<p>I'm considering going to grad school after my undergrad, and I was wondering how much GPA matters to get into a top grad program. I've heard very mixed things - some people say that GPA is the most important thing, whereas others say that the classes that you take are what grad schools look at, and others say that your research portfolio is by far the most important thing. So, in short, what sort of GPA do you need to be considered in the first place, and is GPA even that important?</p>
<p>I've just finished my freshman year at a very good Ivy League school, so I have a lot of time. But GPA considerations will determine which non physics subjects I take in my sophomore year - I'm considering taking a lot of hard languages/humanities, but if I need to focus on my GPA, I might opt to have a slightly lighter schedule. I really want to learn, but I don't want to screw over my future in the process.</p>
<p>A good undergraduate GPA helps a ton for graduate school. It allows you access to the “Top 10” graduate programs. I have seen some schools who will actually waive the GRE if one has a high GPA.</p>
<p>With a sub-3.0 GPA, you can still get into graduate school but it will be VERY, VERY hard to get into a Top-10 school. You can get into a 11th-to-20th ranked school with a good GRE and/or taking 3 graduate courses as a non-degree student and getting A’s in them.</p>
<p>Now that is where you need a good-to-great GPA, because there is no proven work experience to show if you can excel in graduate courses. The method I mentioned earlier (using 2 or 3 courses in nondegree graduate status) is used often for currently employed applicants because they have work experience to show that they may be able to handle graduate courses in the same area.</p>
<p>Undergraduate research will help your application to grad school, along with strong faculty recommendations. Unless we’re talking about an abysmal GPA, those are going to be more important factors in applying to grad school.</p>