Is 3.5 A bad GPA for Masters?
Asked by: Dr. Raleigh Kirlin DVM | Last update: November 20, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (33 votes)
Most top-ranked graduate programs typically prefer a GPA of 3.5 or better. Exceptions to this rule occur, of course, but many students give up their quest to attend graduate school due to a low (3.0 or less) GPA.
Is a 3.5 GPA in Masters good?
In the US graduate schools usually require students maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher (I've seen 3.2 minimum) out of 4.0 to remain in 'good standing' the program and eligible to graduate. At the master's level, a good GPA is over 3.5 if interested in going on for Ph. D.
Is a 3.4 GPA bad Masters?
Although actual requirements vary, most graduate admissions committees typically expect applicants to have GPAs from 3.0–3.3 for master's programs and from 3.3–3.5 for doctoral programs. That being said, not all GPAs are weighed equally.
Is 3.5 a good GPA to graduate college with?
3.5 or above is a good college GPA.
What do you get if you graduate with a 3.5 GPA?
cum laude (GPA of 3.5–3.69);
How to Assess if Your GPA Is Actually Low for Grad Programs
How competitive is a 3.5 GPA?
A 3.5 GPA will be highly competitive, and admission can be reasonably expected at many colleges. Still, it's not the most competitive at places like Harvard, Yale, and Dartmouth, which, on average, accept students with GPAs exceeding 4.0.
What does a 3.5 GPA say about you?
It's certainly a strong GPA and above the national average, which is around a 3.0. When colleges look at your GPA, they're assessing your academic performance to see if you can handle the rigor of their institution. A 3.5 GPA is an indication that you have consistently performed well in your high school classes.
What is a good master's GPA for PhD?
Prospective PhD students should aim for a GPA of 3.5 or higher, while also focusing on research experience, strong letters of recommendation, and a compelling personal statement to strengthen their application.
Is a 3.5 GPA good enough for Harvard?
To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1580 SAT or a 36 ACT. You should also have a 4.2 GPA or higher.
What is a bad GPA for Masters?
Most top-ranked graduate programs typically prefer a GPA of 3.5 or better. Exceptions to this rule occur, of course, but many students give up their quest to attend graduate school due to a low (3.0 or less) GPA.
What does a 3.5 GPA look like?
A 3.5 GPA, or Grade Point Average, is equivalent to a B+ letter grade on a 4.0 GPA scale, and a percentage grade of 87–89.
What is the minimum GPA for Masters?
Minimum 3.0 GPA.
Unlike undergraduate programs, master's degrees require a high GPA in order to complete your degree. Make sure you give your all in every course so you don't fall short of this requirement.
Does GPA really matter for Masters?
Like in your undergraduate days, your GPA matters to pass and ultimately obtain a graduate degree, but depending on your situation, getting a high GPA may or may not be impactful.
What is a good master's grade?
A typical masters degree will be graded using four terms: Distinction: a final grade of 70% or above. Merit: a final grade of 60-69% Pass: a final grade of 50-59%
What is considered a bad GPA?
It also helps schools determine if you will be able to handle the coursework. Typically, a good GPA is between 3.0 and 4.0, and a low GPA is between 1.5 and 2.0. Universities may start tracking your GPA as early as your freshman year of high school, and this will continue into your college career.
Is a 3.5 GPA good for masters?
MS in the US – What's a good GPA for graduate school
If you're planning to apply to the elite top tier programs or the Ivy League programs, you'd need to have a competitive GPA of 3.5 or above whereas for other schools, with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.5, you'd still have a good chance of getting in.
Can I get a PhD with a 3.5 GPA?
While there are no hard limits, we suggest a minimum GPA of 3.5 for serious contention, especially at top schools. If your GPA is below 3.0 then you will likely not get admitted into any PhD programs. The reason for this is that PhD programs are a lot of work.
Is a master's worth it?
Earning your master's degree has many advantages. It can lead to higher salaries, advanced career opportunities, higher-level subject knowledge, and a feeling of accomplishment.
How common is a 3.5 GPA?
To elaborate, the national average for GPA is around a 3.0, so a 3.5 puts you above average nationally. Keep in mind the 3.0 national average represents all students, not just students applying to college, so the average GPA of students admitted to colleges is higher than the national average.
Should I list 3.5 GPA?
If GPA is requested in the job description, then you must include it on your resume. Otherwise, it's always optional. However, if your GPA is over 3.5, it's recommended that you mention it on your application no matter what (as long as you are a new graduate or in school.)
What GPA is required for Harvard?
GPA requirements for Harvard
At Harvard, the standard GPA is 4.18. (While some schools publish an unweighted GPA, most utilize a weighted GPA out of 4.0.) Harvard needs you to be at the top of your class with a GPA of 4.18. To compete with other applications, you'll need to receive almost all A's.
Will Harvard accept 3.5 GPA?
That being said, your 3.5 GPA will place you toward the lower end of the applicant pool academically, but it doesn't necessarily preclude you from consideration.
Can I get a good job with a 3.5 GPA?
GPA only really matters for entry-level roles
Once you start to build up a work history, your GPA will quickly start to not matter very much, as employers tend to value work experience above all else when assessing job applicants.
What is graduating with a 3.5 GPA in college?
Cum laude: “With distinction,” typically 3.5–3.6 GPA or top 16-35% of class. Magna cum laude: “With great distinction,” typically 3.7–3.8 GPA or top 6-15% of class. Summa cum laude: “With highest honor,” typically 3.9–4.0 GPA or top 1-5% of class.