Which item is NOT considered part of the 'big three' in graduate application materials?

Which item is NOT considered part of the 'big three' in graduate application materials?

• A. GPA
• B. GRE
• C. Letters of recommendation
• D. Personal statement

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is which component is not among the three most commonly cited metrics in graduate applications. Those three are GPA, which reflects your overall academic performance; the GRE, which provides a standardized measure to compare applicants from different schools; and letters of recommendation, which offer an external evaluation of your abilities and potential. The personal statement is important for conveying your goals, experiences, and writing ability, but it isn’t counted as one of the big three. Therefore, the personal statement is the item that is not considered part of the big three.

The idea being tested is which component is not among the three most commonly cited metrics in graduate applications. Those three are GPA, which reflects your overall academic performance; the GRE, which provides a standardized measure to compare applicants from different schools; and letters of recommendation, which offer an external evaluation of your abilities and potential. The personal statement is important for conveying your goals, experiences, and writing ability, but it isn’t counted as one of the big three. Therefore, the personal statement is the item that is not considered part of the big three.