Top Tips on How to Get into College with a Low GPA

Your GPA is among the top requirements for college admission. The average high school GPA in the US is 3.0 (B) but higher than 3.0 for students applying for college admissions. If you didn’t score high, you’re probably thinking about how to get into college with a low GPA. You can choose to boost your GPA, explain your situation, or apply to colleges with low GPA requirements. Here are the top tips for getting into college with a low GPA.

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1. Explain the Circumstances Behind Your Low GPA 

Sometimes unavoidable circumstances may lower your GPA—financial difficulties, illness, personal or family conflicts. A well-written essay and recommendation letter explaining your situation will make colleges sympathize with you and consider your application.

2. Improve Your SAT/ACT Scores

Test scores (SAT & ACT) are effective in boosting your GPA. All you need is a study group, practice on your weak areas, and a review of your common mistakes. A high test score increases your chances of admission to your dream college. 

A test score of at least 1240 (25%) or 1410 (75%) boosts your chances of being considered. 

3. Write an Exemplary Essay

You can boost your college admission chances by writing a stellar essay. Talk about your personality, background, dreams, talent, and why you prefer your college of choice. Make it your best essay, as it will count in assessing your abilities and offsetting your low GPA. Check out this college application essay guide.

4. Get Strong Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters play a significant role when applying for college admission. Ask your teachers, coach, and guidance counselor to write good recommendation letters. The letters should capture and emphasize your personality, background, academics, and talent.

5. Showcase Your Non-academic Skills and Talents

Your non-academic skills and talent can boost your chances of being considered for college. How good are you at sports, theater, music, leadership, innovations, entrepreneurship, or art? These extracurricular skills impress colleges and make you a valuable student despite your low GPA.

6. Consider an Online College

E-learning is becoming a reliable solution to low GPAs. Online colleges like the University of the People offer accredited courses that can rewrite your dreams. To enroll for any online course, you’ll need a high school completion certificate and proficiency in English.

7. Join a Community College

Another viable alternative is to join community colleges with low GPA requirements. Community colleges offer affiliate programs that enable you to transfer to a top college after one or two years. 

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Colleges with Low GPA Requirements 

Multiple colleges accept people with low GPA scores in the U.S. and across the globe. The essential requirements for such colleges are:

• High school transcripts 
• Proficiency in English and Math 
• High school diploma/ GED certificate 
• College application essay 

Colleges with low GPA requirements include the following:

1. University of the People 
2. Southern New Hampshire University 
3. American Intercontinental University 
4. Colorado State University Global Campus 

Academic Programs You can Pursue in Colleges that Accept Low GPA 

You can still pursue your academic dream with a low GPA. Here is a list of courses you can take online from the University of the People:   

1. Business Administration 

Our Business Administration degree gives you the foundation to solve real-time business problems. You’ll learn critical concepts of accounting, management, marketing, economics, finance, and leadership skills. It takes 48 months to complete this degree.

2. Computer Science 

A computer science degree introduces you to innovative software, computer programming, and technology. At the end of the program, you’ll be fluent in Java and Python programming languages. Plus, you learn database management, AI and machine learning, and debugging. 

3. Health Science 

A Health Science degree gives you requisite skills in patient care and well-being. Our program covers Biology, Psychology, Anatomy, and Physiology. This gives you a competitive advantage in the dynamic health science field.

4. Information Technology 

A master’s degree in Information Technology sharpens your skills in analyzing business models. This program will help you design solutions to complex computing problems and understand established best practices and standards in IT. 

5. Associate Degree Programs 

Our associate degree programs give you the skills employers are looking for and prepare you for further academic studies. You can pursue any of the following associate degree programs:

• Health Science
• Computer Science 
• Business Administration 

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Conclusion

Now that you know how to get into college with a low GPA, make a decision. You can choose to boost your GPA or join colleges that accept low GPA scores.

If you’re ready to make a difference, UoPeople is here to help you achieve your academic dreams. We offer 100% accredited online education, a tuition-free model, and support our students. We believe that education is a fundamental right for all qualified applicants. We give chances to qualified students to pursue their higher education dreams regardless of their GPA. Apply for any of our certified programs today!