May 14, 2025 /
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Question:
Answer:
The chance of getting a scholarship in the U.S. with a Second Class Lower degree (often a GPA equivalent of about 2.5β2.9 out of 4.0) depends heavily on:
- The type of scholarship
- The level of study (undergraduate, master's, PhD)
- Other qualifications you bring (experience, research, test scores, leadership)
Thereβs no exact percentage universally available, but hereβs a breakdown of your realistic odds and tips to improve them:
π― Realistic Expectations
β Graduate Programs (Masterβs or PhD):
- Merit-based scholarships (like full funding or university fellowships) are less likely with a Second Class Lower.
-
However, you may still qualify for:
- Need-based aid
- Assistantships (RA or TA) β especially if you have strong experience, publications, or GRE scores
- Departmental or program-specific funding
β Undergraduate Scholarships:
- If applying as a transfer or international undergraduate student, scholarships are typically competitive and GPA-heavy.
-
You might qualify for:
- Need-based scholarships (especially at liberal arts colleges)
- Private or external scholarships not tied to GPA
π‘ Factors That Can Improve Your Odds:
- Strong GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS scores
- Strong statement of purpose (SOP)
- Research experience or publications
- Compelling recommendation letters
- Relevant work experience or projects
- Applying to less competitive schools or programs with more flexible criteria
π Rough Estimate of Chances
Scholarship Type | Chance with 2nd Class Lower |
---|---|
Full merit scholarship | β Very Low (0β5%) |
Partial funding | β οΈ Moderate (10β30%) |
Research/teaching assistantship | β Possible (30β60%, depending on program) |
External private scholarships | β Variable (20β50%) |
π Recommendation:
If you have a Second Class Lower, target schools that accept GPA waivers or holistic review. Also consider:
- Professional certifications
- Taking online courses (like Coursera or edX) to build an academic profile
- Writing a strong personal statement explaining your journey and growth
If you'd like, I can suggest a list of U.S. universities and scholarships that are more open to applicants with a 2nd Class Lower. Would you like that?
What is the percentage chance of getting a scholarship in the US with 2nd class lower?