Suggestions requested for a graduate of USNY applying to grad school

Hello everyone,

First I'd like to say that I am new here and I am extremely impressed by the people who post and maintain the site. Barring some rare posts, its a group of extremely mature and supportive people.

Onto my problem. I have a BSCS degree from USNY (now known as Excelsior; I think old name was better) completed in 1998. My GPA was around 2.78 and major GPA around 2.7x (depending on which credits you count towards major). Unfortunately, USNY transcript doesn't reflect CGPA and major GPA, the calculations are my own.

I have been working the past 6 years as a professional developer and now am contemplating graduate studies (preferably in Computer Science, but I also have some interest in philosophy). My ultimate goal is to become (someday) a university/college level teacher/professor. About 3 years ago, I took 2 PhD level computer science courses at a local college as a non-degree student and I got a 4.0 GPA.

I have been looking at both traditional and distance degree programs. Most graduate level programs ask for transcripts from EACH school. I have had a big problem with one of the schools (very low GPA 2.00 and too many Ws and Fs to even list). I know for sure that any display of that transcript and I will be booted off from any sensible application committee. My results at that time were a mixed result of 60+ hours of full (hard labor) time work, negligence of studies and immaturity.

My question is has there been anyone here in a similar situation with their transcripts from USNY and were able to just use that transcript to get admission to a graduate program? To some it may seem unethical, but my point is, if its not asked, why tell the details?

Are DL Master's/PhD programs more lenient towards evaluating transcripts from USNY only (and not asking transcripts from every single school attended) .

The only other alternative that I could think of is to just complete another Bachelors online (Eastern Oregon University seems to have the best and reasonably priced program in Philosophy) and apply to graduate school after 3/4 years (assuming that's how long it will take me)

Anyone has any other suggestions/remarks for me?


Thanks

 

Good questions/concerns but none of them are obstacles that cannot be overcome. For example, in your transcript that had the low academic performance was it early in your academic career? If so , there is a good chance that it would not be a huge factor. Many graduate schools will often look more closely at the coursework in your major or at your last 30-60 hrs. of credit earned.

Graduate admission committees are interested in candidates who can be successful in their program. There are many indicators other than GPA. The graduate courses you were successful in may be a plus and you may also be asked to take a GRE exam or equivalent.

Overall, my advice would be to pick your graduate schools (select more than one) and apply. The worst they can say is no and you can also follow up as to what they would want you to do to qualify for admission. The next alternative is that you may be admitted on probationary, provisional or conditional status. This can either mean that you will need to be successful in the initial classes to be granted full admission or it can entail taking additional prerequisite undergraduate work. The final scenario is that you would be granted full admission into the program.

Best of luck.

A fellow USNY alum,

John

 

I concur with John....many graduate schools only look at the last 30-60 semester hours of your undergrad program.

Even then, there are usually alternatives such as provisional admission. You might also look into taking a couple of courses as a non-degree student in the program of your choice, to show that you're capable of doing graduate-level work.

 

In my experience, DL PhD programs (I haven't applied to any Master level ones, but I imagine they are the same) are less irritating about requesting each and every transcript. In my case, whilst in the Army back in the late 80's, I took one class from a local community college. When I went back to school full time for my BA, of course I had that transcript sent there, and that course and awarded credit is listed on my BA transcripts. Every traditional degree program I've applied to since then has still required me to get a copy of that transcript, even though it's for one course, and is already on my BA transcripts! However, Argosy, Walden, and Capella all did not.

Regards,
Adrienne