Anyone not do too hot in their undergrad, but pursue a masters?

[Rawtid]

I’m preparing to write a detailed personal statement but the schools I’m looking at don’t require the GRE or GMAT. Should I take them anyway?

No! Don’t do more than required.

 

[Regine Hunter]

Just for an update: I’m still looking into grad schools, but for the immediate future will be enrolling into a pre-calc course (and immediately looking for a tutor), and this 5 month intro to cybersecurity program at the local university just to present myself better for when I apply for school. I’m aiming for summer/fall 2020 to hopefully be enrolled. By then I feel I’ve eradicated all my debt and can probably have some money saved and be presented properly for a student line of credit (didn’t see many financial aid options for international students in the HBCUs I was looking at)

 

[Wargames]

Just for an update: I’m still looking into grad schools, but for the immediate future will be enrolling into a pre-calc course (and immediately looking for a tutor), and this 5 month intro to cybersecurity program at the local university just to present myself better for when I apply for school. I’m aiming for summer/fall 2020 to hopefully be enrolled. By then I feel I’ve eradicated all my debt and can probably have some money saved and be presented properly for a student line of credit (didn’t see many financial aid options for international students in the HBCUs I was looking at)

I was in the same boat as you and school appreciate it the moves you are making. Also, see if you can get face time with somebody from the admissions department in the school you want to go to and talk to them about your academic path and career aspirations before applying. Them being able to match a face to an application should help you unless you are trying to get into a highly competitive program. Then you will likely need an extensive work history in the field you are applying to in order to get into their school.

 

[Regine Hunter]

I was in the same boat as you and school appreciate it the moves you are making. Also, see if you can get face time with somebody from the admissions department in the school you want to go to and talk to them about your academic path and career aspirations before applying. Them being able to match a face to an application should help you unless you are trying to get into a highly competitive program. Then you will likely need an extensive work history in the field you are applying to in order to get into their school.

Definitely will. I travelled down to the school a few months ago to speak briefly to the department and the financial aid lady, and though insight ful I will need to go back and dedicate a solid day of gathering information. While I understand the work history aspect is important, it’s my biggest fear. I’ve mainly done public sector admin work for the past few years, now trying to get into the IT world. I don’t think my skill set would reflect well in applications. Maybe if I took another approach?

 

[Osmosis]

I’m in the same boat. I was a political science major and graduated with a 3.2 in 2017. Wasn’t really concerned with school a few years ago tbh. It was my first time away from home and I didn’t have my priorities straight. A lot of the jobs in the field I’m interested require a masters and I’m kinda ready to go back to school to right my previous wrongs.

I’ve built my resume up since then with internships and some work abroad and I’m studying for my GRE. If I kill that shyt do y’all think I have a chance at an elite school? Not Ivy League but like an NYU, UVA or USC? I’m mainly worried about my GPA. It’s not utterly unredeemable right?

 

[phcitywarrior]

I’m in the same boat. I was a political science major and graduated with a 3.2 in 2017. Wasn’t really concerned with school a few years ago tbh. It was my first time away from home and I didn’t have my priorities straight. A lot of the jobs in the field I’m interested require a masters and I’m kinda ready to go back to school to right my previous wrongs.

I’ve built my resume up since then with internships and some work abroad and I’m studying for my GRE. If I kill that shyt do y’all think I have a chance at an elite school? Not Ivy League but like an NYU, UVA or USC? I’m mainly worried about my GPA. It’s not utterly unredeemable right?

Sorry bruh, but a 3.2 ain't even bad. That is good for most grad programs. Just write a convincing note.

Where you'd have trouble is if you graduated by the skin of your teeth like some of us

 

[Jimmy Two-Times™]

I might as well be fully transparent.

Spoiler

I've had depression for most of my late teen and early adult years. I'm now handling it with the proper methods and resources. When it came to graduation, I came out with a 2.3, in a major i really didn't like and had no desire to continue. It was what my parents wanted me to do. Now I want better for myself and actually study what I want, but I don't think my GPA will take me far. It wasn't that I didn't know the work or I'm not smart, I just couldn't get focused or interested in the material. By the time I realized what I wanted to do, I was already almost done the program and with my strict parents footing the bill I was put in a corner.

...going for a second undergrad might be my best bet.

I'm hoping to get into contact with someone who works in admissions anywhere to seek some advice. I want to do things the right way this time and hopefully at an HBCU where I'll definitely feel like I belong.

You're in the same boat as me, mate.

Just decided to go back and complete my shyts this year. I was so close but fukked up with poor attendance and ultimately losing interest which reflected in my grades. My story is 1:1 almost.

Also, what you're describing is a lack of guidance which lead to unhappiness. Depression and unhappiness are not one in the same. One is a true mental illness and the other is a normal human emotion.

Stay focused. I hope you make it like me. I wish you tha best.

 

[DamienWayne]

You're in the same boat as me, mate.

Just decided to go back and complete my shyts this year. I was so close but fukked up with poor attendance and ultimately losing interest which reflected in my grades. My story is 1:1 almost.

Also, what you're describing is a lack of guidance which lead to unhappiness. Depression and unhappiness are not one in the same. One is a true mental illness and the other is a normal human emotion.

Stay focused. I hope you make it like me. I wish you tha best.

yall aint alone brehs

 

[Tr0yTV]

IT Certifications and Careers (Official Discussion Thread)

That thread will teach you how to get a job in cybersecurity. If you have the drive.

 

[AquaCityBoy]

I did.

Barely had a 3.0 in undergrad (and had to work to get it up there). Had to pay for grad classes out of my own pocket for a year before I got in.

Graduated with a 3.6 for my master's (not that that means anything in grad school)

 

[How Sway?]

At this point I'm gonna have to go to grad school or join #certgang bc the job prospects arent looking too hot around here

 

[hatealot]

At this point I'm gonna have to go to grad school or join #certgang bc the job prospects arent looking too hot around here

What is your undergrad in? What you were trying to get into

 

[Rawtid]

Me. I was 7 months pregnant and laid off from a company that filed bankruptcy. People kept saying they could get me a job, but I needed a degree. I went to a couple physical campuses, but by that time I was already enrolled at an online university (accredited of course), and needed 31 credits to finish up, so I went full-time for 3 semesters; 12 credits in the Spring, 7 in the Summer, and 12 in Fall. I finished Undergrad with a 2.946. I just needed a degree at that time to get a better job.

I'm struggling in a Masters program as I type, nearly a decade later for the same reason. I'm done after the Masters though. It will be certifications from here on out. My grades are legit, it's just the time and fitting it into life. Like, I have 3 assignments due this weekend, all mainly writing or drafting up some sort of solution. 1000 words per assignment. Dumb stuff LOL. I'm also taking 2 classes at a time so I can be done March of next year. I could take one class at a time, but I don't want to do this shyt a minute longer than possible.

 

[How Sway?]

What is your undergrad in? What you were trying to get into

Econ. Minor in math. I was trying to get into commercial banking or become a financial analyst.

Seems like most employers prefer finance or accounting majors over econ unless you have a masters

 

[Spin]

i'm not really looking to get into business though... I want to get an MLIS or some sort of information science/cyber security degree. I'd love to be some sort of Security Analyst, or Security Administrator. I don't think a field that drastic a change i'd be able to find a two year program in undergrad...

I was looking into doing like a visitor student situation. Take two semesters to build up pre-reqs, kill that shyt with a 3.5 or greater and then parlay that into a grad school application. Luckily the schools I'm looking at don't require the GMAT or GRE...but idk...I just feel my biggest burden is that 2.3

If your goal is security or anything IT related, forget about going back to school and work on getting certs and experience. College curriculum is outdated for IT. If you still want to pursue it get a job and go to school part-time. If you feel getting in a structured environment will help, check out these programs.

Per Scholas
NPower – Launching Tech Careers. Transforming Lives.