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Impact of LOR

Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2014 5:22 pm
by justarando
Lets say I graduate MIT with a 5.0/5.0 GPA (equivalent to 4.0). If I get 3 mediocre LOR, would top grad schools be out of my reach?

Re: Impact of LOR

Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2014 6:23 pm
by PathIntegrals92
My answer is leaning towards yes!

Check out the situation of this person: http://www.physicsgre.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5081
(You'll have to read a little but, but most of the recs came from class profs and not research profs)

GPA and PGRE scores are just part of the things they consider. I would say LOR is one of the most important criteria for admission. Do you have research experience? Who is writing your LOR? You would already have a stronger letter if it comes from someone who can talk about your research abilities.

After all, you are going to graduate school to do research. You will take courses ofcourse, but I heard that gpa is not so important once in school. Well, unless if you are going for competitive fellowships.