The roll of a Masters degree in the admission process?

Question

I had a slightly sub 3.0 undergrad GPA (yeah yeah, I know), then went on to get an MA in International Affairs from a top 30 undergrad school...got a 3.98 in the program. I realize that graduate GPA does not carry the same weight that an undergrad GPA does, but will the fact that I pursued a post graduate degree, particularly one that could have some relevance in an MBA program (many offer dual degree in IR), help boost my academic profile and perhaps help me overcome a less than stellar undergrad GPA? Most of what I've read suggests building an alternate transcript with mostly quant type undergrad level courses to overcome a poor GPA. Will having an MA have a similar effect?

If it helps - I am 4.5 years removed from my masters and have solid work experience and anticipating 670-710 GMAT...I will not be applying to the the top flight schools...but considering next tier - Georgetown, BU, GW, Foster, Fisher.

I appreciate any input, thank you.

If it helps - I am 4.5 years removed from my masters and have solid work experience and anticipating 670-710 GMAT...I will not be applying to the the top flight schools...but considering next tier - Georgetown, BU, GW, Foster, Fisher.

I appreciate any input, thank you.

Admissionado · Answer

Yes! It absolutely helps! The only thing is don;t expect them to look for it in your materials. You need to write them (in your optional essay). "I believe my 3.9 in my Masters is a good indication of my academic capabilities" etc. etc. And give them whatever other reasons you might have that will show you are capable and clever.

gty893 · Answer

Got it, thank you for the insight.

I suppose this was something I always wondered about since none of the application material I have seen ever mentions Masters degrees in any context. I assume they still want to see the transcript, but I was just trying to get a feel for how much weight the completion of a Masters degree, particularly a topical one, had on the admission process.
 
I will absolutely try to talk it up as much as I can when I address my grades in the optional essay. Cheers!

StacyBlackman · Answer

Hi jmr71483,

Your excellent GPA in your Masters program will help. One thing to note is that an admissions team will really focus on your reasoning for pursuing an MBA now. The last thing they want is an applicant who is just collecting degrees.

Here is some advice for Georgetown Mcdonough: https://www.stacyblackman.com/category/g ... gh-advice/

Hope this was of help.

Cheers,

Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team

Jcoeus1234 · Answer

In my opinion, it certainly helps alleviate concerns of ability to handle the rigors of graduate study. While I haven't applied nor received admission yet, one of my previous bosses was a graduate from a tier-2/tier 3 liberal arts school (poly Sci) with a masters in philosophy. He believes that his masters was central in making the case he was ready for Yale SOM. Hope that helps!

The roll of a Masters degree in the admission process?

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