Trying to get into a Master's Program in Economics but I graduated from undergrad 3.5 years ago and my overall gpa was subpar
My overall gpa in college was a 2.7 but I averaged a 3.3 in my econ classes while going to Michigan State University (received a BA in Economics by the way). I had not imagined myself going back to school while I was an undergrad and now this is haunting me. Most programs don't take scores that low but I really do want to get back into a program to receive a Master's in Economics. Hopefully I'll be on the right track for a PhD afterwards.
Anyways, as I said, those scores are pretty low and I'm working 45 hours a week to stay afloat financially (8 am to 5pm). I'm wondering if my best course of action would be to take a few upper level classes and ace them to show I'm ready to learn again and get some letters of recommendation under my belt?
Thanks for any help guys and gals, I really appreciate it.
Posted Sep 19, 2015, 7:45 PM UTC
I'm not sure. But I think you might have just answered your own question?
I mean, don't forget you've been working. On the job skills (if they are applicable) are nothing to sneeze at. They can show you are so familiar with your chosen subject to apply it. And many grad departments seem to establish a GPA of 3.0 as a minimum. Maybe you're looking at too prestigious departments, so to say; y'know, the ones that would get so many applicants based on name recognition, they can afford to set the bar a little higher. Broaden your search horizons?
It's all about how you present yourself (how willing to learn you are, how much you've learned, etc).
Best of luck, friend!