What is true in life is also true in the biology major at Rollins: Nothing compares to hands-on experience. That’s why the majority of courses in this field include laboratories, and at Rollins you lead them.

There are no lecture halls and no viewing of studies from the other side of a room. Small class sizes mean you’re the catalyst of your own research—even in stepping-stone classes—working under the expert guidance of doctorate-level professors from hypothesis to experiment to analyzing data.

The success of Rollins graduates tells us this type of evidence-based learning translates seamlessly into any type of career, whether it’s in medicine, education, or business.

151 US College With Low GPA Requirements

Grade Point Avergage (GPA) is one of the most important criteria considered by the admission staff to grant admission to prospective students. USA universities calculate GPA on a scale of 4 and most universities prefer a minimum grade of “B” or a GPA of 3 on a scale of 4 for admission to their graduate programs. But some universities have different GPA requirements for different programs. This blog provides the list of graduate schools with low GPA requirements.

List Of US Colleges With Low GPA Requirements

1. Full Sail University Winter Park, Florida – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2 on a 4 point scale. This is one of the Universities that accept low GPA for graduate programs.
2. Green River College Auburn, Washington – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2 on a 4 point scale. This is one of the US Colleges with low GPA requirements for international students.
3. Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design Lakewood, Colorado – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2 on a 4 point scale. This is one of the colleges with low GPA requirements.
4. Santa Ana College Santa Ana, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2 on a 4 point scale. This is one of the Universities that accept low GPA.
5. California State University Los Angeles, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale. This is one of the graduate schools with low GPA requirements.
6. Webster University Webster, Missouri – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale.
7. Mississippi College Clinton, Mississippi – With a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5 on a 4 point scale, this University is certainly one of the US Colleges with low gpa requirements.
8. San Jose State University San Jose, California – This is one of the best colleges that accept low GPA students. Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
9. Notre Dame De Namur University Belmont, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
10. California State University Bakersfield, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
11. California State University East Bay, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
12. Troy University Troy, Alabama – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale. This is one of the Universities that accept low GPA for graduate programs.
13. California State University San Bernardino, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
14. Arkansas Tech University Russellville, Arkansas – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
15. National University San Diego, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
16. Nebraska Wesleyan University Lincoln, Nebraska – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
17. California State University Channel Islands, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
18. Oglethorpe University Atlanta, Georgia – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
19. DeVry University Downers Grove, Illinois – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
20. Sonoma State University Rohnert Park, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
21. Texas Wesleyan University Fort Worth, Texas – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
22. California State University Dominguez Hills, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
23. California State University Monterey Bay, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
24. California State University Northridge, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
25. California State University Sacramento, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
26. California State University Stanislaus, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
27. New England Institute of Technology , East Greenwich, Rhode Island – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for an MS in Information Technology is 2.5 on a scale of 4
28. Murray State University Murray, Kentucky – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Business Administration is 2.5 on a scale of 4
29. The University of Findlay Findlay, Ohio – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Business Administration is 2.5 on a scale of 4
30. Dakota State University Madison, South Dakota – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.7 on a 4 point scale
31. Youngstown State University Youngstown, Ohio – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.7 on a 4 point scale
32. Fisher College Boston, Massachusetts – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Business Administration is 2.7 on a scale of 4
33. Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, Kentucky – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
34. Missouri State University Springfield, Missouri – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
35. Park University Parkville, Missouri – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
36. Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, Illinois – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
37. Bradley University Peoria, Illinois – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
38. University of Nevada Reno, Nevada – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
39. University of Massachusetts Boston, Massachusetts – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
40. Auburn University Montgomery, Alabama – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
41. University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) Missouri – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
42. Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, Kentucky – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
43. Missouri Western State University Saint Joseph, Missouri – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
44. Arkansas State University Jonesboro, Arkansas – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
45. Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, New Hampshire – It is one of the popular colleges that accept low GPA for Masters. Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
46. Upper Iowa University Fayette, Iowa – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
47. International Technological University San Jose, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
48. Ashland University Ashland, Ohio – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
49. University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
50. Wichita State University Wichita, Kansas – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.75 on a 4 point scale
51. Mississippi State University Starkville, Mississippi – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for an MS in Computer Science is 2.75 on a scale of 4
52. Illinois State University Normal, Illinois – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.8 on a 4 point scale
53. Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.8 on a 4 point scale
54. University of Wisconsin La Crosse, Wisconsin – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 2.85 on a 4 point scale
55. Concordia University Chicago River Forest, Illinois – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Business Administration is 2.85 on a scale of 4
56. Johnson & Wales University Providence, Rhode Island – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Business Administration is 2.85 on a scale of 4
57. University of South Florida Tampa, Florida – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
58. Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
59. Cleveland State University Cleveland, Ohio – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
60. University of New Mexico Albuquerque, New Mexico – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
61. California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
62. University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
63. University of Idaho Moscow, Idaho – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
64. University of Tulsa Tulsa, Oklahoma – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
65. University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
66. The University of Nebraska Lincoln, Nebraska – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
67. Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
68. Washington State University Pullman, Washington – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
69. Kent State University Kent, Ohio – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
70. University of Hartford West Hartford, Connecticut – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
71. Montana State University Bozeman, Montana – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
72. The State University of New York New Paltz, New York – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
73. Ottawa University Ottawa, Kansas – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
74. State University of New York Fredonia – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
75. Merrimack College North Andover, Massachusetts – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
76. New York Institute of Technology New York City, New York – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
77. Humboldt State University Arcata, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
78. Western New England University Springfield, Massachusetts – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
79. Roosevelt University Chicago, Illinois – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
80. State University of New York Brockport, New York – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
81. Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, Missouri – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
82. Tiffin University Tiffin, Ohio – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
83. Plymouth State University Plymouth, New Hampshire – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
84. Metropolitan College of New York New York City, New York – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
85. City University of Seattle Seattle, Washington – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
86. Northwood University Midland, Michigan – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
87. University of Mississippi Oxford, Mississippi – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
88. Western Washington University Bellingham, Washington – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
89. Arizona State University Phoenix, Arizona – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
90. University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
91. DePaul University Chicago, Illinois – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
92. San Francisco State University San Francisco, California – This Bay Area University is one of the best colleges that accept low GPA. Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
93. Indiana State University Terre Haute, Indiana – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
94. Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, Arizona – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
95. University of Houston Clear Lake Houston, Texas – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
96. Rivier University Nashua, New Hampshire – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
97. Saginaw Valley State University University Center, Michigan – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
98. Saint Louis University St. Louis, Missouri – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
99. University of California Berkeley Extension, California – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
100. Dallas Baptist University Dallas, Texas – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
101. Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
102. Baylor University Waco, Texas – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
103. Drexel University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
104. New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, New Jersey – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
105. Auburn University Auburn, Alabama – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
106. University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
107. Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
108. University of Maryland Baltimore County, Maryland – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
109. Pace University New York City, New York – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
110. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Belton, Texas – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
111. Long Island University Post, New York – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
112. Valparaiso University Valparaiso, Indiana – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
113. St. Thomas University Miami Gardens, Florida – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
114. Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, Kansas – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
115. IGlobal University Tysons Corner, Virginia – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
116. Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, Florida – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
117. Lindenwood University Saint Charles, Missouri – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
118. Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, Florida – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
119. American University Washington D.C – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
120. Mercer University Macon, Georgia – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
121. State University of New York Geneseo, New York – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
122. Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
123. Canisius College Buffalo, New York – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
124. Saint Leo University St. Leo, Florida – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3 on a 4 point scale
125. Midwestern State University Wichita Falls, Texas – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Arts is 3 on a scale of 4
126. Wright State University Dayton, Ohio – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for an MS in Computer Science is 3 on a scale of 4
127. Florida International University Miami, Florida – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Information Systems is 3 on a scale of 4
128. Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, Louisiana – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Computer Science is 3 on a scale of 4
129. James Madison University Harrisonburg, Virginia – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Arts is 3 on a scale of 4
130. Manhattan College Riverdale, New York – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Business Administration is 3 on a scale of 4
131. Lewis University Romeoville, Illinois – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a MS in Computer Science is 3 on a scale of 4
132. University of Nebraska Kearney, Nebraska – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Business Administration is 3 on a scale of 4
133. University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, Oklahoma – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a MS in Computer Science is 3 on a scale of 4
134. Charleston Southern University Charleston, South Carolina – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Computer Science is 3 on a scale of 4
135. University of Colorado Denver, Colorado – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Computer Science is 3 on a scale of 4
136. California State University Fresno, California – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Computer Science is 3 on a scale of 4
137. Chatham University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Business Administration is 3 on a scale of 4
138. University of North Alabama Florence, Alabama – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Business Administration is 3 on a scale of 4
139. Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Business Administration is 3 on a scale of 4
140. State University of New York Plattsburgh, California – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Data Analytics is 3 on a scale of 4
141. La Sierra University Riverside, California – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Business Administration is 3 on a scale of 4
142. SUNY Polytechnic Institute Utica, New York – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Computer Science is 3 on a scale of 4
143. University of South Carolina Columbia, South Carolina – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Computer Science is 3 on a scale of 4
144. College of Charleston Charleston, South Carolina – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Accountancy is 3 on a scale of 4
145. Ohio University Athens, Ohio – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Philosophy is 3 on a scale of 4
146. Duquesne University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Health Science is 3 on a scale of 4
147. Purdue University Northwest, Indiana – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master of Science in Technology is 3 on a scale of 4
148. Marist College Poughkeepsie, New York – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Computer Science is 3 on a scale of 4
149. Point Park University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3.25 on a 4 point scale
150. Gannon University Erie, Pennsylvania – Minimum GPA for acceptance to the graduate program is 3.5 on a 4 point scale
151. University of Illinois Chicago, Illinois – GPA requirements vary according to the program. The minimum GPA requirement for a Master’s in Computer Science is 3.5 on a scale of 4

Colleges That Accept Low GPA

Colleges today use many tools to get to know prospective students, one of which may be your GPA. Or, grade point average. What if you did not do as well as you hoped in high school and have a low GPA? There are colleges that might still accept you.

Here are a few guidelines to understanding how colleges view the GPA. Plus a few helpful hints on how to add value to your application. Despite low GPA scores.

What Is Considered A Low GPA?

To know what a ‘low GPA’ is, you need to understand what the GPA is. Then put it into context of the colleges you want to apply to. Most colleges use a point scale of 4.0. So, a grade of A = 4 points, B = 3 points, C = 2 points, D= 1 point and F = zero points. The average of all the points for all the courses you took in high school is your GPA. According to the latest study by the NCES, GPAs have gone up over time. In their last study, they found the national average GPA was 3.0.

If your GPA is less than the national average, you might guess it is a low GPA. And when compared in this way, anything below 3.0 is low. But many colleges do not use the GPA to predict your readiness for college. These schools may not set a GPA you need to get in. Or, they may set their standards at 2.0 or 2.5. In this case, if you have a 2.75 GPA, while lower than others in the US, it may be high for that college.

Can I Get Into A Good College With A Low GPA?

Many colleges accept students with a low GPA if you use 3.0 as the metric.  One reason is the preference for standard test scores. The SAT for example, or ACT. To that point, not every SAT test taker has a high GPA either. The College Board who runs the SAT found that in 2019, almost half of test takers had grades between B through F.

That breaks down as 31% were B students (80 – 89), 10% were C students (70 – 79) and 2% had grades below 70. So, either a D, E, or F. There are also colleges with open admissions policies. Community and vocational schools, for example. These schools might accept anyone with a high school diploma or GED.

A range of colleges also set their lowest acceptable GPA well below the national norm. This can be 2.0 or from 2.5 to 3.0 and varies from one college to the next. If your GPA and SAT or ACT scores are lower, do not give up. But, you might have to make sure you stand out in other ways.

How To Get Into College With A Low GPA?

There are a few ways to improve your odds at getting into college, low GPA and all. Here are 5 tips to put into use when you apply.

1. Highlight Your Strenghts

Your GPA may not impress. But your other qualities might make you an ideal option for the colleges on your list.
Both undergrad and graduate schools often look at an applicant from all sides. Things like community service, a part time job, and volunteer work all count.

For example, you won an award or take part in activities outside school. Or have a military background that kept you moving from place to place. Many colleges that accept low GPAs consider life experience instead.

2. Holistic Admissions

Many colleges do set a GPA standard, but also give options to get around a low one. These schools tend to look at your application (and you) as a package deal. This means they may weigh other things which can help you make up for poor grades. Like your essay, goals, work experience, references and SAT / ACT scores.

Any of these are a perfect opportunity to add depth to your application. And, may help you select schools that strive to see you as a complete person instead of as a sum of your GPA.

3. Write A Great Personal Statement Or Essay

Many colleges want to know who is behind the GPA. As the GPA is a static number, your essay or personal statement can bring it to life. Colleges tend to include specific details to format these things. Desired word count, for instance, or AP style. It is a good idea to stick to their structure as it shows you can read and follow directions. But, you can be creative, positive and even emotional. Describe what you learned and what direction you hope your career will take.

If the reason you got a low GPA taught you something, it might be appropriate to fit it in too. It may point to your strengths and how you’ve matured as a person. Show this side of yourself to the admissions team. Be clear, focused, use spell check and highlight your writing skills.

4. High Quality References Or Letters Of Recommendation

Many experts agree that high quality references help an application shine. Even if your grades do not. Your letters of recommendation can show attributes. Qualities that the school might miss by looking only at your GPA. References from teachers who watched your progress for example. They might note your poor grades as a freshman and sophomore. Plus, they can describe your effort to improve your GPA as junior or senior. This points to your discipline and commitment.

Employers also make great references as they can point to your work ethic. How you perform in a business setting is also a sign of reliability. If you take any lessons (E.g. piano, karate) also ask coaches, mentors and teachers to write letters. These references can show how you apply feedback and training.