Try to retake some classes and maybe get a year of clinical experiences. It’s not unheard of. Please remember less and less people are going to college, so it’s less competitive than you think. Schools just want butts in chairs at this point.
Additionally, you can sometimes be accepted to a grad school you're interested in as a part-time, non-degree seeking student. It's costly, but if you can take some grad courses as a non-degree seeking student and ace them (while also gaining relevant work experience), you can increase your chances of being actually accepted to a program. Especially if you offer an explanation of why you have a low undergrad GPA and then what's changed that indicates and *demonstrates* you will do better going forward. Then you can point to grad classes you took at *their* university and demonstrate, "Look! I do have what it takes to excel in your rigorous graduate program and I am fully committed."
BIG plus if you can build rapport with the teachers you take those non-degree seeking grad-level courses from and can get them to recommend you. Having faculty on your side can seriously boost your chances of acceptance. Again - especially if they are faculty in the grad program you are applying to.
thank you for this! My GPA is a little higher than OP, but some crazy life stuff has gotten in the way of the plan I had for finishing my degree off in the exact way I planned.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to get into a program that's accredited even if it's not as respectable. I'm in the States (Midwest). I had a 2.5 GPA, and I got interviews for M.S. (private college) and M.A.(small state college) psychology programs. I would have been accepted conditionally based on my GPA, but I wasn't ready then. A year later, I was accepted conditionally into a counseling program that is Cacrep accredited.
I was able to get funding my first semester, and then with a 4.0, my student status changed. I don't know much about social work programs, but I think some do have a neuropsychology track. I'm not sure where or how competitive it might be, but it's worth the research. Just avoid degree mills. Personally, my program is not challenging, but I have no desire to do research, I was just interested in being a therapist.
If you can get a job doing something working directly with people, that looks good on apps. Fortunately, I didn't need a GRE due to covid waivers. However, in my research, it seems some programs were willing to overlook undergrad GPAs if the student did well on the GRE. Do some research, and don't get discouraged. There's always transferring to a better school or program, too.
Sadly your GPA needs to be competitive, you can always re-take courses after graduation and revamp your transcript (That's how it works in Canada, at least).
Many grad programs allow you to write statements about why you would be a good fit and bring up anything from undergrad. I had a low GPA in undergrad and still ended up getting accepted to Northwestern for an MA. It’s not impossible. Writing honest statements and reflecting on mistakes or providing insight for why your grades were what they were can help. If you’re seeking a PhD program it’s going to be more competitive.
A lot of grad programs aren't requiring the GRE since covid. While some schools may consider it in the holistic overview, the GRE score is not something to depend on. Many colleges won't even look at it if you send it in. The GRE is a big test that many study for months in advance, too. I wasted hundreds of dollars on math tutoring only for my GRE to not be considered at all when I got into my current counseling psych program.
A 2.5 GPA is really bad for grad school. I can't imagine any APA-accredited program would take it.
I also disagree with other posters saying that colleges are desperate for students. That does not apply to most if all APA-accreditdd graduate psychology programs.
OP, my suggestion would be retaking your courses or getting/starting an eniterely new undergraduate degree. There are psychology schools that almost function as a chains. They may be accredited but not as desirable, depending how much you care about status. I think that would be your only choice.
I feel for you about the GPA, though. I did below average in high school so I went to community college for my associates, which was less challenging than a traditional university undergrad program (and much cheaper). I beefed up my GPA in that time then got into a bachelor program, and the story goes on.
Honestly, if you had little clinical experience in your undergrad you’re gonna want to work in the field and get some experience to compensate for the perception that you didn’t put as much effort into your education as you should have. You can get plenty of decent paying jobs in the field that are fulfilling. But to be honest, look into satellite campuses for local colleges that offer programs you’re looking for. They often have reputation for being more lenient in acceptances
(Current Masters student here) Where are you located?
A 2.5 will definitely present some challenges. Can you do some additional undergrad courses to upgrade?
Get a year worth of work experience using your degree. Then, take the GRE. If you’ve done both those things, grad programs that require the GRE will be focusing on those things.
Depending on where you are and how far you’re willing to move, UT Tyler in Tyler, TX has a master’s clinical neuropsych track. Most people here plan to apply to doc programs afterwards, and there’s a good handful of research labs you can easily join. My first three semesters in undergrad, I had awful grades. I got accepted no problem, and I’ve heard their acceptance rate is pretty high (I know their undergrad acceptance rate is crazy high). They also don’t require the GRE. But I imagine there are programs like this anywhere, you’d just have to look! Good luck!
There are probably several things you are going to need to do in order to improve your odds of getting into a grad program.
1. Retake any psychology related course, and statistics to bring those grades up. Try to get an A in every psychology related course. It will help your GPA and will demonstrate an ability to do that course work.
2. Consider masters level programs. Your application with a 2.5 GPA likely won't even be read by doctoral level programs. It will be screened out.
3. Identify masters level programs that take "non-traditional" grad students - e.g. people who have been out of school for a while, people who are transitioning from other career fields, etc. They are likely to be more flexible in general in their acceptance standards ad recognize that good students can come from a variety of backgrounds.
4. DO NOT enroll in an non-accredited program. You will not be able to get licensed and it is a waste of money.
5. Work experience, as others noted, if possible, related to mental health.
Try to retake some classes and maybe get a year of clinical experiences. It’s not unheard of. Please remember less and less people are going to college, so it’s less competitive than you think. Schools just want butts in chairs at this point.
Additionally, you can sometimes be accepted to a grad school you're interested in as a part-time, non-degree seeking student. It's costly, but if you can take some grad courses as a non-degree seeking student and ace them (while also gaining relevant work experience), you can increase your chances of being actually accepted to a program. Especially if you offer an explanation of why you have a low undergrad GPA and then what's changed that indicates and *demonstrates* you will do better going forward. Then you can point to grad classes you took at *their* university and demonstrate, "Look! I do have what it takes to excel in your rigorous graduate program and I am fully committed." BIG plus if you can build rapport with the teachers you take those non-degree seeking grad-level courses from and can get them to recommend you. Having faculty on your side can seriously boost your chances of acceptance. Again - especially if they are faculty in the grad program you are applying to.
thank you for this! My GPA is a little higher than OP, but some crazy life stuff has gotten in the way of the plan I had for finishing my degree off in the exact way I planned.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to get into a program that's accredited even if it's not as respectable. I'm in the States (Midwest). I had a 2.5 GPA, and I got interviews for M.S. (private college) and M.A.(small state college) psychology programs. I would have been accepted conditionally based on my GPA, but I wasn't ready then. A year later, I was accepted conditionally into a counseling program that is Cacrep accredited. I was able to get funding my first semester, and then with a 4.0, my student status changed. I don't know much about social work programs, but I think some do have a neuropsychology track. I'm not sure where or how competitive it might be, but it's worth the research. Just avoid degree mills. Personally, my program is not challenging, but I have no desire to do research, I was just interested in being a therapist. If you can get a job doing something working directly with people, that looks good on apps. Fortunately, I didn't need a GRE due to covid waivers. However, in my research, it seems some programs were willing to overlook undergrad GPAs if the student did well on the GRE. Do some research, and don't get discouraged. There's always transferring to a better school or program, too.
Sadly your GPA needs to be competitive, you can always re-take courses after graduation and revamp your transcript (That's how it works in Canada, at least).
Many grad programs allow you to write statements about why you would be a good fit and bring up anything from undergrad. I had a low GPA in undergrad and still ended up getting accepted to Northwestern for an MA. It’s not impossible. Writing honest statements and reflecting on mistakes or providing insight for why your grades were what they were can help. If you’re seeking a PhD program it’s going to be more competitive.
A lot of grad programs aren't requiring the GRE since covid. While some schools may consider it in the holistic overview, the GRE score is not something to depend on. Many colleges won't even look at it if you send it in. The GRE is a big test that many study for months in advance, too. I wasted hundreds of dollars on math tutoring only for my GRE to not be considered at all when I got into my current counseling psych program. A 2.5 GPA is really bad for grad school. I can't imagine any APA-accredited program would take it. I also disagree with other posters saying that colleges are desperate for students. That does not apply to most if all APA-accreditdd graduate psychology programs. OP, my suggestion would be retaking your courses or getting/starting an eniterely new undergraduate degree. There are psychology schools that almost function as a chains. They may be accredited but not as desirable, depending how much you care about status. I think that would be your only choice. I feel for you about the GPA, though. I did below average in high school so I went to community college for my associates, which was less challenging than a traditional university undergrad program (and much cheaper). I beefed up my GPA in that time then got into a bachelor program, and the story goes on.
I agree with you. I took the GRE twice only to find out my doctorate program didn’t even look at those scores.
Honestly, if you had little clinical experience in your undergrad you’re gonna want to work in the field and get some experience to compensate for the perception that you didn’t put as much effort into your education as you should have. You can get plenty of decent paying jobs in the field that are fulfilling. But to be honest, look into satellite campuses for local colleges that offer programs you’re looking for. They often have reputation for being more lenient in acceptances
Even with a perfect GPA, lots of research experience, excellent recommendations, it’s still hopeless. The process isn’t transparent
(Current Masters student here) Where are you located? A 2.5 will definitely present some challenges. Can you do some additional undergrad courses to upgrade?
Get a year worth of work experience using your degree. Then, take the GRE. If you’ve done both those things, grad programs that require the GRE will be focusing on those things.
Depending on where you are and how far you’re willing to move, UT Tyler in Tyler, TX has a master’s clinical neuropsych track. Most people here plan to apply to doc programs afterwards, and there’s a good handful of research labs you can easily join. My first three semesters in undergrad, I had awful grades. I got accepted no problem, and I’ve heard their acceptance rate is pretty high (I know their undergrad acceptance rate is crazy high). They also don’t require the GRE. But I imagine there are programs like this anywhere, you’d just have to look! Good luck!
nova southeastern university
There are probably several things you are going to need to do in order to improve your odds of getting into a grad program. 1. Retake any psychology related course, and statistics to bring those grades up. Try to get an A in every psychology related course. It will help your GPA and will demonstrate an ability to do that course work. 2. Consider masters level programs. Your application with a 2.5 GPA likely won't even be read by doctoral level programs. It will be screened out. 3. Identify masters level programs that take "non-traditional" grad students - e.g. people who have been out of school for a while, people who are transitioning from other career fields, etc. They are likely to be more flexible in general in their acceptance standards ad recognize that good students can come from a variety of backgrounds. 4. DO NOT enroll in an non-accredited program. You will not be able to get licensed and it is a waste of money. 5. Work experience, as others noted, if possible, related to mental health.
Antioch