g0ld3n

Hi guys, I've researched and didn't really come up with a lot so I'm turning to CC. Are there graduate programs (I'm mainly looking into life sciences, particularly neuroscience) that have a higher GPA cutoff than 3.0? Anywhere I can look this up, or anyone know any specific programs? There can't be a lot, I assume only the top programs, right? What I mean by GPA cutoff is that it specifically states a GPA cutoff in their brochures or that it is common knowledge that practically 0% of applicants get interviews/acceptances below the cutoff.

The reason I ask this is that I want to know what is the absolute red line/limit I have to keep my GPA at in undergrad. Obviously, the higher the GPA the better in any situation, no one is debating that; I'm just curious for information.

Thanks in advance guys.

scaleupchem

Well you technically need to meet the min. stated GPA requirement to even have your application accepted by the graduate school (usually 3.0). From here your application is sent to the department for further review. Now here is where it gets crazy, especially for the biomedical sciences (neuroscience included).

A "cut-off" is then set by the adcom. for minimum GPA, and GRE (general, and subject if applicable). Here, an administrator sits down with the applications, and sorts them. The GPA minimum cut-off may be a 3.25, or a 3.40, or a 3.50. Meaning if your GPA is less than than the cut-off, you may be out of the running for 1st round offers, and maybe out of the running for any offers, depending on the strength of the other applicants. Someone will possibly have to "rescue" your application for additonal consideration after 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round offers.


The GRE requirements may be >1200 (or whatever this is on the new scale, basically >70% Quant, >50% Verbal). Again, you may be out of the running for 1st round offers, and maybe out of the running for any offers, depending on the strength of the other applicants. Technically, the GRE shouldn't be used this way, but it is. ETS themselves advises against this practice, but it still happens.

From here, the adcoms read applications, LORs, personal statements, etc. Here is where the interviews are handed out. If you are in the "rescue" situation, you will need an advocate in the room to convince his/her fellow adcom. members that you deserve a review of your application and possibly an interview in the later rounds, or even to get put on the waiting list.

g0ld3n

Thanks for the detailed response. I was wondering if those cut-offs were common layman knowledge at some programs or not? I know the "standard" cutoff is 3.0 to be in the running for interviews at most programs, but as you mentioned sometimes the cutoff is decided as 3.25, 3.5 etc etc and those marks were what I was wondering about. Are any of those cutoffs common knowledge at certain schools or are they set arbitrarily year to year behind closed doors when the applicant pool is considered?

scaleupchem

You can't really figure out what the cut offs are for either GPA or GRE scores. You can possibly look at previous years class profiles. If you read the link, UMich does an ok job at giving some soft guidance to cutoffs. So they say this is no minimum GPA, but the class average for admitted students was a 3.5. Same for the GRE, average was a 710 Quant and 512 Verbal (old scale, so in essence >1200 composit). This literally all you have to go on, and most don't really publish this type of info. Its like walking into the Rolex store, and asking how much a Rolex cost. If you had the money to buy a Rolex, you probably wouldn't be asking that question.




Program in Biomedical Science: U-M Medical School

g0ld3n

^Thanks, that helps a good amount actually especially the fact that UM was nice enough to include the range which was 2.8-4.0. The main problem here is that I don't actually know if I have enough money to buy a Rolex so that is why I was asking the question.