Ask AdmissionsConsultants

[lamy]

Thank you so much for your answer

quote:

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Originally posted by 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

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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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[Texas BB]

I took the GMAT again this week and scored 600. Is this score adequate for schools such as SMU, Baylor, Texas A&M, Texas, Oklahoma State or do I need to continue studying and retake the GMAT?

quote:

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Originally posted by 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

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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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[hmacneill]

Thanks again for your post. A 600 will likely meet many school’s minimum requirements – however, it may fall under the school’s “average” score. Re-taking may be time well spent, but not in lieu of all of the other aspects of the application. Keep in mind your essays an letters of recommendation are important to distinguishing you from the other applicants. Good luck with your studies.
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by Texas BB

I took the GMAT again this week and scored 600. Is this score adequate for schools such as SMU, Baylor, Texas A&M, Texas, Oklahoma State or do I need to continue studying and retake the GMAT?

quote:

---

Originally posted by 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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[hulker215]

Thank you for the help. I have gone out of my way to address that in my statement of purpose. Given that, do you think there is a shot I may get into any of these?

Thanks again!!

quote:

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Originally posted by 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

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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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[hmacneill]

It’s still hard to predict without a thorough review of your application/materials – but I do think you have a good list of schools here – with a range of competitiveness. It seems like you should be considered and some if not most of these programs.
Good luck.
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by hulker215

Thank you for the help. I have gone out of my way to address that in my statement of purpose. Given that, do you think there is a shot I may get into any of these?

Thanks again!!

quote:

---

Originally posted by 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:

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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.

---

AdmissionsConsultants
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[linkth]

Hi,

I am international applicant that wants to apply to top MPA programs (HKS,WWS, Harris, SIPA), being the MPA/ID from HKS my top choice. What are my chances of being accepted if I have:

-GRE score of 161Q – 152V (not AWA available, just took the exam);
-TOEFL ibt of 110/120;
-undergrad GPA (major: economics) of 3.7/4;
-grad GPA (economics) if 3.85/4
-work at a research department of a public agency (almost 2 years) and previous experience at a research center (1 year)

I am afraid that my GRE Quant score is not enough for being admited.
BTW: My University is the best in my major field in my country and there are various students that have been accepted at HKS and done well in the program.

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. Certainly re-taking the GRE is not a bad idea but the GRE alone will not be the deciding factor for your success. You are applying to very competitive and popular programs. Applicants must distinguish themselves through their grades, experience and motivation. Your references should be selected very carefully and identified as resources that will speak to your specific success as a student and professional in the field. Another area that can help distinguish you is through your essay – presenting your background and experience in a unique and compelling way that shows the admissions committee that you are committed to your studies and have a good understanding for the field that you are about to enter.
As you can see – successful applicants to this program do not follow an equation so it’s hard to know your “chances”. That said, I think you have a lot of the pieces to be considered. The tough part will be distinguishing yourself from the rest of the highly competitive field.
Good luck.
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by linkth

Hi,

I am international applicant that wants to apply to top MPA programs (HKS,WWS, Harris, SIPA), being the MPA/ID from HKS my top choice. What are my chances of being accepted if I have:

-GRE score of 161Q – 152V (not AWA available, just took the exam);
-TOEFL ibt of 110/120;
-undergrad GPA (major: economics) of 3.7/4;
-grad GPA (economics) if 3.85/4
-work at a research department of a public agency (almost 2 years) and previous experience at a research center (1 year)

I am afraid that my GRE Quant score is not enough for being admited.
BTW: My University is the best in my major field in my country and there are various students that have been accepted at HKS and done well in the program.

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[jwaller2]

Schools I’m interested in so far: Michigan ( Dual MPP and MUP if they accept me). U of W (Evans): MPA/MPP
Undergraduate institution: University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Undergraduate GPA: 3.18
Undergraduate Majors: B.A. Recreation/ Sport Mgmt with Business Minor

GRE Quantitative Score: N/A
GRE Verbal Score: N/A
GRE AW Score: N/A
Taking it this summer, but I am generally a good test taker (only reason I have above 3.0)

Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): Plan to go straight through (internships every summer of course) I graduate in fall so technically 1 yr if admitted

Years of Work Experience: No full-time experience but have been employed since I was sixteen

Describe Relevant Work Experience:

-Interning as a Grant Writing and Sponsorship Intern for the Maryland-National Capital Park Planning Commission for 3 months this summer

-Interned for the Lansing,MI Dept of Parks and Recreation (part of mayor’s office) and organized city wide track events, fourth of July festival, supervised summer camp counselors,etc. I Also wrote a grant for them that was approved for $6,000 from Jackson National Life Mortgage. This grant required me to do budget analysis and ended up saving the department’s scholarship program so that low-income kids could continue participate in programming. Also garnered sponsorships for upcoming activities guide

-Facilities manager for the RecSports Division of Student life. Manage between four buildings and also supervise a full student staff under me. Startes as an entry-level employee and now hold the highest position an undergrad can have

-Served as Pre-College Mentor for past two summers for a two week college institute for students from at-risk high schools in Knoxville

Languages: English (Do I need to buy rosetta stone this summer?)

Activities:
-Single undergraduate member of the RecSports Endowment Fund Committee
-Member of Dean of College Of Ed, Health, Human Sciences’ Advisory Board
-Member of Mu Rho chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated (Chapter of the Year 3x in a row)
-Member of NIRSA and TIRSA
-Member of NRPA (Attended 2012 Congress in Anaheim on my own funds)
-Member of TRPA (Awarded $1,000 scholarship for leading student in field)
-Member of Adidas Partners in Sports
-Member of Phi Theta Sigma National Honor Society

Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Will recieve LOR’s from top Chapter 13 Attorney in Detroit, Dean of my college, And Director of MNPPC (one of the top Park/Rec Departments in nation). I am also in the process of founding an Out-of-State Student Association here at UTK.

Other: I aspire to become one of the leading officials for park/recreation development and land use in a large city (municipal) and maybe move on to a federal level. I believe that my specific work experience and ability to write grants will help me. Also, I do not volunteer very much because I work 20+ hours per week and fund myself. Lastly, I am a black male, if that helps.

What do you guys think? I am a MI native so I would get in-state tuition at UofM. I have about four months to get my application stronger so any suggestions are great! Also, any school recommendations (MPA/MPP) would be great.

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post and for all of the information. It sounds like you have a good idea of what you want to do. Things to work on in the next 4 to 6 months: Economics classes? You don’t mention this in your post but many PP programs like to see a strong economics course grade. I would certainly encourage you to expand your list of schools to include 8 to 10 programs at least. Policy Schools are very competitive and you should pick a good range of schools to insure you have some choices. Start outlining your essays – identify the experiences you’ve had that have helped shape your goals for this degree. If necessary – gain some more experience shadowing someone with the degree you have that is working in the kind of job you hope to have. Having a mentor of this sort will help you better understand how the degree will help you attain your professional goals. Good luck in your search and your studies.
Regards,
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by jwaller2

Schools I’m interested in so far: Michigan ( Dual MPP and MUP if they accept me). U of W (Evans): MPA/MPP
Undergraduate institution: University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Undergraduate GPA: 3.18
Undergraduate Majors: B.A. Recreation/ Sport Mgmt with Business Minor

GRE Quantitative Score: N/A
GRE Verbal Score: N/A
GRE AW Score: N/A
Taking it this summer, but I am generally a good test taker (only reason I have above 3.0)

Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): Plan to go straight through (internships every summer of course) I graduate in fall so technically 1 yr if admitted

Years of Work Experience: No full-time experience but have been employed since I was sixteen

Describe Relevant Work Experience:

-Interning as a Grant Writing and Sponsorship Intern for the Maryland-National Capital Park Planning Commission for 3 months this summer

-Interned for the Lansing,MI Dept of Parks and Recreation (part of mayor’s office) and organized city wide track events, fourth of July festival, supervised summer camp counselors,etc. I Also wrote a grant for them that was approved for $6,000 from Jackson National Life Mortgage. This grant required me to do budget analysis and ended up saving the department’s scholarship program so that low-income kids could continue participate in programming. Also garnered sponsorships for upcoming activities guide

-Facilities manager for the RecSports Division of Student life. Manage between four buildings and also supervise a full student staff under me. Startes as an entry-level employee and now hold the highest position an undergrad can have

-Served as Pre-College Mentor for past two summers for a two week college institute for students from at-risk high schools in Knoxville

Languages: English (Do I need to buy rosetta stone this summer?)

Activities:
-Single undergraduate member of the RecSports Endowment Fund Committee
-Member of Dean of College Of Ed, Health, Human Sciences’ Advisory Board
-Member of Mu Rho chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated (Chapter of the Year 3x in a row)
-Member of NIRSA and TIRSA
-Member of NRPA (Attended 2012 Congress in Anaheim on my own funds)
-Member of TRPA (Awarded $1,000 scholarship for leading student in field)
-Member of Adidas Partners in Sports
-Member of Phi Theta Sigma National Honor Society

Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Will recieve LOR’s from top Chapter 13 Attorney in Detroit, Dean of my college, And Director of MNPPC (one of the top Park/Rec Departments in nation). I am also in the process of founding an Out-of-State Student Association here at UTK.

Other: I aspire to become one of the leading officials for park/recreation development and land use in a large city (municipal) and maybe move on to a federal level. I believe that my specific work experience and ability to write grants will help me. Also, I do not volunteer very much because I work 20+ hours per week and fund myself. Lastly, I am a black male, if that helps.

What do you guys think? I am a MI native so I would get in-state tuition at UofM. I have about four months to get my application stronger so any suggestions are great! Also, any school recommendations (MPA/MPP) would be great.

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[dogzillah]

Dear Heather,

I have been struggling with the GRE so far. How much relief will a 3.7 with a double major provide if I’m looking at top tier international relations programs?

Thanks in advance!

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. Doing well on the GRE is just one element to a successful graduate school application. If you’ve taken the GRE a few times and feel like you’ve maxed out on your score – even with prep classes and tutoring – then you should start focusing on the other areas of your application that you can help you distinguish yourself beyond the GRE. Your essays and letters of recommendation are great ways to reassure the admissions committee of your abilities and potential as a student. Sometimes, even an adendum addressing your GRE scores and pointing the committee to other areas of your application can be appropriate. Good luck with your studies.
Regards,
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by dogzillah

Dear Heather,

I have been struggling with the GRE so far. How much relief will a 3.7 with a double major provide if I’m looking at top tier international relations programs?

Thanks in advance!

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[BAR2013]

I was charged with a misdemeanor DUI a few weeks ago. It was my very first encounter with law enforcement and it was completely uncharacteristic and unrepresentative of the citizen I know I am. I do not mean to sound whiney. As of now, the case is still pending and I havenot been convicted of anything yet. If I am an otherwise strong applicant how will this impact my chances? Do I need to disclose it?

[hmacneill]

A lot of this depends on the timing. When do you plan on submitting application? I would suggest you wait and let the legal process work it’s way out before you disclose anything. I never advocate hiding information from admissions committees – many schools will require you to reveal felony convictions – but few will ask you to reveal misdemeanors. I would suggest you wait to see how this works out legally – then you will know exactly what you are working with and how long it will be on your record.
Good luck with this issue.
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by BAR2013

I was charged with a misdemeanor DUI a few weeks ago. It was my very first encounter with law enforcement and it was completely uncharacteristic and unrepresentative of the citizen I know I am. I do not mean to sound whiney. As of now, the case is still pending and I havenot been convicted of anything yet. If I am an otherwise strong applicant how will this impact my chances? Do I need to disclose it?

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[jeremybaseball40]

Hi there,

Thanks for taking the time to look at this question.

I was convicted of academic misconduct a few years ago and I’m applying to top graduate school this year. However, it was ruled that my misconduct was done out of ignorance, not bad intent; basically i did not see the course policies for a certain course (as they weren’t explicitly stated on the course syllabus) and I committed an academic violation on a homework problem by using resources that were not allowed.

How badly will this affect my admission chances?
Also, how often do schools ask students to sign a waiver allowing the Dean to release records of academic misconduct?

Thanks!

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. If this is not listed on your transcript I would suggest that you address this issue as a needed. For example – if a school asks for such information or for a release. If they ask for such information – they may provide an opportunity for you to address the details – in which case you should compose a thoughtful explanation of the circumstances. This will be tough for schools to overlook – but important for you to take ownership and show what you learned from the experience.
Good luck.
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by jeremybaseball40

Hi there,

Thanks for taking the time to look at this question.

I was convicted of academic misconduct a few years ago and I’m applying to top graduate school this year. However, it was ruled that my misconduct was done out of ignorance, not bad intent; basically i did not see the course policies for a certain course (as they weren’t explicitly stated on the course syllabus) and I committed an academic violation on a homework problem by using resources that were not allowed.

How badly will this affect my admission chances?
Also, how often do schools ask students to sign a waiver allowing the Dean to release records of academic misconduct?

Thanks!

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