Can I study in the USA with a second class lower?
This is the first question that rings through the head of many students once they see that they graduated with a second class lower and they intend to further their studies. To some students, they feel that a second class lower means they failed and it would be impossible to further, but that is not the case.
I know a low GPA is a disadvantage when it comes to getting admission, especially when it comes to international schools but that does not mean your chances of gaining admission to any international university are zero percent.
Whether you have a low GPA or a high one, there are still universities that will accept you. With a second-class lower CGPA it is still very possible to further, it all depends on the entry requirements for the course and the institution of choice.
Now the entry requirements for various institutions are somewhat the same and might also differ, yes some institutions might be very strict with their entry requirements and might not accept a student with a second-class lower CGPA but there are still some other institutions that are lenient with their entry requirements and might accept a second class lower student.
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Note that the fact that they are lenient with their entry requirements does not mean they are not up to standard, they are. They just decided to take certain things into consideration.
All you need to do is do research on various institutions and know the entry requirements for them, then you can make your choice on which to apply.
Keep reading this blog if you intend to know more about how you can study in the USA with a second class lower, I would be going further to explain more on how you can study in the USA with your second class lower CGPA.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR A MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM IN THE USA
The USA happens to be amongst one of the top lists of study locations around the world, it has some of the top universities, hence making a lot of students apply to study there which makes it also tough to get in.
A master’s degree program in the USA usually lasts for two years for a successful completion although some courses might be shorter.
Listed below are the entry requirements for this program, but this does not apply to all universities in the US. Like I said earlier, some universities can be lenient and might judge you based on some of these requirements listed and not all. It differs with various universities.
- A total of fifteen or sixteen years of formal education must have been completed
- A standardized test score from either GMAT, GRE, etc.
- A language test usually IELTS or TOEFL for those whose first language is not English.
- A signed and stamped academic transcript from a previous university or college.
- Two or three recommendation letters from a past lecturer or professor, or employer(s).
- A financial statement showing you are financially capable for at least a year.
- An essay that contains a statement about your chosen master’s degree program (statement of purpose). The reason why you intend to join that particular graduate program, your aim of pursuing the degree and what you intend to gain from it, etc are all contained in this essay.
- An updated CV containing your contact information, relevant achievements, work experience, etc.
- An identity proof.
- A CGPA of 3.0
GRADING SYSTEM USED IN USA
Letter Grade Percentage GPA
A 90-100% 4.0.
B 80-89% 3.0
C 70-79% 2.0
D 60-69% 1.0
F 0-59% 0.0
The grading system above is commonly used by universities in the US but some other universities make use of the edited version stated below.
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Letter Grade Percentage GPA
A+ 97-100% 4.0
A 93-96% 3.9
A- 90-92% 3.7
B+ 87-89% 3.3
B 83-86% 3.0
B- 80-82% 2.7
C+ 77-79% 2.3
C 73-76% 2.0
C- 70-72% 1.7
D+ 67-69%. 1.3
D 63-66% 1.0
D- 60-62% 0.7
F 0-59% 0.0
HOW TO GET ADMITTED INTO UNIVERSITIES IN THE USA WITH A SECOND-CLASS LOWER GPA
Graduating with a second-class lower GPA might seem to you like you failed but that is not the case, it is definitely not the end of your educational pursuit. It is true that having a GPA lower than 3.0 puts you in a lower range than most universities in the US which reduces your chances of getting in faster and easier. If you are someone in search of answers on how to further your studies with a second-class lower, below are the things you can do to boost your chances of getting admitted into universities in the US.
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You should:
- Be able to give valid reasons that defend your grade either during an interview, in your statement of purpose, or in a personal statement.
- Have a good score on standardized tests such as the GRE, GMAT, etc.
- Have a certain level of work experience, personal skills, internships, etc.
Note that the list above still depends on the course and university of choice, so it would be best if you do more research to find necessary information concerning the university you intend to apply to for your master’s degree program.
If you do not have any of these, there is still no need to worry because you could also apply for a post-graduate diploma. This is another go-to option for students who need to boost their chances of getting admitted into a university in the US. This program in the US takes a period of twelve to eighteen months to be completed.
This post-graduate degree program provides students with specific skills leading to job opportunities or the go-ahead to further and be a master’s degree holder of any particular course(s) of your choice.
