GPA, or grade point average, shows a student’s performance at the high school or college level. While a 3.0 – 4.0 GPA is generally considered to be good, what is a bad GPA?
A bad GPA is one that falls between 1.5 – 2.5. It means that the student either has poor study ethics or took on coursework that they could not handle.
However, it is important to note that having a bad GPA in high school is not the end of the world. There are things you can do to increase your chances of getting into college.
If you want to know what to do with a bad grade point average, how to up your GPA, or get into college with a low GPA, then this article is for you.
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What is a bad GPA?
According to the United States education standard, a bad GPA is considered as one between the range of 1.5 – 2.5. This is because a majority of colleges admit students with an average of 3.0 and higher.
However, having a bad grade point average doesn’t mean you are not intelligent. It could be because you took hard classes or you were unable to focus completely due to some unforeseen circumstances.
How can you increase your GPA?
If you are still in high school, it is not too late, you can still get a good GPA before it is time to apply for college.
Below is a guide to help you increase your chances of getting a better GPA as a freshman, sophomore, 11th grader, or 12th grader.
1. Dedicate time and effort to studying more
The first habit you must adopt is to dedicate time and effort to studying. The more you familiarize yourself with each topic, the more you are confident during tests or exams.
A common mistake among students is trying to take in everything a few days before a test or exam. That should not be your case; instead, try reviewing all you’ve learned so far on a weekly basis.
By doing weekly reviews, you will slowly understand each topic better. This way, when it’s time for tests or exams, you are more relaxed, and all you need to do is to brush up on what you already know.
SEE: How Long Should You Study?
2. Get a tutor for extra help
If you know you are struggling with your grades, you should not be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your teachers or parents about getting extra help for your studies. I believe they would be more than happy to help you with that.
You can also ask for help from senior colleagues that you know can help give you a little insight on these topics you find challenging.
SEE: What Is Peer Tutoring?
3. Prioritize your studies more than other activities
If you feel that you are becoming overwhelmed by other activities, then take time to review your situation. Try to prioritize your studies first before other things.
That shouldn’t stop you from partaking in sports or other extracurricular activities. Simply ensure you study adequately first before dedicating the majority of your time to these activities.
SEE: 12 Easy And Effective Tips To Get A 5.0 GPA
How can you boost your chances of getting into college with a bad GPA?
Below are a few things you can do in order to boost your chances of getting into college with a bad GPA.
1. Study hard to get a good SAT score
SAT, or scholastic aptitude test, is a standardized test that shows how you rank compared to other students across the country. Getting a good SAT score will strongly improve your candidacy.
SEE: Is 1200 A Good SAT Score?
2. Boost your non-academic skills or talents
Colleges are impressed with extracurricular activities or achievements. Show them that aside from your grades, you have other amazing talents to offer them.
Do you play sports? Are you into theatre, music, or art? Do you have hobbies building machines? Do not be afraid to highlight these skills in your application letter.
SEE: What Are Hard Skills?
3. Explain yourself in your application essay
In your application, you can also explain why you had poor grades in high school. State the specific reasons in order to give them a context of your situation.
Did your grade suffer because of health issues? Or was it because of a crisis at home? Whether it is personal or financial, remember to state this in your personal essay and your recommendation letter as well.
Does a bad GPA ruin your chances of getting into college?
No, it does not.
Having a bad or low GPA does not hinder you from getting into college. In fact, there are a number of colleges that are willing to accept people with low-grade point averages.
Below is a list of some reputable universities that accept GPAs lower than 3.0 both in the United States and around the world.
In the United States
- Southern New Hampshire University
- American Intercontinental University
- Colorado State University Global Campus.
Around the world
- Capilano University
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai
- Institution of Technology Carlow.
You can also apply to colleges that require no GPA. Some reputable ones are;
1. Goucher college: You will only be required to send a 2 minutes video about yourself. This is in order for you to convince them that you deserve admission.
2. Bennington college: You will be required to send a self-curated collection of your work. It is expected to show off your creative and intellectual abilities.
3. Bard college: You will be required to answer a few college-level essay questions first.
Other alternatives
You can also look into some alternate options such as;
1. Consider an online education
Online education has gained popularity over the years, you can consider applying to an online university. University of the People tends to be a good option, it is fully online, and offer some scholarship as well.
This university believes in education as a human right, and they make it very easy and accessible for everyone. The only requirement needed for this university is a certificate of high school completion and English proficiency.
2. Go to community college first
Another alternate option is to go to community college first and then transfer to a top college that is affiliated with that community college after a year or two.
Many colleges affiliate themselves with community colleges so students can earn an associate degree. Once this is done, admission into the college is guaranteed. This method is often described as the 2 + 2 program.
FAQs
What is a good GPA?
A good grade point average is one between 3.0 – 4.0.
What is a good GPA to gain admission into Harvard?
For Harvard, a good GPA is one that is above 3.75.
What is a bad GPA for a college first semester?
A bad GPA for college’s first semester is one that is lower than 2.0. It places you on probation, and without improvement, you may be dismissed from the college.
Does a bad GPA ruin your life?
No, it does not.
However, if you can be more hard-working, you can improve your grades.
Is a 2.8 GPA bad in freshman year?
No, it is not.
But you will need to be more focused and hard-working, so you can get a better GPA before you graduate from high school.
Conclusion: What is a bad GPA?
A bad grade point average is one that typically falls below the 2.5 mark. If you fall under this category and you are still in high school, you can do a lot to help bring those grades up.
However, if you are seeking to get into college, there are a few reputable colleges that can admit you even with a bad grade. I have also listed above in this article, other alternate options you can try out.
I hope you enjoyed this article, if you did, you should also see if a 3.5 GPA is good and what to do with it.
Thanks for reading.
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FAQs
What is a bad GPA? ›
However, college applicants must also determine what is a good GPA for their chosen college or university as well as what is a bad GPA. In most cases, a high GPA is somewhere between 3.50 and 4.00, and a low GPA is somewhere between 1.50 and 2.00.
What GPA means? ›The Grade Point Average is a calculation of your average grade or result. This can be calculated on a yearly basis, or for your course as a whole. It is calculated on the following basis: Each result is assigned a number known as the grade point.
How can I get into a low GPA? ›- Take Responsibility and Offer an Explanation for the Low GPA.
- Get Recommendation Letters From Teachers and Counselors.
- Get Good Standardized Test Scores.
- Wait to Apply and Improve Your GPA.
- Consider Alternative Admissions Programs.
- Start at a Community College.
The definition of a low GPA depends heavily on your personal goals and target colleges, but a general rule of thumb is that any GPA below a 3.0 puts you in the lower range for most colleges in the country. According to data from TACT research (reported by ThinkImpact), the average high school GPA is 3.0.
Is a B GPA bad? ›The average high school GPA is around 3.0, or a B average. This also happens to be the minimum requirement for many college scholarships, though a 3.5 or higher is generally preferable.
Is 2.7 a bad GPA? ›Is a 2.7 GPA Good? A 2.7 GPA is noticeably lower than a 3.0 GPA, which is the national average. It's almost decent, but still a little low. Luckily, a 2.7 is certainly a GPA that can be pulled up to a solid number.
Is a GPA of 2 good? ›Is a 2.0 GPA good? The answer is No. The national average for a GPA is around 3.0 and a 2.0 GPA puts you below that average. A 2.0 GPA means that you've gotten only C-s and D+s in your high school classes so far.
Is 4.5 A good GPA? ›A 4.5 GPA indicates that you're in very good shape for college. You're most likely in high level classes earning As and high Bs. 99.74% of schools have an average GPA below a 4.5. You can apply to colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted.
What was the highest GPA ever? ›One student even managed to land a stunning 10.03 GPA by taking 17 advanced classes at a school that awarded bonus points. If the different GPA scales seem a little confusing, check out our guide on how to calculate GPA for a straightforward explanation of weighted and unweighted GPAs.
What colleges will accept a 1.5 GPA? ›Sadly, a 1.5GPA entails that there are no colleges that you can use as safety schools, so you will be taking a risk no matter where you apply. The only way to increase your chances is by raising your GPA.
What is the lowest GPA to get into Harvard? ›
You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Harvard, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application.
Is a 1.8 GPA passing? ›The answer is No. The national average for a GPA is around 3.0 and a 1.8 GPA puts you below that average. A 1.8 GPA means that you've gotten only C-s and D+s in your high school classes so far. Since this GPA is significantly below a 2.0, it will make things very difficult for you in the college application process.
Can you get into med school with Bs? ›Having a few Bs is not going to get you onto a straight path to medical school. People with GPAs in the 3.0-3.6 region do get into medical school but they're less likely to get in on their first try and it may take a complete overhaul to make up the time.
Is 2.8 a bad GPA? ›A 2.8 GPA, or Grade Point Average, is equivalent to a B- letter grade on a 4.0 GPA scale. This means is equivalent to a 80-82%. The national average GPA is 3.0 which means a 2.8 is just a bit below average. With a few quick tips you can likely raise your GPA even higher!
How do you explain a bad GPA in an interview? ›You need to explain why your GPA is lower than your peers. If you were working concurrently with attending classes, say so. If your GPA was lower in your first year or two, say so. If your GPA is higher in your major classes (which are the most important to a prospective employer), say so.
Is 2.64 A good GPA? ›The national average GPA is 3.0 which means a 2.6 is below average and can definitely be improved.
Does a 2.99 GPA round up? ›Additionally, you may wonder, can you round up GPA on your resume? The short answer is yes, but only to one decimal place (e.g., 3.49 rounded up to 3.5).
Is a GPA of 2.99 good? ›A 2.9 GPA, or Grade Point Average, is equivalent to a B- letter grade on a 4.0 GPA scale. This means is equivalent to a 80-82%. The national average GPA is 3.0 which means a 2.9 is a solid GPA, just a tiny bit below average and with a few quick tips can easily be improved to stand out from the crowd.
Is 3.25 an A or B+? ›...
List of Common GPA Conversions.
| Letter Grade | Percent Grade | 4.0 GPA Scale |
|---|---|---|
| A- | 90–92 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87–89 | 3.3 |
| B | 83–86 | 3.0 |
| B- | 80–82 | 2.7 |
This is an above-average score, between 80% and 89% C - this is a grade that rests right in the middle. C is anywhere between 70% and 79% D - this is still a passing grade, and it's between 59% and 69%
Do you need straight A's to be a doctor? ›
While perfect grades are not required for medical school admission, premeds "would want to be in the mid-3.0 range and higher to feel relatively competitive," Grabowski says. Still, it is possible to get into med school with a mediocre or low GPA.
Is a 1 GPA good? ›Is a 1.0 GPA Good? Considering the US national average GPA is a 3.0, a 1.0 is far below average. Generally, a 1.0 is considered a dismal GPA. Raising a 1.0 GPA to an acceptable number is extremely difficult, but possible with diligence and determination.
Is a 96 GPA good? ›...
Search for Colleges Using Your GPA.
| Letter Grade | Percent Grade | 4.0 Scale |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97-100 | 4.0 |
| A | 93-96 | 4.0 |
| A- | 90-92 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87-89 | 3.3 |
B Letter Grade is a 3.0 GPA or 83–86% – GPA Calculator.
Is 4.8 A good GPA? ›For example, on a 4.0 scale, a 4.8 is an excellent weighted GPA that is in the A+ range. On a 5.0 it is an 96% GPA, which would be in the A/A- range.
Is a 5.2 GPA good? ›On the weighted scale, a strong GPA could range from a 4.0 to a 5.3 – indicating to colleges that you're taking challenging courses (Advanced Placement, Dual Enrolled, etc.) and keeping up A's and B's. On the unweighted scale, a good GPA could range from a 3.0 to a 4.3, which spans the A/B average values.
Is a 4.7 GPA good for Harvard? ›Average GPA: 4.18
This makes Harvard Extremely Competitive for GPAs. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. With a GPA of 4.18, Harvard requires you to be at the top of your class. You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants.
High school senior Dhara Patel was always a good student, but she'll graduate from Plant City High School with an incredible academic accomplishment. Patel has earned a 10.03 GPA, the highest in Hillsborough County, Florida -- and perhaps anywhere else.
What is the lowest passing GPA? ›| 4.0 Scale | A-F | Three Passing Grades |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | A | Highest Passing Grade |
| 3.0-3.9 | B | Middle Passing Grade |
| 2.0-2.9 | C | Lowest Passing Grade |
| 1.0-1.9 | D | Fail |
When you study at a US university, your GPA is on a scale from 0.0 to 4.0, with 4.0 being the highest your GPA can be. GPA is very important in US universities.
Is a 0.0 GPA good? ›
F GPA. An F letter grade is equivalent to a 0.0 GPA, or Grade Point Average, on a 4.0 GPA scale, and a percentage grade of 65 or below.
What's the lowest GPA college? ›Unofficially, 2.0 is the lowest GPA accepted into a standard college, so while there's a chance that college admission is possible, it's not likely at more than a few institutions.
Can you be successful with a low GPA? ›Whether you're a current high school student, just graduated or returning to college education after a break, it is still possible to be successful with a low GPA. It takes a significant amount of work and a dedication to improving yourself, but there are options for you.
Does Harvard Look at 8th grade? ›Will C's in middle school hurt my chances of getting into Harvard? Colleges don't look at middle school grades. Just work hard to bring your grades up in high school, and take the most advanced classes available to you.
What colleges will accept a 2.5 GPA? ›What colleges can I get into with a 2.5 GPA? Bowie State University, Fisher College, and Miles College accept students with an average GPA of 2.5. There are plenty of other institutions to consider, so take a look at the full list!
Is a GPA of 5.0 good? ›Admission to the most prestigious schools is typically limited to students who rank in the top 5% of their class and have high GPAs. Therefore, this article is about one of the highest scores, 5.0 GPA. It is an outstanding score a handful of students can achieve.
How can I raise my GPA fast? ›- Avoid classes you don't need.
- Meet with a tutor.
- Speak with your instructors.
- Set goals for yourself.
- Turn in assignments on time.
- Join a study group.
- Study topics as you go.
- Improve note-taking skills.
...
Definition of Grades and their Corresponding Grade Points.
A grade of C or better is required to earn a Passed; a C- or below will earn a Not Passed grade. A grade of C- may satisfy many requirements (e.g., General Education, elective) but a Not Passed grade will not earn any credit or satisfy requirements.
Is 2.5 a bad GPA? ›Is a 2.5 GPA good? The answer is No. The national average for a GPA is around 3.0 and a 2.5 GPA puts you below that average. A 2.5 GPA means that you've gotten only C-s and D+s in your high school classes so far.
Is 2.8 a bad GPA? ›
A 2.8 GPA, or Grade Point Average, is equivalent to a B- letter grade on a 4.0 GPA scale. This means is equivalent to a 80-82%. The national average GPA is 3.0 which means a 2.8 is just a bit below average. With a few quick tips you can likely raise your GPA even higher!
Is a GPA of 6 GOOD? ›GPA of 6 or 7 means Distinction or Higher Distinction. At most high schools, this means that the highest GPA you can get is a 5.0. A 4.5 GPA indicates that you're in very good shape for college.
Is a 3.0 GPA in college bad? ›A 3.0 GPA indicates a grade average of “B” and makes you eligible to apply to a wide range of schools, so yes! A 3.0 GPA is generally considered “good.”
What colleges will accept a 1.5 GPA? ›Sadly, a 1.5GPA entails that there are no colleges that you can use as safety schools, so you will be taking a risk no matter where you apply. The only way to increase your chances is by raising your GPA.
Is a GPA of 1.5 good? ›Is a 1.5 GPA Good? The national average is a 3.0 GPA, so a 1.5 GPA is well below average. A 1.5 GPA makes you seem unready to advance to an institution of higher learning. If you still have a few semesters to go, a respectable GPA is within reach, if you're willing to work hard for it.
Is 4.5 A good GPA? ›A 4.5 GPA indicates that you're in very good shape for college. You're most likely in high level classes earning As and high Bs. 99.74% of schools have an average GPA below a 4.5. You can apply to colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted.
Is a GPA of 8 good? ›Usually, CGPA or CPI of 8 or above is considered good. If the student is planning to study abroad then scoring a little higher will help them with the admission process. CPI to percentage conversion is also possible for those colleges which have cutoffs in percentage.
Is a GPA of 2.99 good? ›A 2.9 GPA, or Grade Point Average, is equivalent to a B- letter grade on a 4.0 GPA scale. This means is equivalent to a 80-82%. The national average GPA is 3.0 which means a 2.9 is a solid GPA, just a tiny bit below average and with a few quick tips can easily be improved to stand out from the crowd.
Is 3.25 an A or B+? ›...
List of Common GPA Conversions.
| Letter Grade | Percent Grade | 4.0 GPA Scale |
|---|---|---|
| A- | 90–92 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87–89 | 3.3 |
| B | 83–86 | 3.0 |
| B- | 80–82 | 2.7 |
Is 75 % an A grade In Australia? For primary, secondary, or senior secondary schools (high schools), achieving 75% is a "B" grade, which is good. For universities or colleges, earning a grading score between 70 and 84 per cent is a Distinction (D) grade, the second-best grade.
What's the highest GPA in America? ›
When you study at a US university, your GPA is on a scale from 0.0 to 4.0, with 4.0 being the highest your GPA can be. GPA is very important in US universities.
What is an A in Australia? ›| Grade | Scale | US Grade |
|---|---|---|
| HD | 80.00 - 100.00 | A+ |
| D | 70.00 - 79.00 | A |
| CR | 60.00 - 69.00 | B |
| P | 50.00 - 59.00 | C |
It indicates that the student only took coursework with a 5.0-grade point average and received all A's (or A+'s). However, when classes are weighted, perfect straight-A grades can result in a 5.0 instead of the standard 4.0. (or even higher).
What is my GPA if I have all A's and one B? ›| Grade Equivalence | |
|---|---|
| A | 4.00 |
| A- | 3.67 |
| B+ | 3.33 |
| B | 3.00 |
Generally, most high schools subtract (. 3) for a minus grade and add (. 3) for a plus grade, where 4.0 is considered the highest GPA. Though the calculation of average GPA is quite simple on a 4.0 scale, you can always contact your school's counselor's office for better estimation and results.