What are my chances of getting into SMU?

I'm interested in pursuing my masters at Southern Methodist University, majoring in software engineering via distance learning. I was filling out the online application when I came across the question "have you ever been dismissed from a school". I'd have to double check my transcripts, but I think the answer is yes .

My first attempt at an academic career wasn't very successful. I was at the University of Maryland College Park majoring in computer science. While I always did well in my in-major classes, the general education classes always seemed to kick my ass since I never took them seriously. It's been about 13 years, but I think I ended up getting academically dismissed.

I then restarted my academic career at the local community college and earned the associates of science in computer science from there. Then I went on to the University of Maryland Baltimore County to earn the bachelors of science in computer science. My graduating GPA was 3.0.

Since then, I've been working as a software engineer for the past 6 years for the same company. I've had 3 raises and 2 promotions. I'm pretty sure I can get at least 3 glowing letters of recommendation from past supervisors.

So how badly will my performance at UMCP hurt my chances of getting into SMU? It's too bad my transcripts aren't anything to brag about; back then the thought of ever going on to grad school never even crossed my mind. My attitude towards attaining higher eduction, however, has done a complete 180 since then. I'd really love to get into SMU, especially since they apparently offer a doctor of engineering in software engineering via distance learning too.

 

I can't imagine that the previous dismissal will be the deciding factor for entrance to SMU. It depends on how competitive their program is...assuming that they are looking for any and everyone that they can get tuition money from, like most schools nowadays, I would suspect that you will get in...

 

If a student was dismissed for cheating, assault on staff, or similar, then it would probably make a difference.

 

I don't know about SMU's application specifically, but every application I've filled out for graduate programs continues that question with something along the lines of "If yes, then please explain." So your job is to explain. You should be able to point to your subsequent academic success at the community college and UMBC as evidence that you have what it takes to perform in graduate school. Be honest in your explanation, but also be persuasive that despite past missteps, you will succeed in your pursuit of a graduate degree.

In applying to a competitive program, I'd be lying to you if I told you this wasn't the sort of factor that gets considered. But I can also tell you that you can get into some very good schools, even with this blemish on your record. I'm living proof of that. Like you, I got myself tossed out of my first attempt at a bachelor's, but I was able to get into 4 top-50 MBA programs, and I even got full tuition waivers from multiple schools. I didn't get into every program I applied to, but there are a lot of people who didn't fail out of school that can say that.

Best of luck!

 

If when you say "start over" you mean you literally used none of those credit hours in completing your BS I think I'd leave UMCP off the application.

 

I wouldn't do it if the applications asks to list all institutions attended. Both SMU and UM-CP participate in the National Student Clearinghouse so SMU will be able to confirm past enrollment. If he omits a school from his graduate school application, it may be viewed as dishonest by the admission officer(s). Honesty is always paramount in academia, even if the truth is ugly.

 

Well, I think you're alright. Just gives them whatever they need. And try to impress them with your personal statement or statement of purpose. Good Luck!