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Universities with no GPA requirements may prove to be a real lifeline. This is especially beneficial for individuals grappling with a subpar high school GPA. Similarly, those who’ve obtained their GED and lack a conventional GPA can also benefit from such institutions.
DID YOU KNOW?
Your cumulative GPA is the average of all of your grades over a set time period. For instance, colleges may look at your cumulative GPA from 9th through 12th grade.
HOW TO GET INTO COLLEGE WITH BAD GRADES
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Even when your grades fall short of perfection, there are still pathways to secure a college admission. Certain institutions extend conditional or provisional acceptance to applicants in such situations. This affords students an additional opportunity to demonstrate their preparedness for college-level coursework. Moreover, certain colleges might provide applicants an avenue to circumvent GPA requirements through alternative means, such as achieving a minimum ACT or SAT score.
In addition, you have the option to delve into how your work experience has crystalized your academic interests, bolstered by compelling letters of recommendation showcasing your fervor for the chosen field. Alternatively, one could dedicate time to focused preparation, aiming for improved scores on the SAT or ACT.
In other words, the past cannot be rewritten to mend high school grades. Nevertheless, there exists an alternate route to exhibit to your desired institution your suitability for collegiate endeavors.
5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT APPLYING TO UNIVERSITIES WITH NO GPA REQUIREMENTS
Why seek out universities with no GPA requirements? Some individuals might not take pride in their grade records, while others could hold a GED, leaving them without a GPA for submission to prospective colleges. Consequently, the pursuit of institutions without GPA requirements might become a top priority. Nevertheless, the process of discovering your ideal educational institution goes beyond a mere quest for colleges that omit a specified minimum GPA.
Here are a few more thoughts for applying to colleges with no GPA requirements:
1. UNDERSTAND HOW YOUR PROSPECTIVE COLLEGES WITH NO GPA REQUIREMENTS WORK
Adopting a comprehensive admissions perspective implies that the university evaluates you as a whole person, considering factors beyond just your academic performance. Many universities that bypass GPA requirements take this comprehensive approach to application assessment.
However, certain institutions opt not to publicize a minimum GPA, presuming that applicants inherently boast impressive scholastic achievements.
Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the university’s admissions philosophy. You could even unearth the average GPA of previously admitted students, giving you a gauge to measure your compatibility.
Southern New Hampshire University
- Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access.
- Popular Online Programs include Business Administration, Psychology, Information Technology, Human Services…
2. MAKE THE REST OF YOUR APPLICATION STAND OUT
Happily, you may be able to show and tell your academic aptitude in ways besides beside GPA. For example, strong SAT scores can help. Also letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselors who can vouch for you. In fact, do you have positive work experiences? If so ask for letters from your boss.
3. EARNED YOUR GED? CALCULATE YOUR GED SCORE TO GPA
Although your intended college might not necessitate this, you can still gauge what your GPA would translate to. Begin by dividing your cumulative GED score by the number of sections you completed in the test, allowing you to compute an average. Normally, the GED consists of five sections. Subsequently, divide that computed average by the maximum achievable score for a GED section. Typically, this highest score stands at 800. This calculation enables you to arrive at your percentage score.
To conclude, multiply your percentage by the grading scale you intend to apply (commonly 4.0) to derive your GPA equivalent. Certain institutions also stipulate minimum acceptable GED scores, aiding in your assessment of potential eligibility for admission. In brief, sum up all five individual scores and then divide the total by five. For instance, if your scores were 300, 450, 625, 550, and 700, the sum would be 2,625. This total, divided by five, yields 525. Further, 525 divided by 800 equals 65.625%. Ultimately, multiplying 65.625% by 4.0 yields a GPA of 2.625.
4. DON’T MAKE EXCUSES
If you didn’t perform well in high school, own up to it and provide an explanation without blaming others. In the first place, admitting you might have made some mistakes along the way is just human. In the second place, it is a sign of maturity. By and large something admissions representatives may respect. Usually colleges with no GPA requirements use a more well rounded approach to look at potential students.
5. HAVE A UNIQUE PROBLEM WITH YOUR GPA? TALK TO ADMISSIONS.
Are you a student grappling with GPA-related inquiries? Or do you find yourself uncertain about navigating the application process for universities without GPA prerequisites? In such cases, we strongly suggest reaching out to the institutions you’re considering. While emailing is an option, making a phone call tends to be quicker and more efficient, allowing you to address multiple concerns in one go.
For instance, if your GPA suffered due to a personal crisis such as illness or family difficulties, it might be crucial to communicate this to your potential college. Some schools might even accept substantiating documentation that validates your circumstances.
Check out our list of nine partner colleges and universities that don’t list a GPA requirement. Or potentially offer an alternate path to admission if your GPA isn’t up to par.
LIST OF 5 COLLEGES WITH NO GPA REQUIREMENTS
The nine sponsored schools listed below don’t mention a GPA requirement. Or they may offer flexible policies, such as provisional admissions. Check them out below. Or fill out our form to get matched to schools that may be your ideal fit!
Keep in mind that GPA and other admissions requirements are subject to change. So check with each school you’re interested in to learn more!
1
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE GPA REQUIREMENTS:
SNHU is committed to making education accessible to all. As such, there is no GPA requirement for undergraduate applicants. It is possible, that very low GPAs may require provisional admission.
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS:
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- IT & Cyber Security
- Psychology
- and more
2
STRAYER UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE GPA REQUIREMENTS: NO MINIMUM GPA
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS:
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- Business Administration Bachelors
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Management
- Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS MAY INCLUDE:
- A Completed application form and enrollment agreement, as applicable
- Documentation of High School Graduation from an approved high school or its equivalent
- A valid, current, legible government-issued photo identification
Strayer University is an accredited institution. In fact, they have a proud history of 130 years in quality education. Strayer’s bachelor’s degrees can equip you with the skills and the knowledge you’ll need to advance in your career. Another key point, is you can earn them online, on campus, or a combination of both. Lastly, you will have your student services coach at your side all along the way.
3
GRANTHAM UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE GPA REQUIREMENTS: NO MINIMUM LISTED
Some programs may have additional requirements. For instance, the RN to BSN completion program requires an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a 2.5 GPA.
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS:
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration
- BS in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Human Resource Management
- BS in Health Information Management
- Information Systems Bachelor of Science (BS)
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS MAY INCLUDE:
- Proof of high school graduation
- Funding in place within seven days of program start date
Founded in 1951, Grantham University is an entirely online university serving a diverse student population. On the whole the school believes that education should enhance your life. Which is why everything they do is designed to serve the needs of their students.
4
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE
UNDERGRADUATE GPA REQUIREMENTS: NO GPA REQUIREMENTS FOR ONLINE PROGRAMS
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS:
- Bachelor of Science (BS): Early Childhood Education in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Public Administration Bachelor of Science
- Business Administration BS
- Political Science BS
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS MAY INCLUDE:
- Completed application
- Unofficial college transcripts (if applicable; official transcripts will be needed later)
- Proof of high school completion (or equivalent)
In less than 50 years, Liberty University has become an accredited evangelical liberal arts institution of higher learning. For this reason, Liberty serves the needs of more than 100,000 students. In fact, the school’s philosophy is to balance academic theory, research, and hands-on training. In order to prepare you to succeed in your profession and to adapt and thrive in a constantly changing marketplace.
5
FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE GPA REQUIREMENTS: NO MINIMUM LISTED
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS:
- Graphic Design Bachelors of Science
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Game Design
- Audio Production Bachelors of Science
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sports Marketing and Media
- Digital Marketing Bachelor of Science (BS)
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS MAY INCLUDE:
- Completed application and application fee
- Proof of high school graduation or equivalent
- Government issued photo identification
- Verification of English proficiency (if primary language)
- Interview with Admissions Representative
Founded in 1979, Full Sail University has developed a project-based, relevant educational philosophy. Especially adapted to the fields of entertainment and media. In general, courses and curriculum strive to replicate real world working environments. This includes teachers who are industry veterans.
Sponsored Schools
SEARCH UNIVERSITIES WITH NO GPA REQUIREMENTS
Regardless of what your academic history looks like, finding your ideal school may still be possible. Browse our list of sponsored schools. Or simply fill out the form on this page to get matched with partner schools that might be the perfect fit for you!
Or read more about colleges that accept low GPA!