Low undergrad GPA but lots of experience. Chances at a MPH degree at BU?

[lovelyemy]

I never really excelled at school but have been working all throughout my undergrad college years. I am a senior with currently a 2.65 GPA. I have been working as an optometric technician for the past 2 years at an optometry office where I have hours for patient care. I am also a Certified Paraoptometric. I have interned for Harvard Public health as a research intern for the summer, and I have volunteered at the Museum of science as an interpreter. I believe that I will have strong letters of recommendations because I excel more when it comes to hands on work.

I'm really interested in Boston University and would like to know if I have descent chances at getting in? All feedback is greatly appreciated. I really want to further my education and try harder to make up for my undergrad years.

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[Solara]

I'm no admissions councilor, but I think your experience will look very positive and increase your chances of getting in. You would probably want to contact BU directly and ask them about this (like asking them what's the lowest GPA they usually accept each cycle).

 

[Zot79]

I know departments make exceptions, but I do believe the universities themselves have cutoffs. I would find that out right away so that you do not have to wait and find out.

If they will consider it, I think your research and work experience is definitely a big plus. If you have strong recommendations letters and a strong personal statement and perhaps an explanation as to why you have a low gpa, you'll might be fine.

You also have the opportunity to perform well on the GRE. therefore, you would have high marks in all areas but one, GPA.

 

[doublecurl]

I think experience is super helpful, especially in the context of having been out of school and working in the field for a while. As you're currently still in school and would be continuing on to grad school, you're going to have to address whether things will be different in the future and thoroughly make a case for improvement. The grades that make up a 2.65 are not acceptable in grad school and you'll be expected to maintain A's and B's. It's a good idea to calculate your GPA the way SOPHAS will ahead of time as well! Technically in my undergrad I had a 2.85 GPA, but SOPHAS calculated it as a 3.05 because they consider a retake of a course as replacing the previous grade, which my university did not. So that's worth trying! I got into BU with my 3.05, decent GREs, and not an overwhelming amount of experience.

 

[BPW1088]

When evaluating one's academic performance, admission counselors take major, course load rigor, and reputation of undergrad university into consideration. While a 2.65 GPA is below average, if you're in a science-related major (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.), it is almost always normal to have a lower GPA than those who major in social sciences, humanities, and other disciplines, such as communication and business. Also, getting a 2.65 GPA at an Ivy League compared to a 3.0GPA at a second-tier (Top 50-100 university) will look a lot more impressive to admission counselors.

Aside from your academics, work experience, paid or not, is highly valued by admission counselors. Also to show any gaps in your academic performance, your performance on the GRE allows you to show your potential to succeed in a graduate program to those reviewing application.

I hope this helps!

 

[Stories]

Calling the department (or even admissions) you're interested in might help shed some light on whether you might have a shot.