How Significant Are Grades in PhD Applications?

[franznietzsche]

A question for PhD applicants, present and former:

How significant are grades? And what grades are significant?

 

[HallsofIvy]

Grades are definitely significant- primarily in you major courses. Entrance test scores (i.e. "Graduate Record Exams") are also important- generally speaking high test scores can offset low (mean "C") grades and high grades can offset low test scores.
What is more important than either of those are letters of recommendation by professors.

 

[Gonzolo]

They're also important if you're interested in financial help.