Major GPA vs Total GPA: Grad School Considerations

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  • Thread starter Thread starter DukeofDuke
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SUMMARY

Graduate schools generally consider both major GPA and total GPA, but the physics GPA often holds more weight for applicants in physics-related fields. Analysis of profiles on physicsgre.com reveals that most successful candidates possess a higher physics GPA compared to their overall GPA. However, a higher general GPA, especially if accompanied by a strong Physics GRE score and relevant research experience, does not negatively impact admissions prospects. Key factors for success include a solid Physics GRE score, research experience, and strong recommendation letters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of GPA calculation and its implications in graduate school admissions
  • Familiarity with the Physics GRE format and scoring
  • Knowledge of the importance of research experience in academic applications
  • Ability to craft effective personal statements and obtain strong recommendation letters
NEXT STEPS
  • Research strategies for excelling in the Physics GRE
  • Explore effective methods for gaining research experience in physics
  • Learn how to write compelling personal statements for graduate school applications
  • Understand the criteria for obtaining strong recommendation letters from professors
USEFUL FOR

Prospective graduate students in physics, academic advisors, and anyone involved in the graduate school application process seeking to optimize their academic profiles for admissions success.

DukeofDuke
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Do grad schools weight your major gpa more than your total gpa? Or are they considered about equal?
I read through a couple hundred profiles on physicsgre.com, people post their stats and where they got in. I noticed that almost everyone had a higher physics gpa than general gpa.
What would schools think of a person who's general gpa is higher than their physics gpa? At my school the physics and math courses are a LOT harder than the more interesting gen. req. fulfilling electives, and I'm probably better at humanities than I am at physics (though physics is way more fun) so I'll probably end up with a significantly higher general gpa than a physics gpa. This is different than the trend I saw...will grad schools look at it negatively?
 
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I had a good general GPA and a good, but not awesome, physics GPA. The physics GRE and research experience are what you should try to get down. Combine this with a good statement and good rec letters and you should be fine. But, probably the single most important aspect of your background is your physics GRE. You do really well on that and you'll get into good schools. Now, you probably have to have some research experience and you can't have bad rec letters or a bad GPA, but if everything is pretty average/good and you have a really good Physics GRE score, then you should be great for some really good schools.
 

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