Ask Any Question

Can I get into English grad school with a low gpa and low gre scores?

sundvallscott - 2008-12-20 10:43:40 - Higher Education (University +)

All right, here it is: I have a 3.3. gpa, but my major gpas in English and Cultural Studies are above a 3.5 (from the University of Minnesota). My GRE scores are terrible. However, I am quite confident that my writing sample and my statement letter will be top-notch (I don't mean to say this for self-flattery, it's just the nature of the matter); and, in addition, my recommendation letters will be strong. Will the qualitative aspects of my application be able to outweigh the quantitative aspects? Are universities being honest when they say that the qualitative portions are more important than the quantitative ones--and do they actually look at the former before the latter?

Best Answer:

3.3 is not a low GPA. Depending on what grad school program you are applying to, it won't be much lower than the mean accepted GPA. You didn't say how low your GRE was. It does mean a lot at better schools, some have said almost equal to GPA. Better schools will have much higher average GRE scores. As far as 'other' factors, yes, graduate schools I believe take those into consideration more than other schools (undergrad, medical, especially law), because they are not as concerned with upkeeping their average GPA to attract incoming students. Lots of grad students don't even know the mean GPA of the school they got into. I guarantee all law and med students do. That said, personal statement and LOR won't help that much IMO, because most people every applicant is going to make themselves out as the best candidate. That's how the GRE really is able to 'separate' candidates.

Answers:

Some grad programs do not take the GRE into consideration. Try to find out what the department's philosophy is regarding GRE scores for each program you are considering. You can sometimes tell be if they want a minimum GRE score to apply. good luck.

3.3 is not a low GPA. Depending on what grad school program you are applying to, it won't be much lower than the mean accepted GPA. You didn't say how low your GRE was. It does mean a lot at better schools, some have said almost equal to GPA. Better schools will have much higher average GRE scores. As far as 'other' factors, yes, graduate schools I believe take those into consideration more than other schools (undergrad, medical, especially law), because they are not as concerned with upkeeping their average GPA to attract incoming students. Lots of grad students don't even know the mean GPA of the school they got into. I guarantee all law and med students do. That said, personal statement and LOR won't help that much IMO, because most people every applicant is going to make themselves out as the best candidate. That's how the GRE really is able to 'separate' candidates.