Computer science graduate program- D1 athlete average GPA

Trying to help my S think about his options. He is a junior majoring in physics with minor computer science at a public ivy. He is also a 3 season athlete running 100 miles a week. (He got into the school on his own and was a walk-on.) He thinks he might want to pursue a masters in computer science. However, his overall GPA is like a 2.65. He will graduate with one year of eligibility for xc. His school does offer a 5th year masters, but requires a 3.0 to do the program. We looked at another school and it had the same minimum requirement GPA. Are their programs out there that will consider lower GPAs?

Normally a student with a low GPA would be encouraged to work for a while and maybe take a grad class or two as a non-degree student to show that he can get As or Bs. If he wants to compete for another year, perhaps he could delay graduation and also take a grad class or two before graduating.

Most if not all decent MS programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 just to stay in the program. If one can’t keep 3.0 in undergrad, how can (s)he be expected to keep 3.0 in grad?

I don’t think athletic abilities have any impact on grad admission.

I don’t want to be harsh, just saying it as it is.

Can he have a 5th year of undergrad and work on pulling up that GPA?

Sorry, @happymomof1. I misread your post. I thought you meant “5-year MS.”

Pulling up from 2.65 to at least 3.0 in one year is difficult, especially with CS classes. Even if one can pull that off with “easy” classes, ad com can look at the transcript and figure it out.

Also, 3.0 is the minimum requirement. Decent MS programs normally have many applicants with much better credentials.

I suggest working for a few years after BS…

One year may not be enough to pull the average up to a 3.0, but it would be enough to retake one or two failed courses for better grades, get top grades in a couple demanding courses, finish off a second major with a better GPA for that major, get some research experience with a friendly professor, etc. Those could improve a grad school application - especially the research. Profesors have old classmates and professional contacts that can make a big difference.