GPA calculation
Started by Gerbie
I thought I read in the big application thread that they typically look at them separately, and that your grad GPA should be pretty high.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
I don't know why you would say that your grad GPA "should" be pretty high...
Unless you say that because you assume graduate studies in a science/pre-med field
If your graduate work is in a non-related field then....
At least in other academic circles, I would say that a lower graduate GPA than undergraduate is somewhat expected, since graduate coursework is much more challenging.
In my opinion, it doesn't really matter how they "look" at them, since they can see it ALL in the AACOMAS file that is released to the schools: science GPA, non-science GPA, cumulative GPA, undergraduate GPA, graduate GPA, post-baccalaurate GPA, and even by undergraduate year (sci/non-sci)...
It's all there! Nothing to hide! They will see it all!
Good luck to you!
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thats kind of the general feel...depending on if you were just doing post bacc work or an actual masters, and if you repeated courses or not.
** but Id have to say, a worse grad GPA is not expected, unfortunately. In fact, if your grad work is worse than your undergrad, well...I haven't seen too many success stories there. Not to be a downer, I just haven't seen them.
But, since you give a general question (which isn't a bad thing), the general answer is that your undergrad GPA still has a pretty high weight.
So, the scenarios, bad undergrad, bad grad...obviously hopeless
bad undergrad, so-so grad...not a good outlook
bad undergrad, decent grad...a chance
bad undergrad, great grad...a decent chance
Thats how Ive come to understand it. I assume you have a less than average undergrad, or you wouldn't be asking...but if thats not the case, then update us with specifics and you can get a better answer👍
** but Id have to say, a worse grad GPA is not expected, unfortunately. In fact, if your grad work is worse than your undergrad, well...I haven't seen too many success stories there. Not to be a downer, I just haven't seen them.
But, since you give a general question (which isn't a bad thing), the general answer is that your undergrad GPA still has a pretty high weight.
So, the scenarios, bad undergrad, bad grad...obviously hopeless
bad undergrad, so-so grad...not a good outlook
bad undergrad, decent grad...a chance
bad undergrad, great grad...a decent chance
Thats how Ive come to understand it. I assume you have a less than average undergrad, or you wouldn't be asking...but if thats not the case, then update us with specifics and you can get a better answer👍
Reading through many of these WAMC threads, it seems the general consensus is that a lower grad GPA is frowned upon. I've never done a grad program/SMP so I don't know. I'd guess that pertains more to SMP or a formal PB designed to bump your numbers.
Yes, I suppose it could be frowned upon if your graduate coursework is supposed to be for completing pre-requisites...
However, if it is graduate studies in an unrelated discipline (not for pre-reqs, just a regular old graduate degree in X), I don't see why it MUST NECESSARILY be higher than your undergraduate GPA.
I don't know your particular situation, OP, if your graduate degree was for pre-req purposes or it is unrelated, but in the end, I wouldn't lose tooooo much sleep over that. If you are done with your courses and in the process of applying, then nothing can be done. AACOMAS calculates all GPAs (UG, grad, PB, etc...) and ALL are visible to adcoms. Try to make yourself an attractive and unique candidate without the number mania.
Good luck!
