How to Improve Your GPA after Graduation

Whether you are looking for an entry-level job after graduating college or want to attend graduate school, having a high grade point average (GPA) indicates to potential employers and schools that you are likely a hard worker committed and dedicated to learning, even if you lack on-the-job experience. What’s considered a high GPA may vary. For example, the University of Missouri reported its average undergraduate GPA for the Spring 2024 term as 3.321 [1]. Meanwhile, the class of 2023 at Harvard reported an average GPA of 3.95 [2]. The median also varies depending on the type of undergraduate program. 

Many factors can contribute to a low GPA, including difficulty transitioning from high school to college life, indecisiveness in deciding on a major, or choosing a more difficult field. Some jobs or graduate schools may have a minimum requirement for your GPA. Knowing how to address a low GPA can help you move on to the next academic or career stage.

Read more: What Is a Good College GPA and How Can You Raise Yours?

Can you improve your GPA after graduation?

While you cannot generally change your GPA after you graduate college, you can improve your cumulative GPA after graduation. Options include grade forgiveness and post-baccalaureate programs, in which the grade you earn in this program is added together with your original GPA.

1. Grade forgiveness

Some colleges offer grade forgiveness, which allows you to retake the course you didn’t do well in, and the new grade replaces the original one when calculating your GPA. Each school has a different policy, including limits on repeated classes, which courses you can retake, and what grades you can improve. Even if you passed a class but want to raise your final grade, some schools will not allow you to retake a class unless you failed it the first time. Check with your school to learn its policy on grade forgiveness to see if it is an option. 

2. Post-baccalaureate programs

Another consideration is a post-baccalaureate program, which is an option for college graduates who aren’t looking to earn a second degree but want to earn credits for courses taken. This option allows you to prepare for further learning and allows you to improve your GPA. This program will not only help raise your GPA but is also a good avenue to pursue if you want to earn a graduate degree in a field different from your undergraduate degree. A post-baccalaureate degree can take up to two years, and many programs don’t offer financial aid.

Read more: What Comes after a Bachelor’s Degree: 11 Options after Graduation

Tips for improving your GPA

If you opt for grade forgiveness to retake a course, enroll in a post-baccalaureate program, or attend graduate school, you can keep your GPA up with a few tips. A high GPA is a sign of your discipline and willingness to learn in a structured environment, which can help you when applying to higher learning institutions or looking for an internship or job. Some tips for improving your GPA include: 

• Go to class: Even if attendance is not mandatory, showing up at class helps you understand the coursework better by participating with classmates and the instructor, learning the course materials in person, asking questions for clarification, and completing in-class assignments.

• Speak with your instructor individually: Talk to your professor one-on-one during their office hours to get insight into learning strategies or to address any concerns or confusion you may have. Your instructor may even be willing to give you an opportunity to earn extra credit.

• Complete assignments on time: Turn in each assignment when it is due, even if you aren’t sure if it's complete or correct. Some instructors grade your work just for submission, so this is a simple way to keep up your grade in the class.

• Allocate time to study each day: Instead of cramming at the last minute, studying every day allows you to understand the course materials better, allowing it to sink in and become familiar over time. This way, you'll be constantly prepared for tests or quizzes instead of waiting until the day before to cram for an assignment or exam. The more you review material, the more likely you will remember it.

Read more: 11 Good Study Habits to Develop

How to address a low GPA after graduation

You can address a low GPA in many ways to prove that you are still a good candidate for graduate school or an entry-level job. If you plan to attend graduate school, find out if the schools you are looking at require a minimum GPA for acceptance. You may want to consult with the graduate school’s career services or admissions office for advice on increasing your likelihood of being accepted. 

If your plans include going from college straight into the workforce, your GPA can play an integral role in landing an entry-level position. Because many recent college graduates lack work experience in the real world, employers may use your GPA to evaluate your candidacy. Applying for a job in a sought-after industry—such as technology or finance—usually uses a high GPA to narrow down the best potential candidates. Aside from GPA, if you hope to improve your chances of earning an entry-level job, you may want to focus on taking on leadership roles at your school, volunteer programs, or internships. You can also take short courses or gain one or more certifications to show potential employers you offer more than your GPA.

You can also address a low GPA after graduation in the following ways:

Score well on the GMAT or GRE.

If you plan to attend graduate school, you can take the focus off of a low undergraduate GPA by scoring highly on standardized tests, such as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Consider taking a prep course to give you an idea of what the exam includes. If you choose to continue learning after you have already become a member of the workforce, highlight any significant real-life experience. Do the same with any contributions you invest in your future, such as internships or volunteer work.  

Read more: GMAT vs. GRE: Which Should I Take?

Earn a certification.

While a high GPA shows potential employees your commitment to learning and your knowledge in a specific field, it is not a deal breaker. Some organizations are looking for employees with more than good undergraduate grades. They also consider your ability to perform in a specific work environment. You can earn a certification or take short courses from a professional organization that will recognize and improve upon your knowledge and experience in that field. 

Read more: What Are Certificate Programs? A Guide

Do not include your GPA in your resume.

Because not all companies are interested in a candidate’s GPA, it is not always a requirement to put it on your resume. Some companies, such as Google, don’t even consider a candidate’s GPA and focus more on interpersonal skills, level of education, or experience. Instead, focus on achievements such as extracurricular activities, volunteering, and internships. Unless the hiring manager asks about your GPA during an in-person interview, you do not need to bring it up. Instead, use the opportunity to highlight your interpersonal skills and show your confidence. While a high GPA is an asset when you are a new graduate, once you’ve gained work experience, companies focus more on your job performance than your previous academics. 

Boost your skills with Coursera

Even if your undergraduate GPA is low, you can show your knowledge and commitment to learning the skills required for your potential career. You can start with a beginner professional course such as the Professional Success Skills Specialization offered by the University of Illinois on Coursera. If you want to complete a program more specific to your field, you can check out how to launch your new career with a Professional Certificate on Coursera.  You can learn professional-level training, earn a credential recognized by leading companies, and do it at your own pace.