How hard is it to get into grad school?

If you just finished your bachelor's and you're trying to get into grad school below 3.0 average GPA, you might have a harder time. But if you're going back to school after several years of professional accomplishments, you may be able to prove to the admissions officers that you have the fortitude, motivation, and sticktoitiveness to succeed. That's how to get into grad school with bad grades - by showing that you're bigger than your grades.

That means, before you apply to grad school, do your homework. Turn how to get into grad school into what to do:

• study hard for the GRE if the programs you want require it

• work on your resume to highlight your accomplishments (you may even consider hiring a service)

• practice your interview skills so you shine

• research the program as much as possible (grad programs have a culture and personality. Learn what they're looking for, and find it in yourself)

When doing your research, you should also determine whether the program is thesis-based or course-based and reflect on how this relates to your interests. Are you a research-oriented person?

If you answered yes, you may want to consider a thesis-based program that will give you the opportunity to conduct research as part of the requirements you will have to fulfill.

If you answered no, then look for schools that offer course-based programs where your academic load will be a little bit more intense, but you will be able to attend many classes and learn from many different perspectives.