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[clwd000]

Dear Consultant,

Hello! I am a senior international student who is studying accounting and is going to graduate after winter term. Right now I am applying master of accountancy.
I scored GMAT690 and have a GPA3.4 in a top100 US university. I do not have any full time work experience, but I do have three interns in big firms in Asia.
I have being a advertise specialist in a campus magazine and I was a pledge member of Beta Alpha Pys for half a year. Also I was the volunteer of some campus wide events.

Unfortunately, I copied ONE number (answer) in the first midterm in my first intermediate accounting class; I was accused by my professor of the class for the academic misconduct and I admitted my behavior. The professor told me that the incidence will not be in my academic record (which is permanent and is different from the student conduct record) and gave me the grade penalty for the whole question but I got a C for that class; and conduct office sent me a letter noticed me that the incidence of academic misconduct will be in my student conduct record for five years. Also it will be released only by my express waiver, OR to the faculty/stuff of other University on a strict need-to-know basis.
I know cheating is a really bad behavior and I do shame of it, and I said to myself that I will never do it again; but right now I am just so worried about that is this incidence entirely cut all my chance of getting into the graduate school? Also what I should to do when I am applying the graduate school? Do I must actively disclose all the detail of my incidence? And what if the school did not ask me the incidence and I did not tell them, but they discover it later?

Thank you so much.

Johnny

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. It sounds like you have worked hard, it’s unfortunate that you are having to face this issue now in your graduate applications. I never advise people to hide information in their application but I also do not think you need to disclose something that is not asked for in the application. If it is on your transcript then you may need to write an adendum to your application explaining the situation. I think if you take responsibility and show the admissions committee that you learned from the experience – it may not be as detrimental as you think. It might also be helpful to have a reference speak specifically about your ability and conduct as a student. Good luck with this challenge and with your applications.
Regards,
Heather

quote:

---

Originally posted by clwd000

Dear Consultant,

Hello! I am a senior international student who is studying accounting and is going to graduate after winter term. Right now I am applying master of accountancy.
I scored GMAT690 and have a GPA3.4 in a top100 US university. I do not have any full time work experience, but I do have three interns in big firms in Asia.
I have being a advertise specialist in a campus magazine and I was a pledge member of Beta Alpha Pys for half a year. Also I was the volunteer of some campus wide events.

Unfortunately, I copied ONE number (answer) in the first midterm in my first intermediate accounting class; I was accused by my professor of the class for the academic misconduct and I admitted my behavior. The professor told me that the incidence will not be in my academic record (which is permanent and is different from the student conduct record) and gave me the grade penalty for the whole question but I got a C for that class; and conduct office sent me a letter noticed me that the incidence of academic misconduct will be in my student conduct record for five years. Also it will be released only by my express waiver, OR to the faculty/stuff of other University on a strict need-to-know basis.
I know cheating is a really bad behavior and I do shame of it, and I said to myself that I will never do it again; but right now I am just so worried about that is this incidence entirely cut all my chance of getting into the graduate school? Also what I should to do when I am applying the graduate school? Do I must actively disclose all the detail of my incidence? And what if the school did not ask me the incidence and I did not tell them, but they discover it later?

Thank you so much.

Johnny

---

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1.800.809.0800

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[clwd000]

Dear Consultant,

Thanks for your reply. Actually the misconduct is not recorded on my transript, instead it was recorded on my student conduct record which can be known only if the graducte school I applying for asks my undergraduate university for my student conduct record.
I know what you are saying is that I should never actively hide such incidence if the grad school asks me in the application process; and I also do not have to disclose the incidence if they do not ask.
However, the important things is that,during my process of filling the application form, many of the application ask the similar questions, which I have listed bellow:

1.Have you ever been suspended, expelled, or placed on probation at any school for academic or disciplinary reasons?

2.Have you ever been suspended or dismissed for any disciplinary or academic reason from any college, university, or other post-secondary institution, or is any disciplinary charge from any such institution currently pending against you?

3.Have you ever been subject to academic discipline, placed on probation, suspended, or required to withdraw from any college or university?

These are the most confusing questions asked in the application form. Could you please give me some suggestions or instructions to answer those questions?
Thank you very much!

Sincerely,
Siren Chen

quote:

---

Originally posted by hmacneill

Thanks for your post. It sounds like you have worked hard, it’s unfortunate that you are having to face this issue now in your graduate applications. I never advise people to hide information in their application but I also do not think you need to disclose something that is not asked for in the application. If it is on your transcript then you may need to write an adendum to your application explaining the situation. I think if you take responsibility and show the admissions committee that you learned from the experience – it may not be as detrimental as you think. It might also be helpful to have a reference speak specifically about your ability and conduct as a student. Good luck with this challenge and with your applications.
Regards,
Heather

quote:

---

Originally posted by clwd000

Dear Consultant,

Hello! I am a senior international student who is studying accounting and is going to graduate after winter term. Right now I am applying master of accountancy.
I scored GMAT690 and have a GPA3.4 in a top100 US university. I do not have any full time work experience, but I do have three interns in big firms in Asia.
I have being a advertise specialist in a campus magazine and I was a pledge member of Beta Alpha Pys for half a year. Also I was the volunteer of some campus wide events.

Unfortunately, I copied ONE number (answer) in the first midterm in my first intermediate accounting class; I was accused by my professor of the class for the academic misconduct and I admitted my behavior. The professor told me that the incidence will not be in my academic record (which is permanent and is different from the student conduct record) and gave me the grade penalty for the whole question but I got a C for that class; and conduct office sent me a letter noticed me that the incidence of academic misconduct will be in my student conduct record for five years. Also it will be released only by my express waiver, OR to the faculty/stuff of other University on a strict need-to-know basis.
I know cheating is a really bad behavior and I do shame of it, and I said to myself that I will never do it again; but right now I am just so worried about that is this incidence entirely cut all my chance of getting into the graduate school? Also what I should to do when I am applying the graduate school? Do I must actively disclose all the detail of my incidence? And what if the school did not ask me the incidence and I did not tell them, but they discover it later?

Thank you so much.

Johnny

---

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1.800.809.0800

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---

[hmacneill]

Thank you for the clarification. I agree that answering these questions for your application will be a very delicate process. You need to balance your answers with honesty and ownership. Briefly give them the details of incident – but let them know how you handled the circumstance and what learned from the experience. We can certainly provide some in depth guidance on application questions and essays but doing so through this format would be difficult. If you have questions or further concerns about how to proceed – please feel free to contact us.
Regards,
Heatehr

quote:

---

Originally posted by clwd000

Dear Consultant,

Thanks for your reply. Actually the misconduct is not recorded on my transript, instead it was recorded on my student conduct record which can be known only if the graducte school I applying for asks my undergraduate university for my student conduct record.
I know what you are saying is that I should never actively hide such incidence if the grad school asks me in the application process; and I also do not have to disclose the incidence if they do not ask.
However, the important things is that,during my process of filling the application form, many of the application ask the similar questions, which I have listed bellow:

1.Have you ever been suspended, expelled, or placed on probation at any school for academic or disciplinary reasons?

2.Have you ever been suspended or dismissed for any disciplinary or academic reason from any college, university, or other post-secondary institution, or is any disciplinary charge from any such institution currently pending against you?

3.Have you ever been subject to academic discipline, placed on probation, suspended, or required to withdraw from any college or university?

These are the most confusing questions asked in the application form. Could you please give me some suggestions or instructions to answer those questions?
Thank you very much!

Sincerely,
Siren Chen

quote:

---

Originally posted by hmacneill

Thanks for your post. It sounds like you have worked hard, it’s unfortunate that you are having to face this issue now in your graduate applications. I never advise people to hide information in their application but I also do not think you need to disclose something that is not asked for in the application. If it is on your transcript then you may need to write an adendum to your application explaining the situation. I think if you take responsibility and show the admissions committee that you learned from the experience – it may not be as detrimental as you think. It might also be helpful to have a reference speak specifically about your ability and conduct as a student. Good luck with this challenge and with your applications.
Regards,
Heather

quote:

---

Originally posted by clwd000

Dear Consultant,

Hello! I am a senior international student who is studying accounting and is going to graduate after winter term. Right now I am applying master of accountancy.
I scored GMAT690 and have a GPA3.4 in a top100 US university. I do not have any full time work experience, but I do have three interns in big firms in Asia.
I have being a advertise specialist in a campus magazine and I was a pledge member of Beta Alpha Pys for half a year. Also I was the volunteer of some campus wide events.

Unfortunately, I copied ONE number (answer) in the first midterm in my first intermediate accounting class; I was accused by my professor of the class for the academic misconduct and I admitted my behavior. The professor told me that the incidence will not be in my academic record (which is permanent and is different from the student conduct record) and gave me the grade penalty for the whole question but I got a C for that class; and conduct office sent me a letter noticed me that the incidence of academic misconduct will be in my student conduct record for five years. Also it will be released only by my express waiver, OR to the faculty/stuff of other University on a strict need-to-know basis.
I know cheating is a really bad behavior and I do shame of it, and I said to myself that I will never do it again; but right now I am just so worried about that is this incidence entirely cut all my chance of getting into the graduate school? Also what I should to do when I am applying the graduate school? Do I must actively disclose all the detail of my incidence? And what if the school did not ask me the incidence and I did not tell them, but they discover it later?

Thank you so much.

Johnny

---

AdmissionsConsultants
1.800.809.0800

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[sportygirl]

Hello Admissions Consultants,

I had previously started a Masters of Sport Management program. Due to several factors I decided to leave the program, none were academic. I am now reapplying to different schools for Spring 2013, but want to know how much leaving the first program is going to hurt me.

My undergrad GPA was 3.5 (in education)-not from a top ranking program.
I did not take the GRE as most MS of Sport Management programs do not ask for it.
I have letters of recommendations from a past supervisor and a past project manager (for MLB) since Sport programs prefer LORs not be from academia, both work in sports.
I have had a lot of volunteer experience in sports and 3 internships, including one with Major League Baseball.
Upon leaving the first program I had a 3.4 GPA.

I felt I was a very strong candidate until I got a call from my first choice (Georgetown) back in July about leaving the first program. The admissions assistant told me that while I was a strong candidate, she was confused as to why I left the first program. Which I adressed in my SOP, but I guess not enough, so she asked me to write a supplement letter about why I left (I had a sick family member and the program was in Ca, my family is on the East Coast). Before hanging up she told me I would receive my decision by the first week of September. Upon updating my resume at the end of September, the same assistant told me decisions were going out at the end of that week. It is now the last week of October and I have still not received a decision. Does this mean I should just give up?

Thank you,

Stacey

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. I certainly do not think you should give up. A situation like this, does however, require a certain level of attention in the application. I agree with the admissions representative – an adendum is a good way to address what happened with your leaving the program. What you say is just as important, though. You need to show them that whatever lead to your leaving the last program will not happen again – that you are not at a high risk of leaving their program (which in the end is what they are concerned about). In addition to your adendum it will be important that your standard essay leaves no doubt about the seriousness of your goals and motivation towards wanting to study and work in Sports Management. Good luck with your decisions for this year.
Regards,
Heather

quote:

---

Originally posted by sportygirl

Hello Admissions Consultants,

I had previously started a Masters of Sport Management program. Due to several factors I decided to leave the program, none were academic. I am now reapplying to different schools for Spring 2013, but want to know how much leaving the first program is going to hurt me.

My undergrad GPA was 3.5 (in education)-not from a top ranking program.
I did not take the GRE as most MS of Sport Management programs do not ask for it.
I have letters of recommendations from a past supervisor and a past project manager (for MLB) since Sport programs prefer LORs not be from academia, both work in sports.
I have had a lot of volunteer experience in sports and 3 internships, including one with Major League Baseball.
Upon leaving the first program I had a 3.4 GPA.

I felt I was a very strong candidate until I got a call from my first choice (Georgetown) back in July about leaving the first program. The admissions assistant told me that while I was a strong candidate, she was confused as to why I left the first program. Which I adressed in my SOP, but I guess not enough, so she asked me to write a supplement letter about why I left (I had a sick family member and the program was in Ca, my family is on the East Coast). Before hanging up she told me I would receive my decision by the first week of September. Upon updating my resume at the end of September, the same assistant told me decisions were going out at the end of that week. It is now the last week of October and I have still not received a decision. Does this mean I should just give up?

Thank you,

Stacey

---

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[iveapa20]

Hello Admissions Consultants,

I am applying to the Broadcast Journalism program at University of Southern California, Berkeley and University of Miami.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and I’ll have one in Journalism by the time I start the Master’s program.
My undergrad GPA is 3.3 and my GRE scores are V:157 Q:149 and AW: 4
I’ve had two internships: one with a magazine and the other one with a major TV station.
My work experience consists of two years working as a law clerk and two years working in sales.
The reason my GPA is so low is because the first two semesters as an undergrad student, when I was working toward my Psychology degree, my grandmother became very ill and I had to constantly travel out of the country to take care of her. As a result, I failed three classes and was placed on academic probation. I have gotten A’s and B’s since.

How are my chances of getting into those schools?
Do you think I should perhaps retake the GRE?

Thank you

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. I do think it is worth while to put together an adendum to your application that specifically addresses your undergraduate grades. It will be important however, that you take responsibility for the grades and spend most of the content addressing your recent success and good grades. It sounds like you have a lot to work with to put together a competitive application – but you are applying to some competitive schools and it might be worth adding 1-2 safety schools just in case. Re-taking the GRE is a good idea IF you think you can improve – but that alone will not have as big of an impact as your letters of recommendation and a strong essay/addendum.
Good luck.
Heather

quote:

---

Originally posted by iveapa20

Hello Admissions Consultants,

I am applying to the Broadcast Journalism program at University of Southern California, Berkeley and University of Miami.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and I’ll have one in Journalism by the time I start the Master’s program.
My undergrad GPA is 3.3 and my GRE scores are V:157 Q:149 and AW: 4
I’ve had two internships: one with a magazine and the other one with a major TV station.
My work experience consists of two years working as a law clerk and two years working in sales.
The reason my GPA is so low is because the first two semesters as an undergrad student, when I was working toward my Psychology degree, my grandmother became very ill and I had to constantly travel out of the country to take care of her. As a result, I failed three classes and was placed on academic probation. I have gotten A’s and B’s since.

How are my chances of getting into those schools?
Do you think I should perhaps retake the GRE?

Thank you

---

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[hulker215]

Hello – I graduate in 2009 from a top 20 liberal arts college with a 2.98 GPA, my first two years were not so great, but I made clear improvements in the last two years when I started taking classes for my major– geology. I received a summer research grant from my college and an NSF grant to participate in a conference related to my area of study. I got into Cornell somehow, and started a PhD there in 2010, but left after a semester where I got an A in my research but a C+ in the class I took — I wasn’t ready for it, or that interested (SUCH A REGRET NOW!). I went and worked in marketing and executive search at reputable companies for several years and decided I wanted to go back to science. I’m currently completing Master’s of Research program at a top UK university (top 5 for earth sciences). My GRE scores are 153V/154Q/4AW. I won’t have any grades from this Master’s until after applications are due for next fall because an MS in England is only one year and we don’t receive marks until February. I have great recommendations, I’ve also been in email contact with some professors from these schools.

I want to apply for PhDs at:

U. Hawaii
Tulane
UC Irvine
UC Riverside
USC
UCSC
SCRIPPS
Arizona

Do you think I will get into at least one of these schools? Thanks.

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. I think your biggest hurdle this time around will be explaining your previous PhD enrollment. Schools are really concerned about applicants starting and leaving programs before getting their degree. You will need to go out of your way to explain your thinking and process in your essays. I do think there is an argument for knowing better now what you want – as opposed to the last time. Good luck with your search and applications.
Heather

quote:

---

Originally posted by hulker215

Hello – I graduate in 2009 from a top 20 liberal arts college with a 2.98 GPA, my first two years were not so great, but I made clear improvements in the last two years when I started taking classes for my major– geology. I received a summer research grant from my college and an NSF grant to participate in a conference related to my area of study. I got into Cornell somehow, and started a PhD there in 2010, but left after a semester where I got an A in my research but a C+ in the class I took — I wasn’t ready for it, or that interested (SUCH A REGRET NOW!). I went and worked in marketing and executive search at reputable companies for several years and decided I wanted to go back to science. I’m currently completing Master’s of Research program at a top UK university (top 5 for earth sciences). My GRE scores are 153V/154Q/4AW. I won’t have any grades from this Master’s until after applications are due for next fall because an MS in England is only one year and we don’t receive marks until February. I have great recommendations, I’ve also been in email contact with some professors from these schools.

I want to apply for PhDs at:

U. Hawaii
Tulane
UC Irvine
UC Riverside
USC
UCSC
SCRIPPS
Arizona

Do you think I will get into at least one of these schools? Thanks.

---

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[Texas BB]

** I apologize for posting this 2 places, I meant to post it here but did not post it correctly the first time.**

Admissions Consultant,

I am graduating in May 2013 with a degree in Accounting from a private liberal arts school. I am interested in pursuing a masters in Accounting but I am having trouble determining which programs are a good fit for my GPA/test scores. I took the GMAT in November and made a 520, I plan to take it again in early January. My GPA is 3.5 (3.8 in my major of Accounting).

It makes sense to me to only apply to schools within a 300 mile radius of my hometown (Dallas, TX) and to only apply to schools where I am a match. What schools would I have a good chance of admission based upon my test scores/GPA. (or is there a website with GMAT admission scores for Master in Accounting that you could direct me to?)

Thank you in advance for any advice/assistance.

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. Admissions for Accounting programs do not necessarily follow such a formula for GRE/GPA in regards to assessing it’s applicants. They look at the whole applicant – they will want to see how your goals and experiences match with their program. I do recommend that you re-take the GMAT or the GRE to try to bring that up a bit. Otherwise, your GPA is good so I don’t feel that you are a big academic concern. That said, I recommend that you look at all the schools within your radius to see if they are of interest. From there pick a wide mix of schools – some competitive and some less competitive. I don’t see anything in what you’ve provided – that would prevent you from applying to a few competitive programs.
Keep in mind the items in your application that will distinguish you from the rest of the applicant pool are your letters of recommendation and your essays!
Good luck in your search.
Heather

quote:

---

Originally posted by Texas BB

** I apologize for posting this 2 places, I meant to post it here but did not post it correctly the first time.**

Admissions Consultant,

I am graduating in May 2013 with a degree in Accounting from a private liberal arts school. I am interested in pursuing a masters in Accounting but I am having trouble determining which programs are a good fit for my GPA/test scores. I took the GMAT in November and made a 520, I plan to take it again in early January. My GPA is 3.5 (3.8 in my major of Accounting).

It makes sense to me to only apply to schools within a 300 mile radius of my hometown (Dallas, TX) and to only apply to schools where I am a match. What schools would I have a good chance of admission based upon my test scores/GPA. (or is there a website with GMAT admission scores for Master in Accounting that you could direct me to?)

Thank you in advance for any advice/assistance.

---

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[lamy]

Dear admission consultant,

I just completed a BS in Computer Science at Al Akhawayn University (in Morocco). My GPA is 3.97/4.0 and this is the first grade in the school of science and engineering for this year graduating class.

GRE score: 329 (162V (89%) + 167Q (96%) +5.5 AWA)

I am applying to an MS with thesis in Computer Science with specialization in Software Engineering or Computer Systems.

Relevant experience:

Two Months internship in summer 2012 at a software engineering company. The project was the Design and implementation of a web-based Log Analysis application using JEE technologies and the ZK, Hibernate and Spring frameworks.

I have teaching experience within my undergraduate university. I was a Calculus and Differential Enquations TA for a year.

I worked on three research projects within the university as well:
Two years working as a developer for a project that aims to implement an online platform to help individuals learn Arabic.
A semester working on surveying the available AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) technologies that can be used in Smart Grids with Wireless Sensor Networks under the supervision of a visiting professor from the University of Houston.
A semester assessing the potential of unused laboratory computers for use in High Performance Computing (HPC) notably in computer clusters.

I also spent a semester abroad at Pitzer college and worked as an assistant in the computer lab. I got a recommendation from a computer science professor who taught me at Harvey Mudd College.

My two other recommendations are from a professor I worked with on the Arabic learning assistant project and another who supervised my in the cluster project.

I was also selected to participate in the ACM Arab regional contest in 2012.

I have no publications.

Following is a list of universities I applied to. It would kind of you to let me know which ones are out of reach and which ones I have chances to get admitted into.

1. University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
2. University of Wisconsin at Madison
3. University of Maryland at College Park
4. UCSD
5. UNC at Chapel Hill
6. University of Kansas (Lawrence)
7. Auburn Univeristy
8. University of Georgia (Athens)
9. Wright State University

I think that the biggest setback is that my undergraduate university is unknown in the US (although it is one of the best universities in my country). Do you think that is going to be a big problem?

Thank you in advance

[Texas BB]

Thank you for your reply.

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. It sounds like you have worked hard to make yourself competitive for these programs. You do have a competitive list of schools but based on what you’ve provided I don’t see any reason that you wouldn’t be considered at all of these schools. What is hard to determine is How competitive your application will be without seeing your entire application. Letters of recommendation can help mitigate school reputation (or lack thereof) and essays have a huge impact on showing your readiness and motivation for each specific program to which you’ve applied. The waiting is difficult but it does sound like you have a lot to work with in your applications.
Good luck.
Heather

quote:

---

Originally posted by lamy

Dear admission consultant,

I just completed a BS in Computer Science at Al Akhawayn University (in Morocco). My GPA is 3.97/4.0 and this is the first grade in the school of science and engineering for this year graduating class.

GRE score: 329 (162V (89%) + 167Q (96%) +5.5 AWA)

I am applying to an MS with thesis in Computer Science with specialization in Software Engineering or Computer Systems.

Relevant experience:

Two Months internship in summer 2012 at a software engineering company. The project was the Design and implementation of a web-based Log Analysis application using JEE technologies and the ZK, Hibernate and Spring frameworks.

I have teaching experience within my undergraduate university. I was a Calculus and Differential Enquations TA for a year.

I worked on three research projects within the university as well:
Two years working as a developer for a project that aims to implement an online platform to help individuals learn Arabic.
A semester working on surveying the available AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) technologies that can be used in Smart Grids with Wireless Sensor Networks under the supervision of a visiting professor from the University of Houston.
A semester assessing the potential of unused laboratory computers for use in High Performance Computing (HPC) notably in computer clusters.

I also spent a semester abroad at Pitzer college and worked as an assistant in the computer lab. I got a recommendation from a computer science professor who taught me at Harvey Mudd College.

My two other recommendations are from a professor I worked with on the Arabic learning assistant project and another who supervised my in the cluster project.

I was also selected to participate in the ACM Arab regional contest in 2012.

I have no publications.

Following is a list of universities I applied to. It would kind of you to let me know which ones are out of reach and which ones I have chances to get admitted into.

1. University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
2. University of Wisconsin at Madison
3. University of Maryland at College Park
4. UCSD
5. UNC at Chapel Hill
6. University of Kansas (Lawrence)
7. Auburn Univeristy
8. University of Georgia (Athens)
9. Wright State University

I think that the biggest setback is that my undergraduate university is unknown in the US (although it is one of the best universities in my country). Do you think that is going to be a big problem?

Thank you in advance

---

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