Are you looking for colleges that accept 1.5 GPA? Your GPA is only one of the considerations in college admissions. Other factors include your extracurriculars, leadership skills, references, and SAT or ACT test scores.
Colleges want to build a well-rounded picture of you, and there are many universities that accept low GPA scores and programs with flexible GPA requirements.
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You can read on to find out about your options for college with a 1.5 high school GPA.
Colleges That Accept 1.5 GPA
It is possible to go to college with a 1.5 GPA. Going beyond your transcripts and GPA, college admissions officers will also look at your capabilities outside a classroom setting.
Here are some other factors that are considered for college admission:
- Extracurriculars. Colleges will be interested in your involvement outside of class. For example, you might be active in a club, volunteer, or regularly devote time to your interests.
- Diversity. More schools than ever are going for diversity in their school populations, so your ethnic or cultural background, location, and life experiences can play a role in admission.
- Recommendation letters. College admissions officers may want to hear from people who you’ve worked with closely to get a more objective view of you.
You may want to start by looking into schools that accept 1.5 GPA. Most community colleges have no GPA requirements, so you can begin your college studies there and then transfer to a university after 2 years.
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It helps to check a school’s admissions policies. Here are some types of policies to keep an eye out for:
- Open admissions. Schools with open admissions policies accept all applicants as long as they graduated from high school.
- Flexible admissions. At schools with flexible admissions policies, admissions officers will focus on non-traditional criteria and may ask for an interview, portfolio, or detailed essay.
- Conditional acceptance. With conditional acceptance, you can get accepted as long as you fulfill extra requirements, such as taking certain classes.
With all of these available options, getting into college is possible with a 1.5 GPA.
What Is a 1.5 GPA?
On a standard 4.0 GPA scale, a 1.5 GPA is equivalent to an average of D+ and C- letter grades, around 70%. This means that you’ve gotten an average grade of low C and high D grades in the high school classes that you’ve taken.
While this is a passing grade, a 1.5 GPA is much lower than average. Many high schools will put you on probation with these grades.
This only applies to standard, unweighted GPA scales that range from 0.0 to 4.0, though. Some high schools have GPA systems with 5.0 or even 10.0 as the maximum, so a 1.5 GPA would have a different equivalent there.
Is a 1.5 GPA Good?
A 1.5 GPA for college falls below the national average, so it’s considered a low GPA. The national average GPA for high school students is 3.0, and the average GPA for high school students who go on to college is often even higher.
A GPA of 2.0, or C, is generally seen as the minimum for satisfactory performance. So, a 1.5 GPA can be grounds for academic warnings or probation at some schools. This is because it’s close to the lowest possible passing grade, which is a 1.0, or D.
Can You Raise Your GPA?
Raising your GPA is possible as long as you’re still taking classes, but the higher your current year level in high school, the more effort it can take to raise your GPA. Your grades for individual classes will have less and less of an effect on your GPA as you go through high school.
Here’s how it works for each year level:
- Freshman. If you have a 1.5 GPA as a freshman, you have a lot of time left to raise your GPA. You can try to pinpoint exactly why you’re falling behind in your classes, and you can reach out to a teacher or tutor if needed.
- Sophomore. By sophomore year, you’re almost done with half of your classes. Your individual class grades will impact your GPA less than in your freshman year, but you still have a chance of bringing up your GPA.
- Junior. You can raise your GPA in junior year, but it won’t have as much of an effect because you’re more than halfway through your high school classes. Your junior year grades are important for college admissions because they show your most recent performance.
- Senior. By this time, you’ve likely already started submitting college applications. It’s worthwhile to continue working on your GPA, though, because some schools will ask for your senior grades even after you apply.
Raising your GPA can be challenging, but every good class grade that you get can make a difference.
Other College Admissions Considerations
Aside from your GPA, college admissions officers often consider the following criteria as well:
- Coursework. Most schools will ask for your transcripts, which means they probably won’t just be looking at your GPA on its own. They’ll also check which courses you’ve taken. If you’ve taken difficult courses or received higher grades in classes related to the program you’re applying for, your GPA may be more favorable.
- Personal statement. Most college programs will ask you to write an essay so they can get to know you as a person and gauge your level of interest and program fit. Common essay topics include your plans and aspirations, extracurriculars, leadership experiences, and personal projects.
- Reference letters. You’ll likely need to submit 2 or 3 reference letters from teachers, mentors, school counselors, or people you’ve worked with closely outside of school. This helps admissions officers evaluate both your character and your real-life performance. It’s strategic to give your references enough time to prepare well-written letters.
- ACT or SAT scores. It’s standard for most schools to take your ACT or SAT scores into account, especially for more traditional schools. A good ACT or SAT score can offset a low GPA. You can take the test early in your junior year and then retake it later on if you want to aim for a higher score.
Your high school GPA is often considered to be an indicator of your future college GPA, but it’s far from being the only factor in college admissions. Some schools even emphasize other admissions criteria over GPA.
What Grades Do Colleges Look At?
Colleges will likely look at your grades for all of the high school classes that you’ve taken. They’ll probably scan through your high school transcripts, which include your grades for every class.
Not every class will be weighed equally, though. They’ll likely be especially focused on your grades in major subjects—such as math, science, and English—as well as subjects related to the major you’re applying for.
Colleges also tend to put more weight on junior year grades because they reflect applicants’ most recent performance upon applying.
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This only applies to your high school grades, though. Colleges won’t look at your middle school grades because these happened too far back.
What GPA Do You Need to Go to College?
The GPA you need to go to college depends on the school that you’re applying to. Most schools have an average GPA that they use as a benchmark for applicants. If your GPA is higher than this, then you have a better chance of getting in.
The GPAs that schools accept are wide-ranging. Many schools set it at 2.0 or 3.0, but there are universities that accept 1.5 GPA. Most community colleges accept students with high school diplomas, regardless of their GPA. There are a variety of universities with open admissions policies as well.
What Is the Lowest GPA a College Will Accept?
If you have a high school diploma, it’s possible to get into college. To graduate from high school, a minimum passing grade is required, which is usually set at 1.0, or a D letter grade.
A “low” GPA is considered to be a GPA that’s below the national average, which is around 3.0. Some colleges accept an average GPA of 2.0 or 2.5. Meanwhile, some schools don’t put emphasis on GPA, focusing instead on extracurriculars and non-academic experiences.
Are There Scholarships for Low GPAs?
Yes, there are scholarships you can apply to, even with a low GPA. Many scholarships have high cut-off GPA requirements, but you can find scholarships that don’t even consider GPA. These look at other factors, such as your level of financial need, the region you live in, your demographics, and the career you’re interested in.
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These types of scholarships might ask you to write an essay or submit a video, or they might assess your skills in other areas, such as music, art, or athletics. Some even select winners randomly, with no other criteria except being a US citizen.
Best Colleges That Accept a 1.5 GPA for Admission
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format. In addition, the universities accept 1.5 or no minimum GPA as part of the admissions requirements.
Alfred State College provides a holistic review of each application it receives. Factors considered include individual program requirements, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, the strength of the applicant’s prior education, and extracurricular activities.
Test scores may be submitted but are not required for admission to any major or for scholarship consideration.
Alfred State College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The application process at Barton Community College is designed to be quick, easy, and free. Barton is an open-admissions institution. Select programs may ask for test scores and other documents in addition to the basic application. Submission of test scores can also help you qualify for merit-based scholarships.
Barton Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
To apply at Bluegrass Community and Technical College, applicants need to fill out a simple application and submit official transcripts and test scores. Test scores are used for class placement once enrolled, but cumulative high school GPA may be used instead.
Bluegrass Community and Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Bronx Community College applicants can apply for either the spring or fall semesters. Admissions decisions are usually received within 6 to 8 weeks of completing the application. Counselors are available to help with the admissions process. BCC offers over 40 different majors and academic programs.
Bronx Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The City Colleges of Chicago have open admissions policies. Anyone with a high school diploma or GED is welcome to apply. Applicants may be given a waiver from placement tests based on SAT or ACT scores.
Degree programs are available in business, education, health sciences, human services, information technology, and more.
The City Colleges of Chicago are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Clovis Community College only requires that prospective students fill out a basic application and submit official transcripts. Admissions counselors are available to answer questions. Clovis offers classes both online and on campus.
Majors in business administration, child development, computer science, health care administration, and more are available.
Clovis Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Coastal Pines Technical College requires that prospective students fill out an application and submit official transcripts. Applicants must also turn in SAT and ACT scores or take the ACCUPLACER test. Coastal Pines currently offers allied health, business, computer, professional service, technical, and industrial programs.
Coastal Pines Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges currently offers a variety of associate degrees and technical certifications. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts, but standardized test scores are optional. IECC has an open admissions policy, but certain programs may have specific requirements.
IECC has multiple campuses and also offers classes online.
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Jefferson Community College has an easy application process that involves filling out a free application and submitting official transcripts. Residents of Jefferson County receive first priority for admission, but applicants from elsewhere are welcome.
JCC offers associate degree programs in a variety of fields, including business, education, liberal arts, marketing, and more.
Jefferson Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
No one single factor determines an applicant’s success in obtaining admission to Lakeland University. Applicants must submit official transcripts, and those who have been out of high school for less than three years must submit ACT scores.
Lakeland University has multiple campus locations. Evening and online classes are available to accommodate working adults.
Lakeland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Lewis and Clark Community College provides open enrollment. There are selective admissions processes for certain programs, including Dental Hygiene, Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Paramedicine. L&C offers classes both in person and online. L&C also has career services to help students with their job search.
Lewis and Clark Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
McLennan Community College maintains an open admissions policy, and applicants can apply at any time. Admission to the college does not necessarily guarantee admission into a specific degree program.
No particular test scores are required just for admission, but test scores may be required for placement in certain courses.
McLennan Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
National University requires first-time college students to take the ACCUPLACER test to determine English and math placement. Individual degree programs may have their own admissions requirements beyond those of the university.
National University offers online and on-campus degrees in fields such as teaching and education, business and marketing, healthcare and nursing, and more.
National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Northeast Alabama Community College has an open-door admissions policy. Prospective students are asked to fill out an application and submit official transcripts. SAT and ACT scores may be used for writing and math placement, or students can take the ACCUPLACER exam.
NACC offers programs of study in business, computer science, English, fine arts, natural sciences, and more.
Northeast Alabama Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Piedmont Virginia Community College does not require a high school diploma or a GED to apply as long as applicants are at least 18 years of age. Admissions advisors are available by phone appointment. SAT and ACT scores are not required but may be used for English and math placement.
Piedmont Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
To apply to Southern Arkansas University, applicants need to fill out an application and submit high school transcripts and SAT and ACT scores. Southern Arkansas offers more than 100 different degree programs, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 16-to-1.
Programs are available in business, education, liberal and performing arts, science, and engineering.
Southern Arkansas University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
To apply for general admission at Southern Union State Community College, applicants need to fill out an application through an online portal and submit official transcripts. SUSCC offers both academic and technical programs.
Classes are available in online, on-campus, and hybrid formats. Online classes require a webcam and a microphone.
Southern Union State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Southwestern Community College has an open-door admissions policy. Providing false information is the only grounds for rejection. In order to participate effectively, students will need access to a laptop with a webcam and a microphone.
Health sciences programs specifically have more selective admissions than the general college.
Southwestern Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Stanly Community College has an open-door general admissions policy, but general admission does not guarantee acceptance into a specific program. Stanly offers associate degrees in a variety of fields, including nursing, information technology, early childhood education, business administration, and more.
Classes are available online and on campus.
Stanly Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The admissions process at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College only requires the submission of official transcripts. SAT and ACT scores may be used for class placement, or the ACCUPLACER exam may be taken.
Wiregrass Georgia has classes available online and at multiple campus locations. Programs of study include a variety of associate degrees and technical certifications.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your College Degree Online
Making the transition from high school to college can be one of life’s biggest milestones, and the school that you end up attending can make an impact on you.
As digital learning becomes the norm, you can also consider getting your college degree online. Many online college programs from accredited schools offer flexible or even self-paced schedules.
With college opportunities becoming more diverse, you can focus on getting the education that works best for you. Why not start exploring accredited universities today?
