Graduate admissions

kmchansen
Tue, 30 Jun 2015 16:39:05 +0000

Hi, all:

I’ve been reading many threads on this topic but can’t find quite the information I’m looking for.

In 2013, I graduated with my BS in Communications from a public university in Virginia. Since then, I’ve worked within the related field with great job experience but have been contemplating a career change and going back to school. I am interested in social work with the aging population and have experience in the field working at a home healthcare company in college as well has in my family life.

My concern is that my undergrad GPA isn’t a 3.0 or higher (2.67). I can provide some explanation in my application, however I’m looking to see if there is anything else I can do to be proactive. GRE scores aren’t required for this program (though I wish they were so I could have tangible proof that I’m not a subpar student!). I have contacted the program director for social work at the university that I hope to one day attend, asking her if it would be best to take graduate classes as a non-degree seeking student or would it be fine to take classes at a community college?

How much importance is placed on GPA for those who have been in the workplace for a couple years? What other factors could be helpful? I also have vast experience volunteering on community boards post-undergrad. I feel like I have valuable aspects and experience and just hope my undergrad GPA doesn’t sabotage my future chances.

Any thoughts or ideas would be wonderful!

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