My opinion: The key here is "fits loosely". You need to apply to schools where your stats fit, at least loosely. I've followed these boards and seen many many instances of applicants applying to institutions where they have absolutely no chance of acceptance. The reality is that hundreds of applicants are applying for a few spots. Most schools have parameters of fit and they are rejecting those who don't fit those parameters immediately. They will then examine other issues to narrow down even further. That is where your SOP, experience, LOR's, etc., are useful. Do absolutely pay attention to the stats of those accepted at various schools. While those stats may not wholly portray those admitted, they can give you a good idea of who that school admits. Pay attention to those accepted immediately, those waitlisted, and the stats of those who get off the waitlist. So, your stats may not "fit" the immediately admitted, but may fit those who are accepted off the wait list. You can also start to determine which schools weigh GPA higher than GRE's, and vice versa. You have the data, use it to your advantage. If you are not accepted in a certain application cycle, you need to take a long hard look at your stats and the schools where you applied. If you can determine the issue is your GRE, then raise your GRE scores. If the problem is your GPA, that is going to be harder to remedy. GPA is an indication of how well you do in classes and that is important for graduate committees because you have to make a B or better. If you can't do well in undergraduate classes, then they are going to suspect you are not going to do well in graduate classes. In that case, try to take some graduate classes, do extremely well in them, and mention that in the next cycle. Try to develop relationships with professors who will fight for you and explain away your shortcomings in the LOR. You may also need to apply to different schools the next time around. Some schools favor their own graduates. Some schools primarily only take in-state students. Some schools favor those with CSD majors. Some schools want extensive experience and research - other schools do not. Carefully research the schools, try as much as possible to choose places where your stats fit the admitted profile as determined by edfind and grad survey results, and hang in there. Twinguy7 did an excellent job of researching schools and finding schools that might overlook his GPA deficiencies. His method is a model for those who don't have the very best stats in the world.