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How To Get Into Top University With Average Academic Records?

Updated: Sep 2, 2019



A question that often leaves students with scratching heads is that how to get into top universities with the average academic records? What measures should they take? Is it even possible to get into top university with average academics from an average college?


Well, One cannot deny the importance of good grades, strong GPA and a stellar academic record as the essential criterion to get into a good university, but even though your grades are average and you have graduated from an average college, yet you still stand a good chance to get into a very reputed university in USA and Canada for higher studies. What you need to do is to make the rest of your college application sparkle and demonstrate a compelling evidence of your skills, talents, abilities, leaderships and achievements to make sure that the admission committee can afford to ignore you.


Following are the few tips that will help you in securing admission in a top university despite having an average academic record:


1. Write an extraordinary Essay:

The college application essay is the most important documents in the admission process. It can make or break your chance of securing admission in a reputed college/university. Practice and work hard to write an impressive Statement of Purpose. Be substantive, direct, genuine and honest. Clearly state your interest in the field you wish to specialize in, along with the reasons for selecting a particular university while putting your best foot forward. Write from your heart and make it as unique as possible. You can read “how to write an impressive assay” to make your assay a winning assay.


2. Let Your Test Score Speak For You:

If your grades are average, then you must do everything you can in your capacity to make up for the average grades. Do well in your GRE and TOEFL. Prepare to the best of your abilities and take the test more than once if you don’t score well the first time.


3. Impress the Admission Committee with LORs

A gleaming LOR goes a long way in establishing your candidacy for a particular program. Recommendations not only validate your technical and academic competence but can also convince the committee of your overall preparedness for the program in terms of your aptitude, attitude, adaptability, flexibility, open-mindedness and interpersonal skills. Indeed, a well-drafted letter of recommendation is a chance for professors/counsellors/employers to help the applicant put his/her best foot forward. Admission committees are not just interested in your academic achievements but also are looking for well-rounded individuals who can add value to the university through their versatility. Therefore, try getting, at least, one recommendation from someone who has known you outside the classroom setting and can speak convincingly about your strengths and involvement in extracurricular activities, thus making you sound like a cut above the rest. You can read further “ How would a strong LoR look like”


4. Consider schools with conditional acceptance programs:

There are plenty of schools that give students an opportunity to attend school on a conditional basis. This is ideal for you if you have lower grades but have a great application otherwise. Many schools will offer conditional admission, however; you must keep your GPA at a certain point to remain enrolled in the school. If you have an average academic record, then you can consider this option. Some of them are- the Colorado State University, University of Wisconsin, University of Idaho, University of Iowa, California State University- Fullerton, , Virginia Tech and Arizona State University.


5. Avoid early admission:

Early admissions are very competitive. If you have an average academic record, then it is advisable to apply for regular admissions. Your chances of being accepted for regular admission are far better than the selective process of an early admission. You must use the extra time to take challenging courses and improve your GPA.


6. Take responsibility and offer an explanation:

If your academic performance was negatively affected due to circumstances that were out of your control such as, family issues, illness or any other reason, then you must take responsibility for it and explain it in a thoughtful and mature way. You can discuss your poor grades in the additional information field on the application. However, admission officials are aware that grades are not the only indicator of a student’s capability and therefore, if you can convince the admission committee that you are a sincere, diligent and persevering student for them to see your application in a positive light.


7. Prove that you are passionate about other things also

Grades are not the only deciding factor that universities consider during admissions. They do look at your participation outside the classroom to see what kind of person you are. They want to ensure that you will add value to the academic and cultural fabric of the university. If you have participated in extracurricular activities, won competitions, engaged in volunteer work and social activities then you must mention the same in your application. These are your strengths, and you must play up your strengths as it will distinguish you from other applicants.


An average academic record is in no way a roadblock to gaining entry into the college of your dreams. Keep these points in mind and remember to stay positive and never give up! Good Luck !!



About Edflight: Edflight offers consulting services to international students who wants to study in USA, Canada and Australia at various levels. If you want secure your admission in top university in the world, contact Edflight’s Experts by clicking here. Good Luck !!


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