Physics GRE Discussion Forums

So I got two A-'s on an optical electronics and advanced physics lab classes this semester, and thus ended my perfect technical GPA (physics/math/ece/computer science). I am in my junior year already. I really wanted to keep the 4.0 going at least until I get accepted. But now this aspiration is shattered. So now my goal has downgraded to keep my 3.9+ GPA rolling as long as possible. Is there a big difference between 3.9+ and 4.0 GPA in the admission committee's eyes?

No, there isn't. The admission committee realizes that doing a few mistakes in some courses and not getting a perfect GPA has no meaning on how good you are, and is more related to bad luck than anything else. Not to mention differences between grading at different institutions.

(Also, some universities count A- as an A...)

Take a look in the profiles thread and see how many applicants pulled a 4.0 in their major. The list is short.

What the hell kind of school gives "-" and "+" grades?

I haven't seen a plus or minus next a grade since.... well, since grade school.

they have a precise system.

When you have serious grade inflation (or just high achievers) so everyone is getting an A or B anyways, a plus or minus can make for meaningful distinctions when averaged over a college career.

That said, obviously, nobody cares about your A-s.

I don't think an A- or two will hurt you at all. My school had the A- system too, and it could get brutal since an A- is a 3.7. Thus you could have a 3.7 GPA and still only have As on your transcript!!!

twistor wrote:What the hell kind of school gives "-" and "+" grades?

I haven't seen a plus or minus next a grade since.... well, since grade school.

I'm the other way around - never had plusses or minuses until I got to college. Lots of schools have a plus/minus system.

Hey, "I rock so hard". I'm curious about your thinking process.

Normal person: "Hm... I got an A- in this course. Strange curiosity. Hm.... what's for lunch?"

You??: "OMGWTF. My class rank could be tossed all the way down to 2!!! *2*!!!!!!!11111111one"

Random guy: "Who are you talking to and why did you just say "one" at the end of your sentence?"

You??: "STFU... I know...! I'm going to make a post on Physics GRE . com! They'll save me from the gailful wrath of admissions comittees everywhere!"

Random guy: "I don't think that's what 'gailful' means."

Tell me if I'm way off base, plz.

May the wind be always at your back,
-WontonBurritoMeals

WontonBurritoMeals wrote:Hey, "I rock so hard". I'm curious about your thinking process.

Normal person: "Hm... I got an A- in this course. Strange curiosity. Hm.... what's for lunch?"

You??: "OMGWTF. My class rank could be tossed all the way down to 2!!! *2*!!!!!!!11111111one"

Random guy: "Who are you talking to and why did you just say "one" at the end of your sentence?"

You??: "STFU... I know...! I'm going to make a post on Physics GRE . com! They'll save me from the gailful wrath of admissions comittees everywhere!"

Random guy: "I don't think that's what 'gailful' means."

Tell me if I'm way off base, plz.

May the wind be always at your back,
-WontonBurritoMeals

you got me