Last Two Years GPA

[mose]

Hi,

I'm interested in pursuing a PhD in intellectual history/political theory. I graduated in 2009 from a good, top-50 university, but I've taken some time off to make sure that going to graduate school is what I really want to do (and to pay my bills). I was hoping some of you might be able to give me some advice with regards to my GPA. My cumulative GPA was 3.58. However, in my last two years my GPA was 3.8 (my last year, 3.9), and I successfully completed/defended an honors thesis (which was not a graduation requirement at my school).

Anyway, do you know the degree to which graduate programs will focus on my cumulative GPA versus these last two years? I know that GPA isn't everything, and that my SOP and recommendations will be significant factors in the decision process, but I know that intellectual history and political theory programs are very competitive and I'm concerned that my cumulative GPA may hold me back. Of course, if it does, it does, but I was just wondering how much weight is placed on those last two years.

Thanks!!

[StrangeLight]

your GPA is fine. each program will evaluate cumulative vs last two years differently. there's no stock answer to this. plus, you can't do anything about it anyway, so don't sweat it. a 3.58 is good enough for top universities. seriously. and seeing an upward trajectory by year, ending with a 3.9, is also great. just focus on the rest of your application and you'll be fine.