- #1
Slepton
- 20
- 0
Hello, I am a senior now. I have a B+ in one of my upper division physics classes. How can I still get into a good graduate program ? Its freaking me out.
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around concerns regarding the impact of a B+ grade in an upper division physics class on graduate school admissions. Participants explore the broader context of graduate applications, including various factors that may influence acceptance into competitive programs.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Meta-discussion
Main Points Raised
- Some participants argue that a single B+ grade is not a significant detriment to graduate school applications, emphasizing that admissions committees consider multiple factors beyond GPA.
- Others suggest that graduate programs look at overall academic performance, GRE scores, research experience, and letters of recommendation, indicating that a holistic view is taken during the admissions process.
- A participant questions the grading system, noting that their average of 80% is considered high in their context, and expresses surprise at the emphasis placed on achieving A grades in the U.S.
- Another participant clarifies that a B+ typically corresponds to a score closer to 90%, suggesting that the perception of grading standards may vary between different educational systems.
- Some responses encourage the original poster to focus on other aspects of their application, such as research and teaching experience, to enhance their competitiveness.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that a B+ is not likely to ruin graduate school prospects, but there is no consensus on the overall significance of GPA compared to other application components. The discussion reflects varying perspectives on grading standards and the competitive nature of graduate admissions.
Contextual Notes
The discussion reveals differing cultural perceptions of grading and academic performance, which may influence participants' views on the implications of a B+ grade. There is also uncertainty regarding the specific criteria used by graduate programs in evaluating applicants.
- #2
j93
- 189
- 2
Nope no way
here
http://www.mcdonalds.com/usa/work.html
here
http://www.mcdonalds.com/usa/work.html
Last edited by a moderator:
- #3
diazona
Homework Helper
- 2,176
- 8
lol 
Nobody can tell you anything meaningful just based on the fact that you got a B+ in a single class. Grad schools look at all your grades, your GRE scores, what university you're at, your research experience, etc. etc. etc. So stop freaking out.
(Tip: talk to professors who are doing your preferred kind of research at the grad schools you want to apply to, and see if you can convince them that they want you to come there.)
Nobody can tell you anything meaningful just based on the fact that you got a B+ in a single class. Grad schools look at all your grades, your GRE scores, what university you're at, your research experience, etc. etc. etc. So stop freaking out.
(Tip: talk to professors who are doing your preferred kind of research at the grad schools you want to apply to, and see if you can convince them that they want you to come there.)
- #4
- 5,017
- 2,556
You're worried about a single B+? Seriously?
You don't need to have a perfect average to get into a good graduate program. To get into the popular ones you need to be ultra-competative, but if I understand correctly and your lowest mark is a B+, you should be fine. You can bolster your competativeness with some research and/or teaching experience.
You don't need to have a perfect average to get into a good graduate program. To get into the popular ones you need to be ultra-competative, but if I understand correctly and your lowest mark is a B+, you should be fine. You can bolster your competativeness with some research and/or teaching experience.
- #5
Pengwuino
Gold Member
- 5,112
- 20
Yah that's silly to think a B+ is going to ruin you. This isn't like high school where the best college programs are bombarded with a thousand applicants all with 4.0's and some SAT score. When you apply to graduate school, you have a lot more "tools" at your disposal, GPA, GRE recommendations, research experience, publishing papers, giving talks... etc etc.
- #6
kuahji
- 390
- 2
Slepton said:
Quit worrying so much about your GPA & you'll increase your chances. Don't be so silly.
- #7
G01
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 2,709
- 19
One B+ isn't going to ruin your grad school chances. That said, we know nothing about the rest of your application (GREs GPA, research, etc.) so we can't really comment on what your chances are like to begin with.
- #8
ImAnEngineer
- 209
- 1
B+ ?
Isn't that like a 80% score? (not used to letter grading)
Seems unreal to me to have to get an A all the time...?
I see so many people that post they ''only'' get B+ etc, but I have an average grade of 80% and I am amongst one of the highest. Is getting a B average considered ''bad'' in America ? It amazes me.
Isn't that like a 80% score? (not used to letter grading)
Seems unreal to me to have to get an A all the time...?
I see so many people that post they ''only'' get B+ etc, but I have an average grade of 80% and I am amongst one of the highest. Is getting a B average considered ''bad'' in America ? It amazes me.
- #9
AUMathTutor
- 498
- 0
A B+ is usually closer to 90 than to 80... like 87-89.
And yes, the best of the best of the best usually gun for As (ostensibly 90 or higher) in *every* class, or at least the classes relating to the major.
It's easier to do in America than in other countries... grading isn't as harsh here. The corollary is that you have to get better grades to be on the top.
And yes, the best of the best of the best usually gun for As (ostensibly 90 or higher) in *every* class, or at least the classes relating to the major.
It's easier to do in America than in other countries... grading isn't as harsh here. The corollary is that you have to get better grades to be on the top.
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