Schools How Do Grad Schools View a Mixed GPA in Math and Physics?

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Graduate schools, including MIT, typically evaluate applications holistically rather than solely on GPA. A cumulative GPA of 3.6, a physics GPA of 4.0, and a combined math and physics GPA of 3.75 are strong indicators of academic capability. While a 3.4 math GPA may raise concerns, especially in a competitive program, admissions committees often consider the rigor of coursework and the context behind grades. Taking challenging theoretical courses can be viewed positively, especially if highlighted in personal statements and interviews. It's essential to emphasize research experience and the overall academic narrative, as schools like MIT do not have strict minimum GPA requirements and assess applications comprehensively.
Ja4Coltrane
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I am currently a third year student at uchicago, and I have a question relating to grad schools and gpas.

I feel like a jerk for throwing out my numbers, but it is relevant to my question. My cumulative GPA (including all sorts of non sciencey classes) is a 3.6, my physics only gpa is a 4 (to the nearest .1), my combined math and physics is 3.75, but my math only gpa is a 3.4.

Now the thing is that I could have gotten much better math grades, but I chose to take the hardest math courses (very theoretical analysis and algebra) offered at my school for my year, and in those classes, I've gotten many Bs.

I'm wondering how graduate schools will look at that. Would MIT for instance see a 3.4 math gpa and throw my application out?

I really appreciate advice you all can offer. Thanks!
 
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Ja4Coltrane said:
Would MIT for instance see a 3.4 math gpa and throw my application out?
How good's your research?

MIT says that they don't have a minimum, which is always promising and means they probably won't throw you out for a less then perfect gpa in a non-major considering your major gpa is respectable. Sell the lower grades/more enriching courses angle on your personal statement/interview/recommendations/etc. They'll see the transcript and evaluate it as a whole.
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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