Ask AdmissionsConsultants

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. It sounds like you have a lot of experience that will help put together a competitive application. With what you have listed – along with strong letters of recommendation and an essay that outlines your motivation and goals – I don’t see any reason not to apply to the schools you have listed. It is always wise, however, to add some safety schools to your list – just to be sure.
Good Luck with your search.
Heather

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Originally posted by laura2013

Dear Admissions Consultants,

I would like to do an IR degree in the US (dual MA/JD actually) and wondered what kind of school to apply to. Here is my profile:

undergrad Economics and Politics from the University of London; no GPA but first class honors (roughly 78% which is pretty good in the UK)
no major work experience though other than short term internships: one month at the German parliament, one month at the European parliament, three months as a research assistant to an IR professor at a Korean university in Seoul
languages: German (mother tongue), fluent English and French, elementary Korean

My dream program would be GTown MSFS, also considereing GWU, NYU, SIPA and Chicago. Do you think it is worth applying to those schools or should I look at lower ranked schools?

Thank you for your help!

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[petersk6]

Dear Admissions Consultants,

I’m looking to pursue an MPA at NYU’s Wagner School. Other lesser choices include the New School, Fordham, and Rutgers Newark.

I am an undergrad at a fairly average regionally ranked public university. I have about a 3.5 GPA but this only due to my first two semesters (oh, freshman year). I’ve had around a 3.8 every semester since. Also, I’ve had three relevant internships as well as one job working for a campaign. I’ve taken the GREs and scored in the 90th percentile for verbal but only 60th for quant. I do plan on looking for work once I graduate and doing that for two years before applying.

Primarily, I was wondering how much admissions cared about the school I went to and if it will hurt me. Secondly, will admissions look at my GPA trend and see my improvement? And lastly, I was considering looking for work in organizing (maybe tenant or immigrant rights) but would you have any other/better suggestions in terms of realistic work I could get with just a B.A.? And if it becomes too difficult to find work right away will more internships be something they find comparable to work experience?

Thank you very much,
K.P.

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. Admissions Committees certainly look at your undergraduate institution when evaluating your application. They mainly look at your grades from that school and try to evaluate them together. Admissions committees will in fact look at your grades throughout your college experience and will also likely break them down by major/subject as well. Gradual improvement is anticipated and usually recognized. As for work experience – try to find opportunities that will give you insight into many areas of the field. Try to find opportunities that allow you to observe professionals with similar degrees. Your objective should be to learn as much as possible about what you do and do not want to do in the future. Good luck with your search.
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by petersk6

Dear Admissions Consultants,

I’m looking to pursue an MPA at NYU’s Wagner School. Other lesser choices include the New School, Fordham, and Rutgers Newark.

I am an undergrad at a fairly average regionally ranked public university. I have about a 3.5 GPA but this only due to my first two semesters (oh, freshman year). I’ve had around a 3.8 every semester since. Also, I’ve had three relevant internships as well as one job working for a campaign. I’ve taken the GREs and scored in the 90th percentile for verbal but only 60th for quant. I do plan on looking for work once I graduate and doing that for two years before applying.

Primarily, I was wondering how much admissions cared about the school I went to and if it will hurt me. Secondly, will admissions look at my GPA trend and see my improvement? And lastly, I was considering looking for work in organizing (maybe tenant or immigrant rights) but would you have any other/better suggestions in terms of realistic work I could get with just a B.A.? And if it becomes too difficult to find work right away will more internships be something they find comparable to work experience?

Thank you very much,
K.P.

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[Zerogravity45]

Dear Admissions Consultant,

I am applying to American University’s Masters in Public Administration program and wanted to know my chances of being admitted to the program. They said that they look at the overall candidate and not just one sigle factor. So, my gpa is 3.42. GRE (New Scale) scores are Verbal: 143 Quantitative: 137 Writing: 4.5 I have interned for my local city council Committee on Health, National Education Association, Center For American Progress, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services totaling to a little over a year. I’ve been involved in student government for three years at my school and served on various university committees. My personal statement is really good-many people have told me that including academics. I have good letters of recommendations from notable people at the U.S. Dept of Health as well. Also, the mayor of my city is in the process of nominating me to one of her Advisory Boards.

So, how would you rate my chances and what advice would you give in terms of when I should apply? Thanks!

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. It certainly sounds like you are ready to put together a competitive application. Many public policy programs will look at your transcripts to see how well you performed in certain classes or prerequisites. I would however, suggest that you expand your list beyond 1 school. These are competitive programs and it’s safe to cover your bases. Good luck with your search.
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by Zerogravity45

Dear Admissions Consultant,

I am applying to American University’s Masters in Public Administration program and wanted to know my chances of being admitted to the program. They said that they look at the overall candidate and not just one sigle factor. So, my gpa is 3.42. GRE (New Scale) scores are Verbal: 143 Quantitative: 137 Writing: 4.5 I have interned for my local city council Committee on Health, National Education Association, Center For American Progress, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services totaling to a little over a year. I’ve been involved in student government for three years at my school and served on various university committees. My personal statement is really good-many people have told me that including academics. I have good letters of recommendations from notable people at the U.S. Dept of Health as well. Also, the mayor of my city is in the process of nominating me to one of her Advisory Boards.

So, how would you rate my chances and what advice would you give in terms of when I should apply? Thanks!

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[jc99]

Dear Admission Consultants,

I have a long story, and this may potentially be my 3rd degree and I am in simple need of a reality check.
I graduated from the American University of Beirut with a 3.2 GPA, and then went to a 3rd tier Law School and did not do well, because I worked most of the time I attended law school and simply did not have the guts to pull out because I disliked it. I ended up graduating with a median GPA and passed the NY bar.
I currently work in DC as a legal analyst for a company and loathe what I do. I took the GRE and got a 162 scaled score and want to apply to SAIS And Georgetown’s MSFS (I will be staying in DC since my Fiance lives and works here).
I lived most of life abroad in Germany and then in Lebanon and speak 4 languages, but don’t have much to show as a real interest in IR besides my living experiences.
I was wondering what you think my chances are of getting into these two suggested schools, since they are top notch.

Thank you very much for your advice

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. I think your biggest barrier at this point is convincing the admissions committee that you are serious about this degree and that your experience to date has helped you realize that this is the degree that will help you attain your goals. That said, it might be worth your time to pursue opportunities that give you additional insight into potential careers that you hope to pursue. Mentors/internships/volunteer experience can do a long way. You want to make sure that they do not assume that the same thing will happen with this degree that happened with the law degree. Good luck with your search.
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by jc99

Dear Admission Consultants,

I have a long story, and this may potentially be my 3rd degree and I am in simple need of a reality check.
I graduated from the American University of Beirut with a 3.2 GPA, and then went to a 3rd tier Law School and did not do well, because I worked most of the time I attended law school and simply did not have the guts to pull out because I disliked it. I ended up graduating with a median GPA and passed the NY bar.
I currently work in DC as a legal analyst for a company and loathe what I do. I took the GRE and got a 162 scaled score and want to apply to SAIS And Georgetown’s MSFS (I will be staying in DC since my Fiance lives and works here).
I lived most of life abroad in Germany and then in Lebanon and speak 4 languages, but don’t have much to show as a real interest in IR besides my living experiences.
I was wondering what you think my chances are of getting into these two suggested schools, since they are top notch.

Thank you very much for your advice

---

AdmissionsConsultants
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[default]

Hello, this is my first post here.

I’m looking for high level advice / reality check regarding applying to top Computer Science programs (MS).

I’m 28 years old, my background is in business, my undergrad was at a top specialty school (gpa 3.1) and later I got my MBA from a top 15 school (gpa 3.5), focusing mostly on finance and entrepreneurship. I have several years of work experience in management consulting and business analytics. I’m now looking to get an education in ‘Big Data’ or as close as possible with the goal of developing new algorithms and hopefully finding some people who are smarter than me to start a company together.

No GRE yet, but my GMAT was 99th percentile and I feel confident that with a little prep I can get above 90th percentile in Q. My math background is mostly in business modeling and basic statistics. Had a few side projects where I wrote simple scripts, so not completely new to coding, I know just enough to have established bad practices .

I guess my questions are:

* Does it make sense for me to apply to a MS program?
* Assuming a good GRE score do I have a shot at top schools, or will my low ugrad gpa kill me?
* Should I look for a couple of classes (linear algebra, 101 cs classes) at community colleges in the area in order to demonstrate math skill set?

Thanks for bearing with my rant. I appreciate all advice.

_default

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. I do think taking classes will be a good idea – it will help illustrate determination. Improving your GMAT will certainly help but I think your undergrad GPA is better mitigated by your MBA grades, your work experience and references. If you have a well documented successful career track – that can make up for some grades. Should you apply? You should do some extensive research into each program to make sure by getting this degree – your goals will be met. Can you obtain your goals without an MS? This is the kind of question you will need to be prepared to address when entering the admissions cycle. Good luck with your search.
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by default

Hello, this is my first post here.

I’m looking for high level advice / reality check regarding applying to top Computer Science programs (MS).

I’m 28 years old, my background is in business, my undergrad was at a top specialty school (gpa 3.1) and later I got my MBA from a top 15 school (gpa 3.5), focusing mostly on finance and entrepreneurship. I have several years of work experience in management consulting and business analytics. I’m now looking to get an education in ‘Big Data’ or as close as possible with the goal of developing new algorithms and hopefully finding some people who are smarter than me to start a company together.

No GRE yet, but my GMAT was 99th percentile and I feel confident that with a little prep I can get above 90th percentile in Q. My math background is mostly in business modeling and basic statistics. Had a few side projects where I wrote simple scripts, so not completely new to coding, I know just enough to have established bad practices .

I guess my questions are:

* Does it make sense for me to apply to a MS program?
* Assuming a good GRE score do I have a shot at top schools, or will my low ugrad gpa kill me?
* Should I look for a couple of classes (linear algebra, 101 cs classes) at community colleges in the area in order to demonstrate math skill set?

Thanks for bearing with my rant. I appreciate all advice.

_default

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AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800

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[default]

Hi Heather
Thank you for taking the time to answer.

I don’t think I will retake my 780/800 GMAT. I will, however study hard for the GRE.

Can you recommend some programs that you think might be a good fit with my profile? What success rate do you typically see with candidates in my situation?

quote:

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Originally posted by hmacneill

Thanks for your post. I do think taking classes will be a good idea – it will help illustrate determination. Improving your GMAT will certainly help but I think your undergrad GPA is better mitigated by your MBA grades, your work experience and references. If you have a well documented successful career track – that can make up for some grades. Should you apply? You should do some extensive research into each program to make sure by getting this degree – your goals will be met. Can you obtain your goals without an MS? This is the kind of question you will need to be prepared to address when entering the admissions cycle. Good luck with your search.
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by default

Hello, this is my first post here.

I’m looking for high level advice / reality check regarding applying to top Computer Science programs (MS).

I’m 28 years old, my background is in business, my undergrad was at a top specialty school (gpa 3.1) and later I got my MBA from a top 15 school (gpa 3.5), focusing mostly on finance and entrepreneurship. I have several years of work experience in management consulting and business analytics. I’m now looking to get an education in ‘Big Data’ or as close as possible with the goal of developing new algorithms and hopefully finding some people who are smarter than me to start a company together.

No GRE yet, but my GMAT was 99th percentile and I feel confident that with a little prep I can get above 90th percentile in Q. My math background is mostly in business modeling and basic statistics. Had a few side projects where I wrote simple scripts, so not completely new to coding, I know just enough to have established bad practices .

I guess my questions are:

* Does it make sense for me to apply to a MS program?
* Assuming a good GRE score do I have a shot at top schools, or will my low ugrad gpa kill me?
* Should I look for a couple of classes (linear algebra, 101 cs classes) at community colleges in the area in order to demonstrate math skill set?

Thanks for bearing with my rant. I appreciate all advice.

_default

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1.800.809.0800

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[hmacneill]

There are so many Computer Science programs out there – it’s hard to narrow it down. I would encourage you to apply to the schools that you feel are a good fit with your interests – look for faculty that are working in areas that you hope to one day pursue. Also, stick close to geographic areas that you hope to one day reside -especially since you are hoping to use the opportunity for networking. I think with strong letters of recommendation and an essay that outlines your specific goals and strengths – you have a good shot at success. Good luck.
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by default

Hi Heather
Thank you for taking the time to answer.

I don’t think I will retake my 780/800 GMAT. I will, however study hard for the GRE.

Can you recommend some programs that you think might be a good fit with my profile? What success rate do you typically see with candidates in my situation?

quote:

---

Originally posted by hmacneill

Thanks for your post. I do think taking classes will be a good idea – it will help illustrate determination. Improving your GMAT will certainly help but I think your undergrad GPA is better mitigated by your MBA grades, your work experience and references. If you have a well documented successful career track – that can make up for some grades. Should you apply? You should do some extensive research into each program to make sure by getting this degree – your goals will be met. Can you obtain your goals without an MS? This is the kind of question you will need to be prepared to address when entering the admissions cycle. Good luck with your search.
Heather

quote:

---

Originally posted by default

Hello, this is my first post here.

I’m looking for high level advice / reality check regarding applying to top Computer Science programs (MS).

I’m 28 years old, my background is in business, my undergrad was at a top specialty school (gpa 3.1) and later I got my MBA from a top 15 school (gpa 3.5), focusing mostly on finance and entrepreneurship. I have several years of work experience in management consulting and business analytics. I’m now looking to get an education in ‘Big Data’ or as close as possible with the goal of developing new algorithms and hopefully finding some people who are smarter than me to start a company together.

No GRE yet, but my GMAT was 99th percentile and I feel confident that with a little prep I can get above 90th percentile in Q. My math background is mostly in business modeling and basic statistics. Had a few side projects where I wrote simple scripts, so not completely new to coding, I know just enough to have established bad practices .

I guess my questions are:

* Does it make sense for me to apply to a MS program?
* Assuming a good GRE score do I have a shot at top schools, or will my low ugrad gpa kill me?
* Should I look for a couple of classes (linear algebra, 101 cs classes) at community colleges in the area in order to demonstrate math skill set?

Thanks for bearing with my rant. I appreciate all advice.

_default

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AdmissionsConsultants
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Keep up with us on:

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1.800.809.0800

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[bmwx6wow]

Hi,

I have a very low Undergrad GPA of 2.3 in Engineering where I graduate in late 1990’s. I worked at good companies in IT departments for a total of 12 years with senior roles at well-known companies. I got into a good evening MBA program and completed it about 5 years ago with a 3.3 GPA. Now I am thinking about going back to school for a PhD or maybe a M.S. in Econ or Finance or Computer Science. I just did my GRE and got 162V 156Q and 4.0 writing.

What are my chances of getting in? I think my GRE Q156 is a little low, and my UGrad GPA is very low (was more interested in partying during UGrad).

Can I get into a top 50 program? Can I not send my UGrad transcript since I have an MBA? Do I retake GRE for a higher quant score?

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. Your undergraduate GPA is going to be a tough barrier and you will have to submit the transcripts to PhD programs. I think taking the GRE again is a good idea. You will need to approach the application process for PhD programs taking every opportunity to reinforce your academic potential. Your letters of recommendation should focus on your effort and potential as a graduate student. You don’t talk about research experience but that will be a critical piece to your application – so pursue or highlight these kinds of experience in your essays and CV. Lastly, apply to the programs that are a best fit to your goals but be sure to balance your application with schools that give you a better chance at success. Good luck in your search.
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by bmwx6wow

Hi,

I have a very low Undergrad GPA of 2.3 in Engineering where I graduate in late 1990’s. I worked at good companies in IT departments for a total of 12 years with senior roles at well-known companies. I got into a good evening MBA program and completed it about 5 years ago with a 3.3 GPA. Now I am thinking about going back to school for a PhD or maybe a M.S. in Econ or Finance or Computer Science. I just did my GRE and got 162V 156Q and 4.0 writing.

What are my chances of getting in? I think my GRE Q156 is a little low, and my UGrad GPA is very low (was more interested in partying during UGrad).

Can I get into a top 50 program? Can I not send my UGrad transcript since I have an MBA? Do I retake GRE for a higher quant score?

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[SMF711]

Hello! I am interested in applying to a Masters program in International Relations/Affairs/Development (the name varies depending on the school). In 2010 I received my B.A. in Sociology from the University of Michigan, with a GPA of 3.1. I have been working for a non-profit organization for the past two years. I believe I can get good recommendations from professors and my employer. My GRE scores were: 158V, 154Q and a 4 for the essay.

These are the schools I am interested in, and would like to get your thoughts on what you think my chances are. What are the “safety” schools…or perhaps you can recommend others?

The New School
University of Pittsburgh
University of Chicago
Depaul
U of Michigan
Johns Hopkins
American
Columbia
Syracuse
George Washington University
USC
Yale
Princeton
Harvard

Thank you so much!

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. I’m not sure if there is a “safety” school for IR/Affairs/Development. This is a very popular field right now so no matter where you apply – there will be a lot of applicants competing for the same few spots. Your GPA and GRE place you in a position to be considered but will not distinguish you from other applicants. Therefore, it is critical to have letters of recommendation that specifically speak to your readiness for graduate study, maturity and dedication to the field. You will also need to develop an essay(s) that describes your experiences and how your motivation developed over time to make you a unique candidate – one that will be an asset to the program and success in the future. Good luck with your search and your applications.
Heather

quote:

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Hello! I am interested in applying to a Masters program in International Relations/Affairs/Development (the name varies depending on the school). In 2010 I received my B.A. in Sociology from the University of Michigan, with a GPA of 3.1. I have been working for a non-profit organization for the past two years. I believe I can get good recommendations from professors and my employer. My GRE scores were: 158V, 154Q and a 4 for the essay.

These are the schools I am interested in, and would like to get your thoughts on what you think my chances are. What are the “safety” schools…or perhaps you can recommend others?

The New School
University of Pittsburgh
University of Chicago
Depaul
U of Michigan
Johns Hopkins
American
Columbia
Syracuse
George Washington University
USC
Yale
Princeton
Harvard

Thank you so much!

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