Graduate school G.P.A. requirements?

Question

I am applying for graduate school in the fall and am very worried that I will not get accepted do to my G.P.A. I know that the minimum G.P.A. requirement is a 3.3 (which mine exceeds). But since graduate school is highly competitive, is a much higher average expected? What is the average G.P.A. for graduate school acceptance? I just need some re-assurance and some added knowledge on the subject of graduate school so any advice and or information is helpful.

I should add that I am applying for my Master's degree in English Literature.

Answer 1

It depends on the school, your major, and the degree program you want to enter (e.g., M.A., Ph.D., etc.). It also depends on whether enrollment is limited to a certain number each year. It also depends, in many instances, on your GRE score, your experience, and the quality of your letters of reference.

For most programs, with a 3.3, decent test scores and good letters of reference, admission will be no problem. Being competitive for fellowships, assistantships, and other awards is an entirely different matter and, frankly, somewhat doubtful.

By the way, admission in Educational Administration is likely to depend more on your experieince and demonstrated leadership ability than on grades and test scores; whereas admission in, say, Educational Psychology and Research is more likely to depend on grades and the GRE score. Both are large programs and likely to have a very limited number of fellowships and/or assistantships. On the other hand, English, another large program, is likely to have a number of assistantships, but to require good grades and a reasonably high score on the verbal part of the GRE. More specialized programs, such as dramatic arts, journalism, art, biochemistry, or counseling psychology are likely to require and rely heavily upon references, an interview and/or portfolios of work completed or in progress.

Best wishes. And maybe expect to work harder as a grad student than you did as an undergrad.

Answer 2

Graduate admissions depends on a number of factors, GPA is just one. Much will depend on the program and school to which you are applying. If you are applying to a program in Clinical Psychology, for instance, a 3.3 is not likely to be in the ballpark. Alternately if you are applying for a degree in Educational Administration a 3.3 is probably good enough if supported with good test scores as well as recommendations, a solid essay and strong supporting material.

Answer 3

I'm looking at grad programs also, and I've found several with a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0. I've also checked out a book from the library with info on various grad schools including their acceptance rates.

Answer 4

it depends on the graduate school and the subject matter, some grad programs accept anyone with a pulse

Answer 5

3.8 is rather good... besides the certainty that that 2.4 is kinda low. i might look into the specific graduate college and ask approximately standards... the greater prestigious the college, the stricter they would be, yet of direction admission counts on finished assessment.