RATING SYSTEM FOR APPLICANTS TO THE M.S. PROGRAMS
IN THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY AND MARINE BIOLOGY
Four criteria are utilized in developing a composite score for each applicant. These include:
1) the Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE), 2) a weighted undergraduate grade
point average, 3) letters of recommendation, and 4) research and/or work experience. The
maximum scored based upon four standard criteria is 20. Generally, students scoring 9 or below
will be rejected on the basis of standards.
The composite score is computed as follows:
Percentile Score
General GRE Test ≤40% 41-60% 61-80% >80%
Verbal 0.0 0.5 1.5 2.0
Quantitative 0.0 0.5 1.5 2.0
Analytical Writing: 0-2.0 = 0.0 2.5-4.0 = 0.5 4.5&5.0 = 1.5 5.5&6.0 = 2.0
Grade Point Average <3.00 3.00-3.24 3.25-3.74 >3.74
0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0
Recommendations
Unacceptable – Unenthusiastic comments; ratings average or less 0.0
Barely acceptable – Neutral comments, ratings good – average 1.0
Acceptable – Positive comments; ratings excellent and good 2.0
Very Good – Highly favorable comments; ratings mostly excellent 3.0
Superior – Superlative comments; ratings all excellent 4.0
Research and Work Experience
Internships, applied learning experience (range 0 – 1) 1.0
Honors undergraduate experience (range 0 – 1.5) 1.5
Germane field/lab research or work experience (range 0 – 1.5) 1.5
