Doctoral applications...how to put my best foot forward(?)

Hello all,

I'm brand-new to the forum, but I've been studying online for quite awhile. I recently
graduated from the MSIS program at Dakota State University. I've really enjoyed distance learning, and would like to keep going. For possible next steps, I've been researching several doctoral programs, including DSU's:

1) D.Sc. Information Systems, Dakota State University
2) Ph.D. Management (Technology Management Emphasis), Sullivan University
3) D.Sc. Information Assurance, Capitol College
4) Ph.D. Computer Engineering, Mississippi State University

However, while my MSIS GPA at DSU was a 4.0, my undergraduate GPA (B.S. Computer Engineering, KSU) was closer to 2.5. Getting through my undergrad was rather tough, a lot of chronic back issues limited my mobility pretty severely. By the time I went back for a masters, distance education let me study without having to worry about the strain, so I found it much easier to focus.

I've heard that getting admitted into a doctoral degree program can be pretty competitive, so I'm a little concerned that could become a roadblock. Any recommendations on how to put my best foot forward, and to help a committee look beyond my undergraduate score?

Thanks in advance, any comments/suggestions would definitely be appreciated.

 

I'm sure that the programs you are considering have competitive admissions. I'm also sure that your grad record counts much more than your undergrad record when it comes to admissions to a doctoral program. Medical problems are certainly ameliorating factors in such situations. If you feel the need to offer an explanation I"m sure it will be factored into the equation.

 

I'm not sure it is as competitive as you might think. Online programs are not as intensive on university resources and many schools are more liberal in the application process. I have a 3.95 cumulative GPA over several degrees, a 92 percentile on the MAT test and a 90 percentile on the GMAT and I have been accepted into each of the 5 different doctoral programs I have applied into. It mostly depends on your GPA and your standardized test scores. With a GPA like yours, you will probably have no problem anywhere. For-profit programs usually have a very liberal acceptance policy and non-profits are often a little more stringent.

 

Yes, OK, but then there's this,

http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/38719-denied-adminssion-dsu-dr-science.html

 

Wow, that's interesting. I wonder if it has to do with the fact that it's a state school and limited funding. There's plenty of others that are not that difficult to get into though, don't you think?

I think that all that many of the for-profits require is an OK GPA and a credit card. :wink:

 

Interesting...like SurfDoctor, I thought that the for-profit doctorates were relatively easy to get into. My goal is to get into a non-profit institution's doctorate program. Might be a pipe dream, but we'll see.

 

As long as you do well on the standardized admission test (MAT, GMAT, Etc) you should have a good chance. The best way to find out is to apply.