Graduate GPA Forum

[besixdouze]

Hi, all!

I know that LSAT and GPA are the two primary interests whilst applying to law schools, but I have a concern.

My undergraduate GPA (with majors in English, writing, philosophy and religion and a minor in global studies) was either a 3.6 or a 3.7.

However, I am halfway through my graduate school/divinity school program at Vanderbilt University and my GPA is a 3.4. I'm hoping I can attribute this to grad school having higher standards and it being Vanderbilt (as well as professors not being keen to give out As) but will this be a huge hindrance to getting admitted? How does the graduate GPA factor in while applying to law school?

[PoliticalJunkie]

Grad GPA's are usually inflated and not considered as a hard factor in admissions, though it's a soft that can only help.

[Gamecubesupreme]

Very rarely do you see someone with a higher undergrad GPA than grad school GPA.

But yeah, it's the kind of thing that won't help you if it's good, but might hurt you if it's bad.

[thesealocust]

edit: never mind

[Richie Tenenbaum]

A graduate GPA much below 3.7 is actively embarrassing.

On the other hand, it isn't factored into U.S. News & World Report's rankings, so it won't matter. In fact, you probably don't even have to supply your graduate GPA. Bank error in your favor!

You have to request transcripts from your grad school....

To the OP: If the program has absolutely serious grade deflation and you have an actual respectable GPA in comparison to everyone else you might want to explain that in an addendum. If not, it still should not hurt you that much since only undergrad counts for rankings. Grad school is still a decent soft to have, just might be a weaker soft with a bad GPA.