How Important are the Last 60?

[Lindsey G]

Do most grad programs place a lot more weight on the last 60 undergraduate units? Or is that only some programs? Does it matter which courses were taken in the those last 60 units?

[ScreamingHairyArmadillo]

Yes, many do. Those are the credits you are supposedly taking as a more serious, grad-school-oriented student. There's definitely room to take classes out of your field during that time, but for the most part they want to see you are taking the basics you'll need for their program.

[lily_]

Definitely your last 60 credits are almost always considered when an admissions committees evaluates your application. Assuming you apply for graduate degrees in the same or similar field that you majored in as an undergraduate, it shows them how well you did in those courses. Also, typically as an upperclassmen in college those classes are more rigorous and difficult, similar to graduate level coursework. Some universities allow junior and seniors to take graduate level courses during this time as well. If you have a lower UGPA, showing improvement over the last 60 credits is essential.

[Lindsey G]

Yes, many do. Those are the credits you are supposedly taking as a more serious, grad-school-oriented student. There's definitely room to take classes out of your field during that time, but for the most part they want to see you are taking the basics you'll need for their program.

Thanks ScreamingHairyArmadillo. There were a few classes taken out of my field, but the bulk were in the social sciences.

Definitely your last 60 credits are almost always considered when an admissions committees evaluates your application. Assuming you apply for graduate degrees in the same or similar field that you majored in as an undergraduate, it shows them how well you did in those courses. Also, typically as an upperclassmen in college those classes are more rigorous and difficult, similar to graduate level coursework. Some universities allow junior and seniors to take graduate level courses during this time as well. If you have a lower UGPA, showing improvement over the last 60 credits is essential.

Well my cum GPA is 3.45. My last two years come in at 3.74. I started college when I was 15 and still in high school. So my first 48 units were done while I was still managing high school as well and I'm hoping admissions will take this into consideration and kind of overlook those units (at least a little). I was challenging myself and there was a learning curve for me. I never got anything below a B during that time so it seems appropriate that I was taking college classes concurrently. My GPA does show improvement: freshman 3.05, sophomore 3.15, junior 3.4, senior 4.0. Anyhow, should I mention that I was in high school? And if so, how would I go about doing that?

Thanks for your help!!

[Jae B.]

The last 60 definitely matter. Cheers for your GPA going up -- that's great!

If you can explain the relevance of what you've taken to your grad school and career goals, you're good. Without explanation, some of my coursework might have looked pretty off-track, so I accounted for that in my SOP. That way, they'd know I was thoughtfully planning ahead.

[Lindsey G]

The last 60 definitely matter. Cheers for your GPA going up -- that's great!

If you can explain the relevance of what you've taken to your grad school and career goals, you're good. Without explanation, some of my coursework might have looked pretty off-track, so I accounted for that in my SOP. That way, they'd know I was thoughtfully planning ahead.

Thanks Jae B. I'll work that in to my SOP so that they'll know why my grades were so low. Hopefully they will understand.

Edited April 29, 2010 by Lindsey G

[lily_]

Honestly, I think that your cumulative UGPA is competitive for graduate study as is. I would not mention the fact that you were in highschool or anything that sounds like you are trying to make excuses for something that you don't need to make excuses for. Focus more on developing an interesting project, who you can work with, and what makes you the perfect candidate to the universities you're applying to and you'll do fine. Best of luck!