiry in-depth in this guide!

Book a Free 30 min Call

What Is Considered a Low GPA?

What is considered a low GPA can vary depending on the type of college you’re applying to.

For instance, Ivy League schools tend to have rigorous admissions standards, with average GPAs above 3.9. Students with GPAs that would otherwise be considered to be relatively high, like a 3.5, can be considered to have low GPAs by these standards. 

For non-Ivy schools, the range is wider, but generally speaking, a GPA that is under 3.0 is considered to be low.

Can You Get Into College With a Low GPA

The good news is you can absolutely still get into college with a low GPA! It will just be more challenging if you plan on gaining admission to selective colleges. 

Colleges consider many factors beyond just your GPA when evaluating applicants, so there are several ways for you to improve your chances of admission by strengthening these other parts of your application. More on this to come!

How to Get Accepted Into College With a Low GPA

Getting into college with a low GPA can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of being accepted:

Focus On Your Standardized Test Scores

Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, more schools have adopted a test-optional policy, meaning students do not have to submit ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admission. While this policy is beneficial for students that have an otherwise strong application, it can be tricky for those with low GPAs.

While choosing to write either of these tests will require you to take time out of your busy schedule to focus on your studies, doing so can help demonstrate your academic potential to the admissions committee. Your low GPA will call your academic performance into question, but high standardized test scores can offset this hesitation!

Research the median SAT and ACT scores of your desired schools and set your target higher than these medians so you are considered a more competitive applicant.

Writer Stellar Essays

As part of your college application, you’ll be required to write a personal statement and usually at least one supplemental essay. Use these essays to demonstrate your strong writing skills and share meaningful experiences that show your academic and personal merit. 

Your personal statement should give the admissions committee a glimpse into the type of person you are, what you value, and what you hope to contribute to their school’s community. Spend time on this application component and ensure you edit it multiple times before submitting it! 

Participate in Diverse Extracurriculars

If you have time to, try to participate in diverse extracurriculars to build your application. Admissions committees look for well-rounded students who are involved in activities outside of the classroom. Participating in sports, clubs, volunteer, or interships can demonstrate your skills and character.

Many colleges seek students with considerable community service experience, so consider dedicating a day or two out of your week to volunteer with an organization you’re interested in. 

Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation 

Carefully choose the teachers you ask to write your letters of recommendation. Ask teachers who you’re certain can attest to your academic potential and skills. Perhaps you achieved the highest mark on one assignment, were able to boost your grade significantly in one course, or excelled in one class more than others.

Whatever the case may be, ensure your recommendations demonstrate your academic performance, work ethic, and personal strengths and achievements. To help with this process, consider creating a brag sheet to help your recommenders.

Know Your Options

When you create your list of colleges to apply to, ensure you know your realistic options. While it may be your dream to get into Harvard, you should know their recent GPA median was 3.9! If you have a 3.4 GPA, you should still try your luck with Harvard but have several match and safety schools to fall back on. 

Similarly, you can consider attending community college for a year to boost your grades and demonstrate your ability to handle college-level coursework. 

Be Honest About Any Extenuating Circumstances

Whether you’re given the option to write about challenges in a separate prompt, or can do so through your personal statement, ensure you share any extenuating circumstances that made it difficult for you to achieve the grades you hoped for.

These circumstances may involve illness, family problems, or financial hardships. Sharing this experience with the admissions committee can help them understand the context of your academic record and evaluate you more appropriately.

Ensure you explain how you addressed this obstacle, the steps you took to try to overcome it, and what you learned through the process. 

Seek External Help

If you’re still unsure of how to get into college with a low GPA, leave it to the pros! Consider seeking expert help from one of your college admissions counselors who can tell you exactly how to strengthen your application to increase your chances of getting into your top choices!

FAQs: Getting Into College With a Low GPA

For any remaining questions on how to get into college with a low GPA, read on to find your answers!

1. Can I Get Into College With a 2.5 GPA?

While a 2.5 GPA is below the average of the majority of colleges, it is still possible to get into college with this GPA. 

You will have limited options but should consider applying to community colleges or low-ranking schools. For instance, Albany State University only requires students to have a GPA of 2.0 to be considered for admission. With a 2.5, you will be considered more competitive than most of their applicants. 

2. Can You Get Into College With a 1.9 GPA?

Unfortunately, with a 1.9 GPA, you will have a difficult time getting into college. Consider taking a gap year to improve your academic record and strengthen your application to have more options!

3. What Is the Lowest GPA Accepted to College?

In general, 2.0 GPAs are the lowest accepted by colleges. This number often represents the minimum requirement to apply to colleges, meaning you will likely still not be considered a competitive enough applicant to get into college with a 2.0.

4. Can I Get Into College With a Low GPA?

Yes, it's possible to get into college with a low GPA. Many colleges take a holistic approach to evaluating applicants and consider a range of factors beyond GPA, such as test scores, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and essays. 

By strengthening these other aspects of your application you may be able to make up for a lower GPA.

5. What Is Considered a Low GPA for College Admissions?

A low GPA for college admissions is typically considered to be anything below a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, it's important to note that admission requirements and acceptance rates can vary widely by college and individual circumstances.

6. Can I Explain My Low GPA in My College Application?

Yes, one tip to consider when learning how to get accepted into college with a low GPA is the importance of explanation! It's often a good idea to explain any extenuating circumstances that may have contributed to your low GPA, such as a medical condition, family issues, or other challenges.

Be sure to explain how you have addressed and overcome these challenges, and highlight any positive developments in your academic performance or personal growth!

Final Thoughts

Remember, a low GPA does not define your future! With hard work, determination, and the right mindset, you can still achieve your goals and get into college. You may just have to be open to different educational paths and be willing to put in the extra effort to ensure your application stands out!

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