Questions about graduate studies?

[M. next]

What are American Universities interested about? Is it the cumulative average or is it the major average?
Add to that, if you submit you graduate application early, does it start to be read? Or not?

Thanks!

 

[G01]

What are American Universities interested about? Is it the cumulative average or is it the major average?

Many departments will ask for both. Most departments will take into account a good major GPA if your overall GPA is somewhat low. Within reason, that is. A 3.8 Major GPA might help make up for having an overall GPA of 3.4 or so. However, if your overall GPA is below 3.0, a high major GPA might not help, since at many universities a 3.0 GPA is the minimum GPA requirement set by the graduate school.

Add to that, if you submit you graduate application early, does it start to be read? Or not?

Thanks!

Depends on the department and admissions committee. Many members on this forum have experience being on admissions committees. I do not. Hopefully someone who does will chime in soon.

 

[M. next]

Thanks a lot. That was helpful. Let's hope they answer.. I am eager to know. :)

 

[G01]

I should also add that while 3.0 overall GPA might be the "minimum' at most programs, usually the minimum competitive GPA at most graduate programs is around 3.4-3.5.

As mentioned above, there will be variation in this ballpark competitive GPA depending on your major GPA and other aspects like your GRE, research , recommendations, prestige of graduate school, etc.

 

[M. next]

Thank you loads, you cleared things up. I just still need to know about the committee and when do they start reading the application. Is it directly? Or when the deadline is crossed..

 

[HallsofIvy]

Add to that, if you submit you graduate application early, does it start to be read? Or not?

Thanks!

Some people may read it early but the overall decision will be made after the application deadline so that all applications can be seen together.

 

[M. next]

I see, thank you. Is there any advantage in applying way early? Or it does not make a difference

 

[M. next]

Oh yes and concerning regular and late deadlines, what's the difference. I mean why don't they just put one date ( the last one )?

What do they benefit from plugging in two dates for the same semester?