GRE vs. GPA

[jgold72288]

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I know that a very good GPA can balance out a mediocre/poor GRE, but to what extent does the opposite apply?

My prereq GPA is anywhere from 2.94 to 3.16 depending on whether social sciences are included and my overall GPA is 3.36. From what I've seen, this is a bit below what a lot of schools have for their average GPA of 3.5-3.7 (depending on the place). Nonetheless, my GRE scores absolutely cream most of the averages I've seen (580 verbal, 710 quant, a paltry 3.5 analytical but from what I've heard most places don't look at that anyway because it's so subjective).

I guess my main question is do most schools put enough weight on the GRE that scores well above average can balance out a mediocre GPA or do most treat the GRE as an "as long as they get 1000, it doesn't matter"?

 

[fejin757]

I know that a very good GPA can balance out a mediocre/poor GRE, but to what extent does the opposite apply?

My prereq GPA is anywhere from 2.94 to 3.16 depending on whether social sciences are included and my overall GPA is 3.36. From what I've seen, this is a bit below what a lot of schools have for their average GPA of 3.5-3.7 (depending on the place). Nonetheless, my GRE scores absolutely cream most of the averages I've seen (580 verbal, 710 quant, a paltry 3.5 analytical but from what I've heard most places don't look at that anyway because it's so subjective).

I guess my main question is do most schools put enough weight on the GRE that scores well above average can balance out a mediocre GPA or do most treat the GRE as an "as long as they get 1000, it doesn't matter"?

Depends on the school. For example, University of Indianapolis's application process has the GRE as the most important factor. In my opinion, and I may be wrong, is that prerequisite GPA is the most important.

A 1290 is a good score and you did beat me by 20 points but I would trade my GRE score for a higher GPA in a heartbeat.

Anyways you should definitely get in SOMEWHERE, with those stats 🙂

 

[rangardrum]

It will vary from school to school. Some schools might use some kind of formula between GPA (prereq and overall) and GRE (some having bottom limits on each section). Perhaps other schools only look at these figures as an initial "weeding out" of applicants and then make selections from who remains on interviews, LOR, etc.

 

[optionpaloma]

prerequisite GPA is the most important

For the schools I've looked at, I get this sense as well.

It will vary from school to school. Some schools might use some kind of formula between GPA (prereq and overall) and GRE (some having bottom limits on each section). Perhaps other schools only look at these figures as an initial "weeding out" of applicants and then make selections from who remains on interviews, LOR, etc.

2nd this. Do you know which schools you want to apply to? I would contact them directly and ask what they consider most when reviewing applicants.

For example, at California State U, Northridge (CSUN), they use an algorithm that ranks peeps by prereq GPA, GRE, then overall GPA. Other stuff like observation hours, LORs, personal statement, etc. are treated on a more pass/fail basis (according to the lady at their info session).

While researching schools, I came across one or two that disclose the point system they assign to each element (different GPAs, GRE, observation hours, etc.) -- I wish all schools did this!