FAQ: 2

What GPA and/or GRE test scores should I have?

There are no absolute cut-offs, but applicants who are invited to interview usually have a GPA greater than 3.0 and GREs higher than 500 (verbal), 600 (quantitative) and 4.5 (analytic). Students with grades below these benchmarks require special consideration. The Admissions Committee will be required to provide justification in order to recommend students with GRE scores lower than the 50th percentile for admission.

Follow up question regarding GPA and/or GRE scores lower than stated above:  As stated above, there are no absolute cut-offs, however, the selection of candidates is a competitive process.  Low GPA and/or GRE scores will not help your application.  Applications with GPA and/or GRE scores below these benchmarks should excel in other areas.  For example, if your GPA is less than 3.0, your GRE scores, recommendation letters, and research experience should be exceptional.  In all cases where the GPA and/or GRE scores are low, the candidate should address the situation in their personal statement.  If extenuating circumstances are responsible for the low scores, the candidate should describe the circumstances in their personal statement.