Hi Everyone! First time chiming in here, but I’ve been following these posts for a few years. I just want to say don’t get too hung up on the numbers because SJSU does look at each individual as a whole. I don’t necessarily find it beneficial to compare someone’s stats to your own because everyone will come together with different experiences, and that's what makes a well-rounded program.
With that being said, I’m a perfect example of them choosing applicants holistically. I was timestamped Oct 8, but was notified of my acceptance on Tuesday night (Feb 9). It’s been a long journey for me, and these posts gave me peace of mind in the application process (most of the time!). If this can help anyone with a low gpa, and low GRE scores, then I’ve done my job.
Undergrad Major: Business
GPA: 3.1 overall
Prereq GPA: 4.0
Last 60 GPA: 3.3
GRE: V: 150 Q:144 AW: 3
Volunteer/Work Eval Forms:
1.) School OT - 160 hours
2.) Camp Leader - 456 hours
3.) Local Food Bank - 112 hours
Letter of Rec:
1.) Adapted Physical Education Specialist
2.) School RN
3.) Anatomy Professor
My stats aren’t great, but I know I had strong evaluation forms and letters of rec. The people I specifically chose to fill out my forms and write my letter of recs are people I built relationships with. I worked/volunteered with them for years and they know the kind of person I am, so they 100% vouched for me. I work with the special education team for children with moderate/severe disabilities, which means I work closely with the OT offering direct support to our kiddos. I graduated undergrad 7 years ago, so I don’t think I’m the typical applicant.
SJSU dropping the minimum GRE scores saved me. After my test date got canceled multiple times due to the pandemic, I took the chance and chose not to retake at home. I never thought I’d be posting my stats, but here I am. I was always embarrassed of my gpa and test scores, but I got in so that says something.
For future applicants: Work hard, take initiation, build relationships, and choose people you know will fully support you! Don’t just do it for the sake of getting hours. It shows in the volunteer evaluation forms!
For current applicants: I know the waiting game is REAL, so that’s the most difficult part. I checked my email a hundred times each night. I believe timing is important and what's mean't to be, will be. Good luck to all!