shah8 wrote:
Hi,
I need advice on transcripts for my business school applications. I have a slightly complicated education history. I am Indian - I went to a top 30 US school (think UCLA, NYU, CMU) and got a pretty good GPA. I started working right after graduating. However, I did not get my H1B. Thus, to stay in the US and work, I started taking grad-level finance classes (technically supposed to lead to an MS. in Finance) at this college in Delaware on the weekends. They had an employment credit system that let me work full-time. However, about 9 months later, I miraculously got my H1B and dropped out of those classes. So I got an F in my last class and my GPA took a real dip.
At first, I didn't even think to include this experience in my application as I mostly took the classes just to maintain my visa. But the more I think about it, the more I think I HAVE to include this experience AND the transcript, even though I didn't get a degree.
What do you guys think about including it? How is Adcoms going to view this? I am really nervous this, coupled with a lay off that I will explain in my additional essay, is really going to be an instant rejection everywhere
I don't think there's any reason you have to include it unless it impacts your overall narrative. Which does not seem to be the case.
You are not claiming any degree here so I say skip it.
Why do you believe you HAVE to report all transcripts? For the lay off, make it short and sweet, come off as confident despite this happening. They just want to know you can explain any gaps to a prospective employer without sweating buckets coming undone during an interview.
If you handle it as a minor casualty you bounced back from relatively easily, they will admire you for it.
You seem to perceive this process like PUNATIVE PARENT or something. Flip that around.
Your job is not to check all boxes or be perfect but to show what you can do, how you are unique, what contributions you can make to the program and community.
How you will be able to get a job and internship because you have focus and skill in talking to people.
Capiche?
First off, thank you SO much for your response. It actually made me feel a bit better. My question to you is this: Kellogg and Cornell, for example, have a transcript policy which states even non-degree courses transcripts must be included in your application. What would you say for my case here? I considered still omitting but I am nervous they can find out and think I was hiding something for the wrong reasons. Fuqua on the other hand, actually asks for all transcripts in the application itself. At least Kellogg and Cornell, you actually have to send it to the AdComs to attach to your file so there is still the opportunity to not attach the transcript. I am thinking maybe I should explain the schooling in the additional essay but not attach the transcript. If they want it, they can ask for it. What do you think?
Finally, I am really going to keep that 'change in mindset' advice in mind. I keep acting like this is a checkbox activity where they are hunting for my weaknesses, spending less time on my strengths which include interviewing and innovative problem-solving. I am thus, and not just for this reason, applying to Kellogg as they interview all students. I have just a 710 and a 3.78 GPA +layoff+ sickness but I think I will be able to show who I truly am in person and hopefully, that'll make the difference!