<p>Hello, I'm just wondering what is a considered a solid GPA for (science) graduate school?</p>
<p>What about the GPA for a student that currently attends a school that is top 10 for that field (ivy league)?</p>
<p>I also will have 2 research projects completed by the end of this summer (I am a rising junior) and hopefully some decent letters of rec from my mentors. </p>
<p>Is a 3.51 GPA (cumulative) and a similar in-major GPA eliminate my chances of getting into a "top" graduate school? I hope to get that up to roughly 3.6 by graduation </p>
<p>Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>You have remember that your GPA is only one part of your application. In addition, prospective students looking at top graduate schools also near-to-perfect GPA. You need to find other ways to stand out.</p>
<p>The fact that you will have two research projects under your belt should help out.</p>
<p>What about test scores? GRE, GMAT, etc…</p>
<p>I’m only a junior so I haven’t taken any of the standardized tests. I’ll aim high on them, of course. </p>
<p>I heard they don’t really look at extracurriculars, but what if you have taken many leadership positions on campus? Perhaps still irrelevant? </p>
<p>I should also have at least one more research project completed by graduation: senior thesis project and perhaps some lab work during the academic year.</p>
<p>The ECs will only matter if they are highly relevant to your field of study. Leadership positions in clubs, for example, might be helpful to list if you’re applying to business/management programs.</p>
<p>Grad schools will expect a top GPA regardless of whether you come from an Ivy or a public regional. (And honestly, grade inflation is well-known in the Ivies, so they’ll still expect a high GPA.)</p>
<p>But no, a 3.5 won’t eliminate your chances - that’s a good solid GPA.</p>
<p>Leadership positions on campus are irrelevant.</p>
<p>GPA is very important but in my situation, it goes to show you the importance of the other parts of the application. I screwed off and got a 2.67 undergraduate gpa and a 2.2 major gpa. I got a 146-V 153-Q on the GRE. Wrote and strong letter of intent and explained my gpa in it. I also had 3 decent letters.</p>
<p>So you won’t know exactly your chances are unless you apply. If you don’t apply, they are zero. So it won’t kill you to do your best and apply with what you got.</p>