extremely low GPA

[paige25]

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hello! I'm in need of help and suggestions on what to do!

I want to start applying to optometry schools but my gpa is HORRIBLE. It's embarrassing to say but I have a cumulative gpa of 2.3 :'( I admit I really slacked off in the middle of my undergrad years because I joined a sorority and was involved with many other extracurricular activities. I'm definitely paying for this now but I would appreciate any suggestions on to do and feedback on some ideas I had.

I was thinking about going to get my masters but some graduate programs I looked up probably won't except me because of my GPA. So I was thinking about retaking some science courses to raise my gpa. Only reason why I'm worried about retaking some classes is because I feel like it won't raise my gpa up that much to where I need to be even if I receive A's in those courses. I'm scared it would be wasting my time. Also some graduate programs only except gre, mcat and dat scores so I would have to study for my gre and oat if I decide to get my masters. Would that be a waste of time? so should I just re-take some classes?

help please :/

 

[Shnurek]

I'd say try to get into any kind of Masters program or post-bac program. Its better to further your career in some way however if you can't get in then re-take old stuff.

 

[KHE]

hello! I'm in need of help and suggestions on what to do!

I want to start applying to optometry schools but my gpa is HORRIBLE. It's embarrassing to say but I have a cumulative gpa of 2.3 :'( I admit I really slacked off in the middle of my undergrad years because I joined a sorority and was involved with many other extracurricular activities. I'm definitely paying for this now but I would appreciate any suggestions on to do and feedback on some ideas I had.

I was thinking about going to get my masters but some graduate programs I looked up probably won't except me because of my GPA. So I was thinking about retaking some science courses to raise my gpa. Only reason why I'm worried about retaking some classes is because I feel like it won't raise my gpa up that much to where I need to be even if I receive A's in those courses. I'm scared it would be wasting my time. Also some graduate programs only except gre, mcat and dat scores so I would have to study for my gre and oat if I decide to get my masters. Would that be a waste of time? so should I just re-take some classes?

help please :/

In a case like this, you need to phone the schools you are interested in and ask them DIRECTLY what they would suggest your best course of action is. Don't rely on advice from strangers on the internet. You need to hear this information straight from the horse's mouth.

 

[Shnurek]

Don't rely on advice from strangers on the internet.

Lol if the person follows your advice he/she is going against your own stated advice. Kind of a logical loop of no sense.

 

[netmag]

Lol if the person follows your advice he/she is going against your own stated advice. Kind of a logical loop of no sense.

It may not be as black and white as that. I think the main thing is just using common sense.

For example, It doesn't really make sense to make a life changing decision based solely on anonymous internet posters. You have to kind of have your facts together. However, if you're looking for re-affirmation for your intended plan of action then internet thoughts may help contribute to that.

Also, if you want to get into Club X then it might be smart to go directly to the people who run Club X and ask them first what they think you need to do to be a member especially if Club X has absolutely no issue with telling you what they think is good enough to get you in. That's just common sense. However, once you have that info then there's nothing wrong with looking for thoughts on these recommendation from the internet. For example, if they tell you to try getting an advanced degree then maybe you can get suggestions via internet research on obtaining an advanced degree that would work well for you. Maybe instead of going to an expensive school, you find that a local school is offering an advanced certificate at a much cheaper price or on an accelerated basis that happens to work for you.

So I think it is indeed best to get your facts directly if at all possible. Then feel free to use other resources (including the internet) to solidify your plan of action.

 

[apollo310]

I had a lower GPA (2.91) and found the following...1. you can really redeem yourself with a good OAT score (aim for a 330 or above and retake as many times as you need to to get the score). they want to see that you CAN do the material and study for a big exam like that. Take more upper level science courses at a 4 yr university to "prove yourself" or do a post-bacc and get a high GPA basically showing that you made mistakes in undergrad but have the commitment and knowledge to succeed in hard courses like youd have in optometry school! And, keep spending time volunteering, shad)owing and getting more knowledge/ experience in the field of optometry. Most of all, if it's what you really want to do, dont give up! People in your position have made it and done well 🙂

 

[paige25]

I had a lower GPA (2.91) and found the following...1. you can really redeem yourself with a good OAT score (aim for a 330 or above and retake as many times as you need to to get the score). they want to see that you CAN do the material and study for a big exam like that. Take more upper level science courses at a 4 yr university to "prove yourself" or do a post-bacc and get a high GPA basically showing that you made mistakes in undergrad but have the commitment and knowledge to succeed in hard courses like youd have in optometry school! And, keep spending time volunteering, shad)owing and getting more knowledge/ experience in the field of optometry. Most of all, if it's what you really want to do, dont give up! People in your position have made it and done well 🙂

Thank you for your suggestions and positivity! I really appreciate it. I actually contacted some schools and they told me to do the same.