Does the Online Learning Platform bring down the importance of Courses and GPA in terms of PhD Admits? (CS USA) Background: CS undergrad applying for FALL 2022 CS USA PhD Programs
By the time I apply for the programs, I will be finishing 3 and a half years of coursework/labs/tests. Out of this, 2 years of coursework/labs/tests has happened through Zoom and etc.
Main Question: Does this bring down the value of coursework and GPA for a PhD Panel?
Sub-Question: Does it provide more importance for other things like research/projects/internships than from before?
Note: Please assume standardised tests are not required for admissions. (Many programs have told that they will not be required)
Since most doctoral level admissions decisions are made by humans, it is impossible to say in general. Some will consider online course grades less relevant, others won't. But admission in the US has always (in my memory) been based on a wide variety of things with letters of recommendation rated fairly highly. Grades need to be &quot;good enough&quot; but other things are also given heavy emphasis. What do you say in a statement of purpose? What exceptional things have you done (research, writing, ...)? What do your professors think of your likelihood of success.
Another factor here is that it is still too early in the general disruption of the pandemic for general policies to have emerged in lots of places. So, committees are &quot;making do&quot; with what they have.
But, yes, research and such is highly valued as it has always been.
The &quot;complete picture&quot; needs to be good. A few wrinkles around the edges won't be a big handicap for most. And professors hate having to depend on zoom as much as students do, I think.