phd program? questions from those with experience applying...

[pooteeweet]

Hi, I am wondering, when applying to a doctorate program do most schools look at your gpa in the major or overall? I am not sure where I want to apply, but I have a 3.8 in the major with 63 credits in English courses, and overall about 2.8-3.0 (I only excel in English)........thanks in advance!

Oh yeah, also, I struggle with foreign language, and see it is a requirement for most schools to have knowledge of one...how much emphasis do mostschools place on this?

Patrick

[Katy North]

I don't have personal experience applying for Ph.D. programs (working on applying for masters!) but my dad is a professor, and would tell you that every school is different. The best thing you can do is contact the English department of the school you think you have the best shot at and talk to the chair or the graduate program director. Usually they'll have lists with GPA requirements, and will be able to tell you if there's a possibility of you being accepted despite the GPA if you don't make the requirements.