Programs Bad overall GPA but good Major GPA

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A student with a 3.07 overall GPA from community college and a projected 4.0 major GPA in physics after transferring to a university is assessing their chances for admission into a top 50 graduate school. The concern arises from the overall GPA, which indicates a C average in non-major courses, potentially viewed as failing by graduate standards. Despite this, the student notes that other factors such as average research experience, strong GRE scores, and good recommendations could enhance their application. A comparison is made with a peer who had a 2.6 overall GPA but a 3.4 in their major and was accepted into a top program, suggesting that holistic review processes in admissions may allow for exceptions based on individual strengths and experiences.
jaydnul
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I did terrible in community college and got a 3.07. I just transferred to a university and it looks like I will have a 4.0 for my major GPA at the end of the semester. I'm sure these will change by the time I graduate (especially the 4.0 haha) but just going with what i have, if a graduated with a 3.0 overall and a 4.0 in physics, what would my chances look like getting into a good grad school (maybe top 50)? Assuming i have average research experience and good GRE scores and recommendations.
 
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In graduate school, a C is failing. A 3.0 overall and a 4.0 in-major means about a C average out of major. So such a student will have failed half his classes. Does this sound competitive?
 
3.0 is B on the scale of GPA, and a 2.5 would be a C.

I have a friend who had a 2.6 overall GPA, but his major GPA was 3.4 and he was accepted into one of the top 50 schools for physics. Given his story, I would say it depends on other good records on the application.
 

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