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Difference between Major GPA and Cumulative GPA
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:35 am
by histandard387
I graduated with a B.S in Finance, minor in Economics with a major GPA of 3.72 from a ranked research state university, my cumulative GPA, however, is a 3.48 due to a terrible 1st semester GPA. A good buddy of mine said he only included his major GPA in his applications.
I am sure they look at both, but on the application itself, and my resume, should I include just my major GPA?
After completing my LSAT, I will move over to the "What are my chances?" posts. Should the former of the GPA/LSAT score format contain my major GPA, or cum?
Thanks.
Re: Difference between Major GPA and Cumulative GPA
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:39 am
by booboo
Major GPA is more or less irrelevant. Cumulative GPA is all that matters. It is also risky to put your major GPA in spots on an application where the cumulative would be expected, it might not rub adcom's in the right way.
Re: Difference between Major GPA and Cumulative GPA
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:41 am
by whymeohgodno
booboo wrote:Major GPA is more or less irrelevant. Cumulative GPA is all that matters. It is also risky to put your major GPA in spots on an application where the cumulative would be expected, it might not rub adcom's in the right way.
This.
If they ask for cumulative and you give them anything that isn't your cumulative GPA, I would expect that they would take that as a pretty bad indicator.
Re: Difference between Major GPA and Cumulative GPA
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:43 am
by histandard387
In the Emory application it only states, Major: Degree: GPA:
So it was a bit confusing; never did it ask for a cumulative gpa.
Re: Difference between Major GPA and Cumulative GPA
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:44 am
by manbearwig
histandard387 wrote:In the Emory application it only states, Major: Degree: GPA:
So it was a bit confusing; never did it ask for a cumulative gpa.
It's just assumed the GPA is your cumulative GPA.
Re: Difference between Major GPA and Cumulative GPA
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:46 am
by kazu
manbearwig wrote:histandard387 wrote:In the Emory application it only states, Major: Degree: GPA:
So it was a bit confusing; never did it ask for a cumulative gpa.
It's just assumed the GPA is your cumulative GPA.
Yep..this.
Re: Difference between Major GPA and Cumulative GPA
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:47 am
by manbearwig
I don't get why, if all it says is GPA, you wouldn't assume it to be cumulative anyway.
Re: Difference between Major GPA and Cumulative GPA
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:50 am
by histandard387
I initially assumed it to be cumulative, but I was hoping to be mistaken!

Re: Difference between Major GPA and Cumulative GPA
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 1:00 am
by Hannibal
I think the degree GPA is more important than Major GPA. Chicago only asked for Degree GPA on the app.
Re: Difference between Major GPA and Cumulative GPA
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 1:11 am
by clintonius
I think the rules are changed when you went to a *ranked* research state university, though, aren't they?
Re: Difference between Major GPA and Cumulative GPA
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 8:10 am
by capitalacq
histandard387 wrote:In the Emory application it only states, Major: Degree: GPA:
So it was a bit confusing; never did it ask for a cumulative gpa.
agreed. I thought they meant GPA for classes I got an A in