Graduate School GPA Requirements
GPA expectations vary widely by program. This guide summarizes typical ranges and what admissions committees look for across different graduate paths.
Typical GPA Ranges by Program
| Program Type | Competitive GPA | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MS/MA (STEM) | 3.3–3.7+ | Research experience valued |
| PhD | 3.6–3.9+ | Publications, faculty fit critical |
| MBA | 3.3–3.7 | Work experience and GMAT/GRE important |
| Law (JD) | 3.5–3.9 | LSAT dominates; GPA still key |
| Medicine (MD/DO) | 3.6–3.9 | BCPM GPA emphasized; clinical experience |
What Committees Look For
- Trends in grades and upper-division performance
- Rigor: advanced coursework, research methods, thesis
- Fit with faculty and program strengths
- Recommendations, research output, relevant experience
Tools
FAQs
- Can a strong GRE/GMAT offset a lower GPA? Sometimes, depending on program
- Do committees recalculate GPAs? Many assess major/upper-division GPAs separately
- How important is research for PhD? Essential; publications and fit matter most