Academic Probation...

[ajaikn]

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Hello guys, I'm looking for some support here and advice. Please no negative comments. Thank you!

I'm currently an undergrad junior and I've been on academic probation twice. My cumulative as of now is 1.9. I feel absolutely terrible. I know that it is always my decision and my academic performance should always be under my control, but I've really been torn down this past 2 years with family issues and two deaths. On top of that, I feel like if I had a much more clear sense of what I wanted to do in life during those past 2 years, I wouldn't have allowed myself to hit rock bottom like this.This winter break, I've been looking into getting my life back together and applying myself more. I really am working hard to get back on my feet and aim for a really good GPA this semester and from now on. I'm really interested in MPH school now, and am working towards accomplishing my goal in getting into it. Do you guys have any suggestions? What should I do from now on in terms of grades, extracurriculars, internships, jobs, etc. I am definitely going to stay in college for more than 4 years in order to raise my GPA as much as possible. Do you guys know if there are any programs like SMP that are offered for MPH schools? Kind of like a second-chance thing for those who don't get admitted the first time around (which could end up being my case?) Thank you so much for your positivity and encouragement in advance!

 

[k78o0n3o21h]

have you thought about doing a post bac?
where do you want to go to grad school, or would any mph program do?
also how many units would it take for you to bring your gpa to, say, above 3.0?

i would say your options are to take as many related classes at your school, or at any other school, until your cum. gpa is above 3.0 or you reach the unit cap or a post bac, and then also try to get some real world experience through internships, volunteering, etc.

 

[ajaikn]

have you thought about doing a post bac?
where do you want to go to grad school, or would any mph program do?
also how many units would it take for you to bring your gpa to, say, above 3.0?

i would say your options are to take as many related classes at your school, or at any other school, until your cum. gpa is above 3.0 or you reach the unit cap or a post bac, and then also try to get some real world experience through internships, volunteering, etc.

thank you for the tips! i have some MPH schools I'm looking at, but I'd be grateful to get into any. I probably have to stay another year in order to pull my GPA up past a 3.0. Do you recommend any specific internships I should take a look at?

 

[364462]

Hello guys, I'm looking for some support here and advice. Please no negative comments. Thank you!

I'm currently an undergrad junior and I've been on academic probation twice. My cumulative as of now is 1.9. I feel absolutely terrible. I know that it is always my decision and my academic performance should always be under my control, but I've really been torn down this past 2 years with family issues and two deaths. On top of that, I feel like if I had a much more clear sense of what I wanted to do in life during those past 2 years, I wouldn't have allowed myself to hit rock bottom like this.This winter break, I've been looking into getting my life back together and applying myself more. I really am working hard to get back on my feet and aim for a really good GPA this semester and from now on. I'm really interested in MPH school now, and am working towards accomplishing my goal in getting into it. Do you guys have any suggestions? What should I do from now on in terms of grades, extracurriculars, internships, jobs, etc. I am definitely going to stay in college for more than 4 years in order to raise my GPA as much as possible. Do you guys know if there are any programs like SMP that are offered for MPH schools? Kind of like a second-chance thing for those who don't get admitted the first time around (which could end up being my case?) Thank you so much for your positivity and encouragement in advance!

If you can show an upward trend of your GPA through senior year, you can certainly make a strong case for why the GPA was initially low. I think graduate programs are cognizant of how personal stressors can affect school performance, and as such, your current GPA cannot possibly reflect your "true" academic abilities. However, if you do well in the coming months through your senior year, you can write on your personal statement for applications why it was low and what you are doing to improve it. As such, they can get a clear sense that once you are admitted that that trend will continue through graduate studies. (Many schools, in fact, highly encourage applications with GPAs below 3.0 to specifically describe on their essays why it was low.)

I agree, doing a post-bac year is one option. Taking a "5th" year or taking courses at a local community college is another option. It benefits not only your application but also your sense of self, providing you an opportunity to reflect on what you want moving forward. Also, while a public health related internship/job (whatever that may be) is highly desirable, it is also important to consider what is realistic out there. Post-college you may not get an internship/job position directly related to the health field; the line between this and public health is not always a straight line. Surely, many applicants do not come into graduate school with relevant experience. Making explicit your interest in the discipline can just be as effective as "practical" experience.

 

[xoromanticide]

I was on academic probation. At one point my gpa was a 1.1. I ended up double majoring, raised my gpa to a
3.48. Get experience doing research or work in the field. Volunteer. Raise your grades and make sure all of your public health related grades are A's. meet faculty and show them that you are determined and that you can succeed. They'll be able to write great LOR for you and help your case. You can do it, trust me. I have already gotten into 3 schools, and I know that it is something that makes me self conscious to discuss, but just stay strong, believe in yourself, and get experience. 😉 good luck!

 

[ChrisC8181]

Something similar happened to me and now I'm almost done with my MPH. I'd recommend looking for opportunities to do some part time work/volunteer work related to public health. Do you have any idea of what specialty you're interested in? If you don't, that's okay (I didn't!)... any experience helps.

You still have two years ahead of you in undergrad, correct? That's plenty of time. Even if it's a year, that's enough time...like the other posters said, getting a high GPA in your last year means a lot to admissions committees. I think it's really important for you to focus on school right now as much as possible. Just don't overwork yourself - I know from my own experience that trying to take on a huge load at school during a tough time was not the best idea. Don't beat yourself up over the past...focus on the future, and what you can do right now. You will definitely be able to get into MPH programs. Stay positive!