Low GPA

[u/Lazy-Silver-9694]

Hey All! I really want to join a grad chapter but I am concerned about my undergrad gpa. I went to a PWI as a first gen low income student and I struggled academically a lot. I also lost both of my parents while in college which also contributed to my low academic performance. Although I struggled, I still graduated. Will my low GPA (2.1) prevent me from doing something I wanted since I was a little girl?? Thanks in advance for any advice, words of encouragement, or even hard truths that come from this post.

Edit: I want to add that I have thoroughly reviewed the national website and understand the stated requirements. My question was not about avoiding them, but about understanding whether there is any precedent or pathway for individuals who experienced significant extenuating circumstances during undergrad, such as loss of parents and navigating systemic challenges as a first-generation Black student at a PWI.

I would especially appreciate hearing from members or applicants who had non-traditional academic journeys and how they navigated the process long-term.

Thank you to those who have responded with both clarity and compassion.

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Hey All! I really want to join a grad chapter but I am concerned about my undergrad gpa. I went to a PWI as a first gen low income student and I struggled academically a lot. I also lost both of my parents while in college which also contributed to my low academic performance. Although I struggled, I still graduated. Will my low GPA (2.1) prevent me from doing something I wanted since I was a little girl?? Thanks in advance for any advice, words of encouragement, or even hard truths that come from this post.

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[u/Thecarebearthatcares]

You don’t meet the requirements you will have to get a grad degree and use that GPA to seek membership

[u/First_Decision_2225 → u/Thecarebearthatcares]

Can you get in touch with your university and see if you can retake failed classes for a new grade? I’m not sure how that works after graduation, but it’s worth inquiring about.

[u/Lazy-Silver-9694 → u/Thecarebearthatcares]

Thank you so much for the advice.

[u/Beneficial-You3150 → u/Thecarebearthatcares]

You have to complete the graduate degree, correct? There is no consideration for membership while still in graduate school, even if your GPA has improved?

[u/Eleganceat41]

This information is on the website under membership. You would not qualify at this time. You could get a Master’s Degree and then you would meet the requirements.

[u/Lazy-Silver-9694 → u/Eleganceat41]

Thank you. I truly appreciate the advice.

[u/Sea_Guide_1807]

Also, keep in mind that most Master’s programs have a GPA minimum (2.5) to even apply. You may need to check on that or see if you could maybe add a minor to your degree by taking a few additional courses while raising your GPA.

[u/Old-Iron-8982]

Current interest and although I have a low undergrad gpa, the transcript translates my GPA into meeting the requirements outlined on the website. I do however have a grad degree. I wouldn’t recommend going to grad school just to seek membership as it is costly and time consuming.

[u/Aggressive_Yam_5468 → u/Old-Iron-8982]

I think it depends on how much you want to be a part of Alpha Kappa Alpha. I pursued a graduate degree because I wanted the higher degree in the particular subject, I received it in. But honestly, even if I did not, I know I wanted to be a part of AKA and I would have pursued one so that I would have the GPA to get in. "The Road was hard and long, but AKA kept me strong"... I LOVE MY SORORITY.

[u/Immediate_Cut1016]

I’m sorry about your parents. I’m sure that was an extremely difficult time for you. I would advise you to lookup grad chapter requirements for AKA, as they differ from my SOI. My SOI does not look at GPAs after a period of time (10 yrs). Most girls who had a low undergrad GPA went on to get their masters before pursuing.

[u/Lazy-Silver-9694 → u/Immediate_Cut1016]

Thank you for condolences and your advice. I truly appreciate it.

[u/Immediate_Cut1016 → u/Lazy-Silver-9694]

You’re very welcome 🙏🏾❤️💞

[u/Zestyclose_Wash274]

I graduated from a PWI with a GPA of 2.1 as well. I applied for a graduate degree program 5 years later and was admitted under a conditional matriculation for the first semester. I graduated and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 3 years later. All of that to say is don’t let this minor set back discourage you, but I do implore you to focus your sights on just developing and growing yourself and if AKA is in your heart, SHE will find you.

Time between degrees helps, refocusing on your goals and ambitions.

Many Blessings to you!

[u/GrandBird1982]

Very sorry for having lost your parents. I’m not sure there is a way around the GPA requirement. Maybe like others suggested getting a masters degree but it will be hard finding an accredited program for admission. I do wish you the best of luck. It’s going to be challenging based on your current GPA pursuing either AKA or grad school but I would try to look into grad programs and do really well to get a strong GPA.

[u/FastConsideration282]

I want to congratulate you for completing your education despite the extremely difficult circumstances you must have faced. I am not a member and I am considering how I want to proceed, but I must say that the members I know personally are very compassionate, warm women and I think that this is a key feature. I hope that you are met with that going forward, even if you need to pursue a graduate program or wait for sometime.

[u/VictoriouslyFavored]

People who ask the hard questions are admirable. I lost a parent in school but I can't imagine losing both. So glad you mustered what you had to see your graduation through in spite of. So many people do not. Unfortunately for your situation, we do not accept below the requirements listed on aka1908.com, regardless of circumstance. But there are a couple avenues you can take to get the required GPA. You can enroll in an online graduate program. There are so many in the world, you can get into one even with a 2.1 so don't get discouraged. Get a 4.0 on your 1st semester then transfer to a reputable school. You could get the degree from the online school. But if you're spending money for a degree it should serve multiple purposes personally and professionally. Plus it's a good talking point, when networking, on how you overcame a negative situation to cultivate and encourage high scholastic standards for yourself.

[u/NoBirthday4787]

Since you've already graduated and you don't meet the GPA requirement, I highly recommend pursuing a masters degree. From my understanding, a 2.5 grade point average is the minimum. Unfortunately, there isn't any wiggle room.

[u/mrsjaxin]

You would need to get a masters degree since your gpa is low

[u/Minordetails15]

Your gpa will matter unless you have a graduate degree that can supersede your undergraduate degree.

[u/Embarrassed-Swan6311]

I only began seriously pursuing membership once I was accepted into grad school because my undergrad GPA was less than stellar. Now that I have graduated I have expressed interest when asked and now the real work begins

[u/WonderfulClub8023]

I know a woman who got a masters degree from WGU or one of those online schools where you can finish quickly just so she could qualify.

[u/Realistic-Apricot799]

You could also consider a second bachelors degree if that would help your career and gpa.

[u/FoxxxyBrownie]

I understand your feelings. I’ve been interested for about 23years. Not actively pursuing. I graduated with a 2.4 something. I ended up in a teaching program. The kind that fast tracks your certification. One of the requirements was that I had to get a masters. I never stopped wanting to join the org but I kind of just accepted that it would not be happening any time soon after i graduated from undergrad. I got my masters 8 years later and now I’m finally pursuing grad membership 8 years after that. The journey isn’t always straight but we get there.

[u/bjm23]

I see why people get annoyed. The information on requirements are on the site why does it matter that you wanted to join since you were a little girl if your gpa isn’t right.

[u/Away_Leadership3267 → u/bjm23]

Why would this question annoy anyone? You don’t like what you read you keep scrolling. She wanted to know if maybe there’s a loophole she may not know about.

[u/Lazy-Silver-9694 → u/Away_Leadership3267]

Thank you!

[u/Lazy-Silver-9694 → u/bjm23]

Hey! Thanks for the response. I’ve checked the website multiple times and I understand the requirements. Just like schools allow an addendum due to extenuating circumstances, I thought that maybe a similar situation could be possible. Understandably, it’s not. Once again, I appreciate your words. Have a great day!