thoughts on postgrad admission?

Hi y'all,

I was really hoping to get some feedback on what others thought about my chances of acceptance into a uk masters program. I'm looking at programs that focus on psychology, education, and early childhood development. Currently, I'm in a masters of education program in the US at a prestigious school and will most likely receive very high grades (all As). Unfortunately, my undergrad gpa is quite low (around 2.7), as my mom died when I was in school and I just couldn't seem to pull it together.  I just don't know which will weigh more heavily, my great grades in a tough masters program, or very poor grades in undergrad. If I am going to study abroad, I would prefer it to be at a more well known school, is this even possible with my past grades? Also, tuition is not really an issue.

Thanks so much for your opinions!

My inclination is that your tough Masters and excellent letters of recommendation, plus, perhaps an explanation for your undergrad degree grades would swing it for you. After all, the school you are at took you despite your undergrad grades.

I wasn't in your field, so YMMV, but I personally developed a good relationship with the contact person for my degree before I even officially applied. My grades weren't horrible, but they weren't amazing either, so I'm not even sure how important they were. And like you, I already had an MA under my belt.

It may also vary from school to school. I know my ex graduated with a distinction with his MSc. He was rejected from Cambridge due to his undergrad grades but fully funded with a PhD at Exeter.

Good luck!

Hi there.  I had an undergrad GPA of about the same as you and had no trouble getting into the top school for research for my field.  I also managed that without having the benefit of a postgrad degree with high marks, so I would think you will be just fine.

I think what helped was that I had a decent personal statement and good recommendations.  That and my marks for the courses in my subject were high, it was the math and science that killed me in undergrad.

The thing is, it's sort of understood that international students may get a bit of leniency because they bring in a lot of money to the universities. 

I really don't think you'll have a problem, but it doesn't hurt to contact some of the departments you're interested in and get a feel for it.  Good luck! 

The thing is, it's sort of understood that international students may get a bit of leniency because they bring in a lot of money to the universities. 

This. Especially in this economy.

Thanks for the replies, I definitely feel encouraged! Now, I just have to start the application process, yuck...

Make sure you disclose your undergrad GPA before you apply or as you apply.  I wasn't asked for my GPA until I had been accepted, and then I was told that I needed at least a 3.0 to qualify.  As others have said they'll probably be lenient because they do really want your money, but it's important to know their standards before you apply and also to see whether or not they're able to bend their rules.  Best of luck to you.

The best thing to do before you apply is to contact the university departments you're planning on applying to and asking them what their requirements are for the courses you want to study. That way, you can find out if you meet the admission requirements before you fill out the application and you can also make yourself known to the lecturers running the course so they are more likely to remember you when they see your application .

I'd contact someone in the department I'm interested in doing research with. Start chatting them up about your possible research, perhaps offering to send a sample writing. I knew I was accepted to my department before I sent off the application.

I didn't even have an undergrad but have worked my way through my professional career into a senior role and used my work experience to get me admitted. While  I was the first student, outside of the EU, in the schools history to be admitted and soon to be graduating, it seems that the universities here acknowledge that looking at admissions with a rubber stamp isn't a good method for finding the best students.  I did, contact the course leader, talked with her at lengths and supplied a lot of documentation to get my acceptance but I am sure you'll be okay (pending on what schools you apply to).  Good luck!