Graduate programs?

[Silversurfer76]

If I test out of my degree using alternative credits(big three) and my transcripts have pass/fail, how would I get into grad programs with a mediocre gpa? Have any of you guys been accepted, based on gmat scores alone? Another question I have is about WGU’s masters programs, why do some require two years of work experience in a related field? Can I get in anyway if I don’t meet that requirement?

[posabsolute]

It depends on many factors, and it has been talked about many times on this forum

Depends on:
* Specific grad programs, a lot of programs do not require the GMAT, some will let you in with an average GPA
* your GPA, if you do not have prior credits, can actually be 4.0 with only the capstone counting in, you just don't have a lot of prior proof. It's not ideal, but some people on this forum have been accepted in great programs just with that.
* If you have a prior mediocre GPA, unfortunately, there isn't much to do, you need to improve your grades, I think Excelsior let you transfer grades from SDC? could be a good opportunity.


You should contact WGU about this, they may wave it on specific conditions, generally, that means the program is meant for people already working in the field so..

[Silversurfer76]

It depends on many factors, and it has been talked about many times on this forum

Depends on:
* Specific grad programs, a lot of programs do not require the GMAT, some will let you in with an average GPA
* your GPA, if you do not have prior credits, can actually be 4.0 with only the capstone counting in, you just don't have a lot of prior proof. It's not ideal, but some people on this forum have been accepted in great programs just with that.
* If you have a prior mediocre GPA, unfortunately, there isn't much to do, you need to improve your grades, I think Excelsior let you transfer grades from SDC? could be a good opportunity.


You should contact WGU about this, they may wave it on specific conditions, generally, that means the program is meant for people already working in the field so..

Starting with no credits. I’m basically asking how well do our clepped degrees fair when applying to grad programs. Do most accept the across the board or not?

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It depends on many factors, and it has been talked about many times on this forum

Depends on:
* Specific grad programs, a lot of programs do not require the GMAT, some will let you in with an average GPA
* your GPA, if you do not have prior credits, can actually be 4.0 with only the capstone counting in, you just don't have a lot of prior proof. It's not ideal, but some people on this forum have been accepted in great programs just with that.
* If you have a prior mediocre GPA, unfortunately, there isn't much to do, you need to improve your grades, I think Excelsior let you transfer grades from SDC? could be a good opportunity.


You should contact WGU about this, they may wave it on specific conditions, generally, that means the program is meant for people already working in the field so..

Starting with no credits. I’m basically asking how well do our clapped degrees fair when applying to grad programs. Do most accept the across the board or not?

[Ideas]

There are many schools so there isn't one typical policy. But generally better schools will only accept you conditionally due to having less than 30, 48, or 60 graded credits. They can set other limits too, but those are the ones I see.

Being accepted conditionally is no big deal. It just means that they will look at your grades in your first terms and may not allow you to continue if they're lower.

In general I don't think it matters, but lack of graded credits will matter for a competitive field or school.

[posabsolute]

There isn't a universal answer, depends on the uni and the program.

Like I said, some here have been accepted in great programs, but obviously you start with a disadvantage when applying on limited enrollment programs. However since you talked about WGU, I don't see your degree an issue to get in WGU if you satisfy all the other requirements.

[Silversurfer76]

It depends on many factors, and it has been talked about many times on this forum

Depends on:
* Specific grad programs, a lot of programs do not require the GMAT, some will let you in with an average GPA
* your GPA, if you do not have prior credits, can actually be 4.0 with only the capstone counting in, you just don't have a lot of prior proof. It's not ideal, but some people on this forum have been accepted in great programs just with that.
* If you have a prior mediocre GPA, unfortunately, there isn't much to do, you need to improve your grades, I think Excelsior let you transfer grades from SDC? could be a good opportunity.


You should contact WGU about this, they may wave it on specific conditions, generally, that means the program is meant for people already working in the field so..

I’m by no means saying I’m going to WGU for sure to get my MS. But yeah I don’t really get this requirement for their business programs, I wonder if it can be waived?

[dfrecore]

1) If you're starting with 0 credits, and your possible only grades will be the cornerstone (if required) and capstone (definitely required), you have complete control over your GPA - if you work hard on your 1-2 courses and get an A on each one, then you'll have a great GPA. If you get C's, then you'll have a mediocre GPA. So do well and get good grades. P/F ACE courses do not affect your GPA at all (neither positive nor negative).

2) There is no across-the-board policy for acceptance into grad schools. Every school is different.

3) EC does not bring in Study.com grades, but COSC will bring in grades from Study.com and SL IF YOU WANT THEM TO. There's a process to do this, so that you can bring in your A's but nothing else; you'd have to look that up.

[Merlin]

You should contact WGU about this, they may wave it on specific conditions, generally, that means the program is meant for people already working in the field so..

I’m by no means saying I’m going to WGU for sure to get my MS. But yeah I don’t really get this requirement for their business programs, I wonder if it can be waived?

Many business masters (MBA is a common example) require a certain amount of business experience before you can be accepted into the program because the curriculum targets working professionals who are able to leverage their prior business experience as part of the program. Other programs are designed to carry students from the bachelor to master level without work experience (an MSM in some schools is focused this way, for example) but can still be taken by working professionals as well. MSM graduates often move into entry-to-mid-level roles where an MBA usually targets people who are already in mid-to-upper-level management and executives. In fact, many say that its a waste to get an MBA until you've already attained a certain level of success. I suspect that is mirrored by the schools.

Beyond that, considering that the majority of WGU's programs are targeting older, working adults rather than high school kids you will notice that they do not require high GMAT scores or GPA. Rather, their admissions often focus on career-related dependencies since most of their students are coming from existing careers rather than from academia.

As for waiving the admissions requirements, if you have a prior bachelor's degree in the same field as the master's program I would think that they might waive the resume requirement, but it would probably depend on how well prepared you sound in your admissions interview. Then again, I know they can be sticklers about not bending their other admissions requirements, so they also might ask you to come back with some experience. The only way to know for sure is to try and see what happens.

[davewill]

Grad applications are a PACKAGE. Grades are only one part of it. Testing, experience, grades and your personal statement all play a part. If you GPA isn't strong, then you want to build up some of the other areas. Nobody will be able to truly tell you what part of the package got them in.

If you have a particular program in mind, you should take the time to contact their admissions dept and discuss your concerns. You should also make sure that you are satisfying any prerequisites that particular school requires. If they want want graded credits for certain courses, then you should plan your degree to make it so. If you are flexible about where you go for your grad degree, then you can worry less, some school will take you. 

Many grad programs are money makers for the school, so they will take anyone they feel will successfully complete the program. Others are more competitive. Either way, you will find the admissions people much more accessible (and knowledgeable) than for undergrad, so don't hesitate to reach out.