is 3.64 GPA enough for IVY LIGUE universities for graduate school?

Question

is 3.64 GPA enough for IVY LIGUE universities for graduate school?

Answer 1

Hi Dildora! Great question! I can't give you a yes or no answer, but as a previous graduate school associate dean and graduate program director for my old department (disclaimer: not an Ivy League U), I can give you an overall approach to graduate school applications. The answer I offer is do not depend on just the GPA. It's important, but only one part of your application. The parts needed for each application are often different for each university, and each one should be customized for that university's graduate school and specific program application requirements. This is really important because it shows the graduate program you took the time to research them, and you aren't giving them a generic cut and paste of the university's name on the application materials (They will notice this!)

Reading the university admissions requirements (several times) very carefully is important. Place as much time into every part of the application: statement of purpose/personal statement, resume, writing samples and letters of recommendations. When reviewing applications I went straight to the personal statement. I wanted to know more about the applicant as a whole person. This is your chance to sell yourself, show your professionalism and explain how you are ready to succeed in their program (this could include a sentence or two about your GPA). The professionalism of your resume is also important whether you have a lot of work experience or not. Major grammatical mistakes, formatting errors and incorrect spelling/punctuation will be noticed and not in a good way.

Finally, for any grad school program you want to get into, call the people who can help you the most - the graduate director and professors within the department/program you want to be in. Most professors would be happy to talk to you for 15 minutes or more about what they like to see in an incoming student. By doing this, you'll not only have more information, but when your application comes up for review, they will remember who you are and they will recall your conversation. That's good!

Good luck! Don't rule yourself out of any graduate program even if you get rejected the first time!

Answer 2

I believe it is important to work hard to earn the best highest GPA possible, but as experience entering an executive MBA program, your career experience will go a long way. Yes, its good to have a great GPA but what will help even more if you have been working in a profession and have moved your way around your industry to learn as many positions and channels as possible will help you in your graduate school journey. I have seen traditional graduate school students go straight into grad school while other "professional" working students excel in the program due to their professional work experience. I recommend you interview as many students as possible and look for professional students and try to diversify your group and you and your group will exceed and excel in the program. Make sure your team is very healthy and diverse and combined senior professional years working will help contribute to you and your group's success!