Often, one of the first questions study abroad advisors ask students interested in study abroad is: What’s your GPA? For those students with a good GPA, this question causes no stress. Unfortunately, some students are forced to look away, mumble under their breath, or avoid the question altogether. I can’t remember the number of times I’ve heard classmates say, “I want to study abroad but I have bad grades.” Fortunately, there is still hope. Have you asked yourself the following question?
How can I study abroad with a low GPA? Fortunately, you can accomplish your dream of studying abroad even though you have a low GPA. You just need to follow a simple strategy. The strategy begins with determining your current situation, establishing a plan to improve your GPA, considering attendance at a community college, and using your unique creativity to offset your low GPA and increase your chance for acceptance in a quality study abroad program.
For some students, grades are a big deal. For others, not so much. Whatever we feel about grades as a metric for current academic ability or future success, the reality is that colleges rely on grades when weighing applications for enrollment. Some colleges have higher standards than others. The same is true in college and university study abroad programs.
Study abroad program administrators must set certain standards for recruits into their programs because they have a duty to their college, their program, and the students. A student’s potential for success is a major consideration when determining whether a student is qualified for a study abroad experience. And part of the qualification process is based on the potential for academic success based on a student’s grade point average (GPA).
Although a minimum GPA is usually required to qualify for a study abroad program, it isn’t the only metric used to determine which students can participate.
If you are truly interested in studying abroad during your college career, then following the three strategic steps will help you accomplish your dream.
Determine Your Current Situation
Let’s assume that you or someone you know is interested in studying abroad and may have a low GPA. With that in mind, I suggest you begin by answering the following questions:
What is your GPA?
Is your GPA below 2.0? If the answer to this question is yes, then you will need to work on raising your grades in current and future courses.
Is your GPA 2.0? If the answer is yes, then you need still need to improve your GPA, but the opportunity to raise it to a level study abroad program administrators will accept is less formidable.
Is your GPA 2.5? Congratulations. A GPA of 2.5 or higher should allow you to apply for most study abroad programs.
Is your GPA 3.0 and above? Once again, congratulations! You should have no trouble finding the study abroad program or your choice.
What is your current status? (high school or college freshman, sophomore, junior, senior?)
If you are still in high school, then there’s still time to improve your grades. As you being your coursework in college, focusing on maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher will raise your chances of finding a study abroad opportunity that you will enjoy.
If you’re in college, and your GPA is below 2.5, then the challenge is heavier, but you can still make it happen. Keep reading below and learn how you can develop a plan to improve your study abroad prospects.
Are you active in school?
If you are active in school, then begin making a list of your extracurricular, athletic, leadership and volunteer activities. This list will be of great value when you’re preparing your application to study abroad.
If you are currently not active, then make a concerted effort to find opportunities that your might enjoy, and potentially excel. Participation in various school, community and church-related activities will help improve you application prospects.
Do you currently have a job?
If you are currently working, study abroad administrators will take this into consideration when reviewing your application to study abroad. This activity will show that you’re diligent and able to multi-task by working and going to school.
If you’re not working, I’m not suggesting you need to run out and get a job. It might help, though.
Establish a Plan to Improve Your Study Abroad Prospects
Raise your GPA
Your plan to improve your study abroad prospects should begin with the implementation of strategies to raise your GPA. How do you do this?
First, you can improve your GPA by making better grades in your courses. How do you make better grades? The first and most important thing is to hold yourself accountable. Only you can improve your grades. If learning doesn’t come easy to you, the following should help you get on track.
- Focus on your studies.
- Try to score better marks.
- Attend class more.
- Pay attention in class.
- Turn in homework.
- Participate in class discussions.
- Find a study partner or study group and work together, help each other with assignments, test preparation, and projects.
- Get help from tutors.
- Ask the teacher or professor what you can do to improve.
- Jump at the chance when extra credit assignments are offered.
Second, repeat some of the classes with your lowest grades. A new attitude and a new classroom atmosphere might help you improve your grade in the class, especially since you’re already familiar with the material. You might think it’s a waste of time, but if it’s a core course, crucial to your degree, it’s worth trying again.
Improve your resume
Study abroad administrators often view your participation in extracurricular activities as a major bonus when reviewing your application. If you’re an athlete, participate in sports, if you’re outgoing, consider speech competitions and theater. If you love music, join the choir or band program. If you enjoy leadership, participate in the various clubs and organizations on campus. Volunteer at a local charity. These activities will add valuable experiences to your life and help build a more flattering view of your resume.
Consider attending a Community College
Community colleges are primarily two-year higher education institutions. Community colleges are often less expensive than most 4-year colleges and universities. Admission requirements are more relaxed and offer a broad range of classes that can help you find success academically. Tutoring programs are prevalent in community colleges and success in the classroom can be improved by taking full advantage if you struggle with the material.
Another prime benefit is that community colleges are a great place to build your resume concerning extracurricular activities. Many community college students are more focused on work and family, and less engaged in campus life. The opportunity to serve in campus organizations and volunteer activities is potentially high if you are inclined to participate.
Use Your Uniqueness to Offset Your Low GPA
Request a recommendation letter from faculty members, teachers and mentors
Who else but a present or past teacher can to weigh in on your ability to participate and succeed in a study abroad program? They have spent hours in a classroom with you and have witnessed your ability to handle the information. It’s best to approach teachers with whom you have developed a good relationship.
Mentors also can help build a strong case for your admittance into a study abroad program. Coaches, club sponsors, counselors, and work supervisors enjoy a unique view of you and your personality, abilities and character. Who better to write a letter of recommendation than someone close enough to have witnessed the way you think, interact with others, and handle the stresses of day-to-day life.
Write a Strong Personal Statement
If the study abroad program offers the opportunity to attach a personal statement with your application, take advantage of the opportunity. Write a compelling, well-written and well-thought-out personal statement that will leave a lasting impression on study abroad program administrators.
The best personal statements relay your personal story, purpose, and passions in a concise, informative, and creative style. Include an honest record of your skills and achievements. When possible, a touch of humor doesn’t hurt your case.
Conclusion
Bad grades on your student record do not necessarily halt your journey to study abroad, but those grades may delay it. Don’t panic. Follow the plan laid out in this article and your family may be receiving mail from you with foreign postmarks as far away as London, Beijing, Amsterdam, Sydney, or Rio de Janeiro. Feed your enthusiasm by taking each small step toward improving your standing in the eyes of the study abroad administrators. The effort will ultimately bring you the reward you seek. So get started today!