<p>what gpa would be the cutoff for top physical sciences programs?
does this cutoff differ from the major gpa?if so what is the cutoff for the major gpa?
should one take honors courses even if it means having a lower gpa?</p>
<p>Often schools will specifically state their GPA cutoffs and then state what a typical GPA is for a student with full funding (usually higher than the raw cutoff, but probably more realistic). Check the schools you are applying to.</p>
<p>Thanks.Bump?</p>
<p>I’m not sure exactly what you mean by top, because there is no official cutoff for that term. However, for chemistry, Northwestern is ranked 9th (US News and World Report), and has a section in FAQ about successful applicants:</p>
<p>Typically they will have a GPA above a 3.6 /4.0; GRE scores for FALL 2008 class averaged 565/800 Verbal, 722/800 Quantitative, Writing Analysis 4.8/6.0, 694 on the Chemistry GRE, and strong letters of recommendation from research advisors which demonstrate laboratory and critical thinking skills. Recommendations from undergraduate laboratories, internships, or industrial settings are best. In addition, copies of one’s publications list will enhance one’s application and should be included, although publications list are not required.</p>
<p>Hope that helps. Good luck.</p>