Can a good GRE help the committee overlook a weak GPA?

[anthaspirant]

I've read some of the topics on similar issues, but I'm hoping for something a bit more specific to my case. So I understand the importance of research experience, LoRs, SoPs, and fit in general. But as far as the numbers go, I have a couple related questions.

I graduated from a top public university, after transferring from a community college. I got a 3.7 overall at my CC, and a 3.22 overall at the school that gave me my BA. When I actually add up all the units from both schools and do the math, my 4-year GPA comes out just about 3.5 exactly.

I'm applying to Ph.D programs in Cultural Anthropology.

1st Question: Will admissions committees "see" only the 3.22, consider the 4-year GPA, or really only look at major courses? To further complicate things, I did a "design-your-own-focus" interdisciplinary major, so it is not really evident to the observer which classes on my transcript are "major courses." And how much does the relative prestige of my school help make my GPA look better?

In addition to all that, I am taking the GRE on Friday, and based on my performance on practice tests, I'm expecting 760-800 Verbal, 640-680 Quant, and 5-6 AWA.

2ndQuestion: Will these scores "make up" for my lackluster GPA?

I understand both answers will vary among departments, but is there a general sense? I'm just a bit worried about being written off because of my middling undergrad coursework.

[a fragrant plant]

Hello fellow anthro!

In answer to your first question, I don't think the admission committee will do the math and figure out your four-year GPA. If 3.22 is your cumulative GPA, that's what they'll see. If you want to emphasize your "major" GPA, it's probably a good idea to highlight it in your statement of purpose.

To your second question: I do think that a spectacular GRE will make up for your GPA. But that's just my assumption.

Best of luck to your GRE! I'm taking it on Thursday!

[anthaspirant]

Hello fellow anthro!

In answer to your first question, I don't think the admission committee will do the math and figure out your four-year GPA. If 3.22 is your cumulative GPA, that's what they'll see. If you want to emphasize your "major" GPA, it's probably a good idea to highlight it in your statement of purpose.

To your second question: I do think that a spectacular GRE will make up for your GPA. But that's just my assumption.

Best of luck to your GRE! I'm taking it on Thursday!

Thanks for the reply! I maybe wasn't clear about the GPA calculation issue. My CC transcript will show 3.7 cumulative, and my other transcript (the one from the school which granted my B.A.) will show a 3.22. The latter school did not factor my CC grades into the cumulative GPA, even though they accepted those units for transfer. So, I'm just wondering if the AdComs are going to ignore the 3.7, even though for someone who went to the same school for 4 years, with the same grades as me, their cumulative GPA would be 3.5.

[a fragrant plant]

Thanks for the reply! I maybe wasn't clear about the GPA calculation issue. My CC transcript will show 3.7 cumulative, and my other transcript (the one from the school which granted my B.A.) will show a 3.22. The latter school did not factor my CC grades into the cumulative GPA, even though they accepted those units for transfer. So, I'm just wondering if the AdComs are going to ignore the 3.7, even though for someone who went to the same school for 4 years, with the same grades as me, their cumulative GPA would be 3.5.

I also transferred from a community college to a public university that granted my B.A. in Anthropology. Neither does my B.A. university factor my CC grades into the cumulative GPA even though I had 86 credits transferred to this uni from CC. I guess that's the norm. My CC GPA is 3.85 and my University stand-alone GPA is 3.59. I've not done the math; neither would the admission committee. But what they would do is to consider your grades from all post-high school colleges. You did well in your first 2 years and your GRE is good so I wouldn't worry about chances. There is nothing you can do right now to alter your GPA so I wouldn't even think about it. Focus on the things that would enhance your application such as a polished CV and an excellent writing sample. Are you applying for 2010 Fall? Best of luck to your application!

Edited November 11, 2009 by peanuttheanthro

[anthaspirant]

I also transferred from a community college to a public university that granted my B.A. in Anthropology. Neither does my B.A. university factor my CC grades into the cumulative GPA even though I had 86 credits transferred to this uni from CC. I guess that's the norm. My CC GPA is 3.85 and my University stand-alone GPA is 3.59. I've not done the math; neither would the admission committee. But what they would do is to consider your grades from all post-high school colleges. You did well in your first 2 years and your GRE is good so I wouldn't worry about chances. There is nothing you can do right now to alter your GPA so I wouldn't even think about it. Focus on the things that would enhance your application such as a polished CV and an excellent writing sample. Are you applying for 2010 Fall? Best of luck to your application!

Yep, Fall 2010, and thanks. You're right-- best to focus on the things I can control.

[BlueSwedeShoes]

While we are going on about GPA's...what if I don't have one?

See, Sweden is great in many ways, but when it comes to putting numbers on people, we're terrible. So I can't calculate a GPA from my grades, some of my courses have 3 steps (pass w. distinction, pass, fail), some have two (pass/fail) and one have 4 (2-5). The only GPA I have is from my one year at an American college. That GPA is 4.0, so I guess that's ok at least.

But will this hurt me? Will other international applicants who can put a number on themselves have an advantage? I don't expect anyone from the US to be familiar with the Swedish grading system either, so my lack of GPA might make them toss the application out right away?

Edited November 11, 2009 by waylance

[JerryLandis]

I'd suggest asking your recommendation writers to explain in their letters that the grading system is not the same, and asking them to explain what your grades/ranks mean. I doubt they will disregard your application simply because you attended a foreign institution, but you should try to make it clear in your application what your grades do mean so that they have some idea.

[BlueSwedeShoes]

I'd suggest asking your recommendation writers to explain in their letters that the grading system is not the same, and asking them to explain what your grades/ranks mean. I doubt they will disregard your application simply because you attended a foreign institution, but you should try to make it clear in your application what your grades do mean so that they have some idea.

That might be a good idea. I know one of my recs mentions that I have "excellent grades", but does not probe any deeper than that.

There is also notes on my transcripts explaining whether the course has a fail/pass or fail/pass/pass w. distinction scale. But that doesn't say much either about how to compare my grades to anyone from the US...

[sometimesiexist]

That might be a good idea. I know one of my recs mentions that I have "excellent grades", but does not probe any deeper than that.

There is also notes on my transcripts explaining whether the course has a fail/pass or fail/pass/pass w. distinction scale. But that doesn't say much either about how to compare my grades to anyone from the US...

I totally understand your problem, I go to a US institution that uses a pass/fail scale. It's hard to understand that it counts for anything when your professors say good things about your general course work and abilities. I'm just going to hope for the best, and try to do all I can in the meantime.

Also, my school supplies a statement with every transcript to explain what exactly is up with all the S's on my transcript. I just have to keep telling myself that the grading system here has been an enormous benefit to me, because of the more personalized and narrative evaluation that I've received, and hopefully grad schools will see the benefit as well.

[Kreid]

I also transferred from a community college to a public university that granted my B.A. in Anthropology. Neither does my B.A. university factor my CC grades into the cumulative GPA even though I had 86 credits transferred to this uni from CC. I guess that's the norm. My CC GPA is 3.85 and my University stand-alone GPA is 3.59. I've not done the math; neither would the admission committee. But what they would do is to consider your grades from all post-high school colleges. You did well in your first 2 years and your GRE is good so I wouldn't worry about chances. There is nothing you can do right now to alter your GPA so I wouldn't even think about it. Focus on the things that would enhance your application such as a polished CV and an excellent writing sample. Are you applying for 2010 Fall? Best of luck to your application!

My situation is similar, so I'm wondering what you will enter as your cumulative GPA on your applications?

[BlueSwedeShoes]

I totally understand your problem, I go to a US institution that uses a pass/fail scale. It's hard to understand that it counts for anything when your professors say good things about your general course work and abilities. I'm just going to hope for the best, and try to do all I can in the meantime.

Also, my school supplies a statement with every transcript to explain what exactly is up with all the S's on my transcript. I just have to keep telling myself that the grading system here has been an enormous benefit to me, because of the more personalized and narrative evaluation that I've received, and hopefully grad schools will see the benefit as well.

I didn't know you Americans had other scales than that 4.0 one

It's just that it's one of so many things for me, as an international student, that does not really fit the norm. If I were to start one of these "What's my chances"-threads, it would look something like:

GPA: N/A

GRE: No scores yet, they arrive a few days after some deadlines and a week before the other ones. (Go paper based testing...)

TOEFL: 111/120 (Look, I know English!)

Awards: None, Sweden ain't too big on those either.

But at least I know I'll have 3 good LoR, since I'm helping two of my professors write them...*sigh*

So let's just say that I don't really dare to hope for admission anywhere :/

Edited November 12, 2009 by waylance

[rogue]

For those of you without GPAs and other stuff that show how you rank against other applicants, I'd think it would be especially important to make contact with professors at your programs of interest. Maybe try to get a conversation going about common research interests, then mention your profile.

[anthaspirant]

Welp, took it today. 800v 690q. Just pretend you didn't see my GPA, adcoms!

[monkeyface]

Welp, took it today. 800v 690q. Just pretend you didn't see my GPA, adcoms!

congrats!! those scores have got to feel good! they will definitely garner some positive attention for your app

[hajimemashite]

i am worried that my Undergraduate GPA is going to be the end of my hopes. haha

My Gre - 760(Q) - 560(V).

undergraduate GPA - 3.13 major.

[mudlark]

Welp, took it today. 800v 690q. Just pretend you didn't see my GPA, adcoms!

Congrats! I think that your letters and ability to frame a dissertation project will be more helpful than your GRE, though.

[a fragrant plant]

Congrats! I think that your letters and ability to frame a dissertation project will be more helpful than your GRE, though.

Yes, I called up some schools last Friday about my less prominent GRE score and many said not to worry about it. It's important for fellowship but not crucial for admission.

[rising_star]

In answer to your first question, I don't think the admission committee will do the math and figure out your four-year GPA. If 3.22 is your cumulative GPA, that's what they'll see. If you want to emphasize your "major" GPA, it's probably a good idea to highlight it in your statement of purpose.

I agree about them probably not doing the math. If you want them to know, either put your "major" GPA or CC GPA on your CV, or get a letter writer to address it. I would *not* put it in your SOP.