How much would a near-perfect GRE score help?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the likelihood of being granted financial assistance for grad school with a relatively low undergraduate GPA but a high GRE score. The participants agree that recommendation letters and research experience are the most important factors in admission, but a low GPA can still be a significant barrier. They also mention that specific subject courses and published theses may be considered in the admissions process, but a minimum GPA is usually required for consideration. Additionally, the conversation notes that a GPA below 3.0 may make it difficult to be admitted to the university overall.
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FluffyFriend
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If someone has a relatively poor undergraduate record (below 3.0 GPA), but at the same time posses a high GRE score (without sub), would he/she still have a chance being granted with financial assistance? What about the same situation regarding international students?
 
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my guess is not much. my general GRE was near-perfect but everything I've heard has been that grad schools don't care how much of a whiz you are at IQ tests, they want to know how well you work in a particular subject
 
  • #3
ChemHopeful said:
my guess is not much. my general GRE was near-perfect but everything I've heard has been that grad schools don't care how much of a whiz you are at IQ tests, they want to know how well you work in a particular subject

Thanks. So the GPA weighs like over 70% all along in admission huh? :) I don't quite catch you on "in a particular subject", do you mean an excellent record on specific course or a couple of published thesis?

Fluffy
 
  • #4
Actually, the most important thing is recommendation letters.

But with below a 3.0 GPA... it's not going to be easy, even with stellar recommendations.
 
  • #5
TMFKAN64 said:
Actually, the most important thing is recommendation letters.
Particularly if they come from people you've done research for. (Research is the other major factor in getting in.)

I don't quite catch you on "in a particular subject", do you mean an excellent record on specific course or a couple of published thesis?
If you're applying to a grad school in physics, your GPA from your physics (and math relevant to physics) courses (probably) can't be below 3.00. There's leeway with courses outside your major, but not much.
 
  • #6
TMFKAN64 said:
But with below a 3.0 GPA... it's not going to be easy, even with stellar recommendations.

Agreed... most university graduate schools require a 3.0 or a 3.25 overall GPA to be admitted to the university. If you're below this, the program would have to petition the university to let you in. In my experience, this rarely happens.
 
  • #7
story645 said:
Particularly if they come from people you've done research for. (Research is the other major factor in getting in.)

Absolutely. I apologize for not being clearer in my post... I was thinking about letters from people you have worked for, and I should have said that clearly.
 

FAQ: How much would a near-perfect GRE score help?

How is a near-perfect GRE score defined?

A near-perfect GRE score is typically considered to be within the 99th percentile, meaning that you have scored higher than 99% of test-takers. This usually translates to a score of 170 in each section of the GRE exam.

How much does a near-perfect GRE score improve my chances of getting into graduate school?

Having a near-perfect GRE score can greatly improve your chances of getting into graduate school. However, it is not the only factor that admissions committees consider. They also look at your undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and any relevant work or research experience.

Is it worth retaking the GRE to try and achieve a near-perfect score?

This ultimately depends on your individual circumstances and the competitiveness of the graduate programs you are applying to. If your current score is already high and you have a strong overall application, it may not be necessary to retake the exam. However, if you feel that a higher score would significantly strengthen your application, it may be worth considering retaking the GRE.

Can a near-perfect GRE score make up for a weaker overall application?

A near-perfect GRE score can certainly help to offset any weaknesses in your overall application, but it is not a guarantee of admission. Admissions committees will still consider all aspects of your application, so it is important to have a well-rounded and strong profile.

How long does it take to achieve a near-perfect GRE score?

The time it takes to achieve a near-perfect GRE score will vary for each individual. It depends on your level of familiarity with the content, your study habits, and your ability to perform well under testing conditions. Some people may achieve a near-perfect score after just a few weeks of dedicated studying, while others may take several months or longer.

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