MS in CS in UK with low GPA / GRE

Admit Abroad - MS in CS in UK with low GPA / GRE

Table of contents:

 

Computer science is a very competitive and somewhat technical course so most programs have very high requirements. The most popular programs require a high GPA or GRE. This might give you the feeling that it’s impossible to get a master’s degree admission with a low GPA but that’s not the case and there’s still a way out.

 

Whereas One can choose to study in UK as there are several programs in the UK accredited universities that offer computer science admissions to students with not very sound academic backgrounds. But this requires a lot of careful effort and extra work.

 

What Is Considered a Low GPA/GRE

 

Most programs only accept students with first-class and second-class upper division degrees. This means that on a grading scale of 5, you should have at least 4.00 and at least 3.00 on a scale of 4.00.

 

However, everyone cannot graduate with such a high GPA and it should not stand in the way of continuing your education. Some schools ask students to take on post-graduate degrees to complement their low performance or submit a high GRE assessment score.

 

A high GRE score will fall in the range of 260 and 340. A score in this range gives you an edge in the admission process. People with scores lower than this with a low GPA are advised to retake the GRE and aim for a higher score. Although it is not impossible to gain admission with a score lower than 260 the chances are minimal. You can make use of the following tips to maximize your chances.

 

Tips To Get MS Admission In CS With Low GPA/GRE

 

Applicants with higher GPAs and GRE scores stand a higher chance of getting an admission slot. Your best bet is to do the most you can in the other areas left. The odds are unlikely but put your best foot forward.

 

  • Retake The GRE

 

The GRE is one of the best shots at increasing your chances when you already have a low GPA. If there is a possibility of retaking this test, seize the opportunity and work harder to get a highly impressive GRE score. This is a great way to complement the low GPA and demonstrate your academic competence.

 

  • Take Extra Courses

 

This might sound counterintuitive but don’t just rub this option off. Taking extra courses is a way to show commitment to your field and interest in learning. There are plenty of University accredited courses that can be taken either online or offline. 

 

Pursue a short-duration course related to your undergraduate work or something you hope to specialize in during your master’s. Ensure you get good grades and distinctions.

 

  • Get Work Experience

 

Not all MS in computer science programs ask applicants to have years of work experience.  When you apply for such programs with a few years of experience, say one or two years, this would complement your low GPA in the selection process.

 

If you do not have any experience right now, you may want to pause getting an MS still after some years of working. Apply to work for firms and organizations that align with the interests and specialties you hope to pursue.

 

  • Sign Up For Internships

 

If you are a fresh graduate from the university, it may be easier for you to land internship positions. However, do not limit your job search options to this alone. Apply to several positions that match what you require. You can work for a few months to a year or more. This will help you acquire work-relevant skills and possibly a few recommendations.

 

  • Acquire More Skills

 

The skills you choose to learn will depend on the field you intend to venture into. You may want to learn more about coding, programming, analytics, or whatever will be relevant to your professional journey. Highlighting these skills in your application will make your resume/CV look more appealing.

 

  • Volunteer

 

There are plenty of startups that are accepting volunteers. Most of the open positions are not very competitive. Your volunteering experience can be a blissful one especially if it’s with a firm you love. You will get the needed work experience along with incentives and new acquaintances.

 

 

  • Get Recommendations

 

Many undergraduates only have a handful of people that are willing to leave a recommendation. Some of these people are not professionals in the field. Applying for an internship or a volunteer position increases your chances of getting relevant recommendations that will highlight your abilities and skills.

 

  • A Catchy Personal Statement

 

A catchy personal statement raises your chances of being considered for admission. It highlights your skills, experience, and what you hope to achieve in your profession. Sometimes, letters of recommendation are attached. 

 

Invest enough time and effort in crafting your statement of purpose as it could help you score good points to supplement your degree qualification.

 

  • Resume

 

The student resume is similar to an employee resume but with a few tweaks. There is great software that can help you draft this. Your qualifications, possible certifications, volunteer experience, and work experience are the major things to be covered.

 

  • Research/Project Proposal

 

There are lots of research scientists in the computer science field and a low GRE or GPA should not be a hindrance. What do you hope to research or write on? Find ways to present your proposal so it appeals to professors and potential supervisors. If your proposal is interesting enough and you have a few years of work experience, there are high chances of getting admitted even with a low GPA.

 

Other Things To Complete During The Application Process

 

  • Application form
  • Verified academic transcripts
  • Verified copy of your bachelor’s degree result or substitute 
  • GRE assessment score
  • Copy of your passport
  • Recommendation and References

 

Universities Available To You

 

When you have all the needed documents, you can apply to any of the following schools. Do well to understand the unique procedure each school has laid out for the process before applying. All you need to know about a school and the MS in computer science program is provided on the website. For further inquiries, you can reach out to the school’s representatives using the contact information provided.

 

UK universities accepting students with low GPA/GRE for MS in Computer Science include:

 

  1. University of Lincoln
  2. Northumbria University
  3. Teesside University
  4. University of Portsmouth
  5. Bangor University
  6. De Montfort University
  7. University of Hertfordshire
  8. University of Wolverhampton
  9. University of Roehampton
  10. Anglia Ruskin University
  11. London South Bank University
  12. Leeds Beckett University
  13. London Metropolitan University
  14. East London University
  15. Canterbury Christ Church University
  16. Bedfordshire University
  17. Buckinghamshire New University

 

Conclusion

 

A low GPA/GRE is not the end of your academic journey. You only have to work harder to prove yourself and show the world your potential. With additional qualifications and work experience, you would be able to secure an MS in computer science position without a sweat.

Our hope is that this article gave you an overview of the MS in CS in UK with low GPA / GRE for those who wish to study in UK. If you do have any further queries or questions, do reach out to our experts and get your study abroad journey started today.