Page 1 of 1
Does graduate GPA count, if at all?
Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 9:38 pm
by ivonmx
I am an international student and my GPA is really low - 3.8 out of a 5 points scaling system (I am within 15% percentile though).
After my undergrad, I came to the states and did a M.S. in Computer Science, and the GPA is not bad (3.87 out of 4). So the question is dead simple, does my graduate GPA help my application portfolio? I heard most law school won't even look at the graduate GPA but since my undergrad is done outside of US will they actually assign more weight to my graduate GPA?
Thanks.
Re: Does graduate GPA count, if at all?
Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 9:50 pm
by Yardbird
ivonmx wrote:does my graduate GPA help my application portfolio?
Not really
Re: Does graduate GPA count, if at all?
Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 9:50 pm
by homestyle28
ivonmx wrote:I am an international student and my GPA is really low - 3.8 out of a 5 points scaling system (I am within 15% percentile though).
After my undergrad, I came to the states and did a M.S. in Computer Science, and the GPA is not bad (3.87 out of 4). So the question is dead simple, does my graduate GPA help my application portfolio? I heard most law school won't even look at the graduate GPA but since my undergrad is done outside of US will they actually assign more weight to my graduate GPA?
Thanks.
Won't change your LSDAS GPA at all. Will be looked at as a mildly favorable soft factor for admissions purposes.
Re: Does graduate GPA count, if at all?
Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 10:19 pm
by SaintsTheMetal
Doubtful; most graduate programs give out massively inflated GPAs. I think a poor Master's or PHD GPA is very rare
Re: Does graduate GPA count, if at all?
Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2012 8:20 am
by ivonmx
Thanks all for your replies.. seems like getting a high LSAT score is my only way to go

Re: Does graduate GPA count, if at all?
Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2012 8:50 am
by albanach
What is your LSAC GPA? Have they calculated one for you, or are you getting a descriptor?
Re: Does graduate GPA count, if at all?
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2012 4:34 pm
by kylemba
I have an MBA and when I submitted transcripts from that program it simply said "see transcripts" on the LSAC report.. so no it does absolutely nothing for your calculated GPA... however, it could help with admission from a diversity/ 'im mature enough to handle graduate level work' basis.
Re: Does graduate GPA count, if at all?
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2012 4:40 pm
by EllaLemry
I assume that, unless the school is really horrible, an MS in Computer Science isn't easy. That said it's a completely soft factor. I don't think it works for IP as a hard science degree but I imagine it works for electronic discovery and things like that.
It won't help your GPA. If you interest is IP based, it could be a nice addition to your application especially if you're undergrad degree was in hard science. It will not sub for you UG grades in any way. Down the road, it might help you land a job, though. The more hard science you have, the better chance for an IP fallback if all else fails (or if you love IP and that's what you want anyway).
Re: Does graduate GPA count, if at all?
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2012 5:10 pm
by Triveal
EllaLemry wrote:I don't think it works for IP as a hard science degree but I imagine it works for electronic discovery and things like that.
Why wouldn't it count?
Re: Does graduate GPA count, if at all?
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2012 5:40 pm
by albanach
Triveal wrote:EllaLemry wrote:I don't think it works for IP as a hard science degree but I imagine it works for electronic discovery and things like that.
Why wouldn't it count?
A masters alone won't make the OP patent bar eligible.
Re: Does graduate GPA count, if at all?
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2012 5:46 pm
by EllaLemry
albanach wrote:Triveal wrote:EllaLemry wrote:I don't think it works for IP as a hard science degree but I imagine it works for electronic discovery and things like that.
Why wouldn't it count?
A masters alone won't make the OP patent bar eligible.
Gotcha. Good to know. Hopefully UG was hard science then. Either way, it isn't very relevant now, anyway. Good luck OP.