How to justify a low GPA in 2024 application?

2nd edit: 27th December, 2023

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Do you want to study in your dream university?

But low grades keep you hanging? Are you looking for ways to convey your story in the best possible manner in your Statement of Purpose? Then you are at the right place!

Statement of Purpose is your place to portray your strengths and all you have learned throughout your journey growing up. SOP allows you to give a peek into your interests, your motivation, and the background of your story.

Getting admission to universities is becoming tense because of the increase in academically scholarly students.

The academic reports or Grade Point Average (GPA) gives an idea about how well you will strive in the multi-disciplinary curriculum of the universities. Your past learning record is somehow the measure of your future performance.

Needless to say, not all pupils get carved from the same wood of stellar GPA. Thus, the Statement of Purpose is the best way to give insights into what makes you, YOU.

Yes, you are a unique individual with strengths different from the others.

You might not be a scholar but definitely, someone with high inter-personal skills. So, let your SOP show that for you.

This article breaks down the question of how to justify a low GPA.

Best advice

The best way is not to mention your weaknesses, then be it low GPA or fewer Extra-curriculars. Build it on your strengths, show the admission officers that you can do it. Paint the best picture on your canvas that is honest and not glorified.

Remember: Admission officers have abundant experience. Catching a lie is as easy as ABC for them.

Think hundreds of times before writing a lie, and trust me, you don’t need to.

If you find it difficult to portray your abilities, then we are here to help you. Follow the link for assistance in SOP writing. We will help you to write the ideal Statement of Purpose and bring your dreams to reality.

If you have some genuine reasons for grade drops or inconsistent GPA, then explain it in a few lines. Below mentioned are some of the reasons that can be mentioned in the SOP-

• Financial Troubles

If you were simultaneously earning a supporting income to combat financial hardships and studying.

• Personal/Family Problems

If you suffered from a medical condition/sickness or someone in your close family was seriously ill. This reason will only justify low grades in one or two exams, but if your grades are consistently low, then avoid this.

• Exemplary scores in subjects of interest

If you have low scores in subjects that are not a part of the course you want to major in, then that will probably not matter much. Having good grades in your core subjects of chosen fields projects your determination and interest in the study.

• Work experience/Major accomplishments

You are unique; thus, admission officers expect you to bring different values to their institution. Highlight your varied interests, the work experience that gives you an edge, and your accomplishments in the related field. This area is your creative space to share your participation in webinars, workshops, and even small things that helped you understand the subject.

Don’t know how to start with your Statement of Purpose?

No worries, we are here to help you in the whole process and easing out writing SOP.

Extra Tips

• Do not add drama. It is natural to have a low-Grade Point Average but forcefully justifying it will lead to your disadvantage.
• Never sound thankless or blame your parents or teachers. Complaining about un-supportive figures in the family and showing no gratitude is a negative sign of your moral values. Be careful with your words.
• The Statement of Purpose is to show your capabilities and not excuses. So, keep your reasons for not performing well short to 2 to 3 sentences.
• Explain how your failures have helped you to become more efficient and work upon your shortcomings. Mention an incident where you scored less in the subject and then worked hard to improve that score.
• Do not make your SOP all about your academics because this might give an impression of you trying too hard to explain. It will also lead the reader in forming a conclusion that you are an average student. Prevent this by citing personal interest and passion.

If you still feel like all of this might not be enough. Then remember that the SOP is not the only place to justify your low GPA!

When asking your professor for a Letter of Recommendation, request them to highlight the improvements you made in the subject. If there were no improvements, then try to project the understanding of the field you developed. Your recommender is the best person to shed light on your hidden potential and how your dream university will get valuable contributions from you.

Wondering how to write the Letter of Recommendation to project your potential and high morals, then think no more. Visit our website to get assistance in LOR.

Note: We provide valuable insights and help me carve the perfect Statement of Purpose, Personal Statement and Letter of Recommendation that will convey your story.

They are written precisely, well-reasoned, researched, and with the right emotions.

We know how much weight the SOP and the LOR carry in your selection process.

We leave no stone unturned to make it shine the best and pave the way for you to get into the university of your desire.

Woo your admission officers with no falsification and only building upon your strengths.

Need to know more about enhancing your SOP; read the related articles to get the best expert advice.

Now is the time to make your personal brand authentic, bold, creative and dauntless. Up your online game — Book Your Discovery Call now!