Poor GPA. What Do I Do?

[norwegianeyes]

I really want to go to grad school for Library Science. But my undergrad GPA is less than desirable: 2.63. And of course all grad schools require a 3.0 GPA or better. So what can I do to make myself look better to grad schools

Comments

[quirkyfemme]

In my opinion the non-matriculated coursework weights a lot more heavily than working at a relevant job because you can get recommendations from these professors and it will help your chances, but it also depends on what kind of a degree you are getting. Working a relevant job will give you some time to think about whether you want to do this as a career.

[cosmicwonder]

I'm not in library sciences, so I'm personally not sure what the best option would be. However, I think you would get the best answer if you asked some of the programs you are considering applying to in the future. Email the administrator and ask them which professor/instructor would know best.

Just from my perspective, I would think that both working at libraries and taking more courses (non-matriculated) would probably boost your application the best. I don't think you would need to go into getting an entirely new degree as from what I know, library sciences does not require a bachelors in a particular field.

[withoutform]

I'm currently a student at Pratt for Library Science and while a 3.0 is recommended to apply, if you submit your GRE scores (otherwise not required if you have above a 3.0) you will certainly still be considered for admission. I work in the office here, I know whats up. Apply.

[cardoorgraffiti]

I'm a student at U. Michigan at the School of Information. I'm not studying in the library science specialization of the program, but I do work in recruiting and with matriculation, so I know about the program in general. The requirements say that a 3.0 is preferred, not necessarily required. You might be accepted/considered more quickly with a higher GPA, but I know quite a few people who did not have the 3.0 that were accepted to the program.

You seem to know what path you want to take with the degree, which is something adcoms look for (become a children's librarian)...if everything else is VERY strong on your application (SOP, LoRs, GRE scores, relevant courses, etc) you'd have at least a decent/fairly good chance of being accepted even now, I think. I second withoutform, you should apply

[pixiemab]

Off-topic, but would it be okay if I messaged you about the School of Information at Michigan? It's on my short list for grad school :)

[cardoorgraffiti]

Sorry it took so long for me to respond!! Sure, message away! :)

[brittdreams]

Last option is to either take a few classes to show I get can good grades or get another Bachelors or Associates.
This is, 99.99% of the time, a horrible idea. Getting a second BA will not show anyone that you have the maturity and academic talent necessary to pursue a graduate degree.

Definitely work in or volunteer at libraries if you haven't already. Apply to schools that you want to attend that don't require a minimum 3.0 GPA. If you don't get in, then you take a class or two as a non-matriculated student.