Introduction
Graduate school applications often require transcripts that include your grades and GPA. But do graduate programs only care about the letter grades you received or do they take into account your exact numerical grades? The answer to this question is important because the difference between a B+ and an A- can be significant, especially when it comes to competitive programs.
What the Research Says
There is no definitive answer to the question of whether graduate programs see your grade or just letter. Some programs may only consider your GPA, while others may take into account your exact numerical grades. However, there is evidence to suggest that some graduate programs may be more likely to consider your exact numerical grades than others.
For example, a study by the National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals (NAGAP) found that 40% of graduate programs consider both the letter grade and the numerical grade when making admissions decisions. This suggests that many graduate programs are interested in more than just your GPA.
Factors that Influence the Decision
There are a number of factors that can influence whether a graduate program will consider your exact numerical grades. These factors include:
- The competitiveness of the program. Competitive programs are more likely to consider your exact numerical grades because they have a smaller pool of applicants to choose from.
- The type of program. Research programs are more likely to consider your exact numerical grades than professional programs. This is because research programs are looking for students who have strong academic skills.
- Your other qualifications. If you have a high GPA and strong letters of recommendation, your exact numerical grades may not be as important. However, if your GPA is lower or your letters of recommendation are not as strong, your exact numerical grades may be more likely to be considered.
How to Improve Your Chances of Admission
If you are concerned about the impact of your numerical grades on your graduate school applications, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of admission:
- Get the best grades you can. This means studying hard and taking challenging courses.
- Retake classes if necessary. If you have a low grade in a particular course, you may want to consider retaking it.
- Explain any low grades. If you have any low grades on your transcript, be prepared to explain them in your personal statement or interview.
- Highlight your other qualifications. If you have a high GPA and strong letters of recommendation, your exact numerical grades may not be as important. However, if your GPA is lower or your letters of recommendation are not as strong, you may want to highlight your other qualifications, such as your research experience or work experience.
Conclusion
The question of whether graduate programs see your grade or just letter is not a simple one. There is no definitive answer, and the decision of whether or not to consider your exact numerical grades will vary from program to program. However, there is evidence to suggest that some graduate programs may be more likely to consider your exact numerical grades than others. If you are concerned about the impact of your numerical grades on your graduate school applications, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of admission.
