Hi there,

I am keen to apply to Durham for their Online MBA, but before I proceed I want to see if it is worth me applying. The reason being that I scraped a 2.1 from Bristol University when I graduated in 2004 (technically, it would have been a 2.2 at most other universities,as I think I scored 58% overall).

There are a couple of mitigating factors, which may work in my favour: I was diagnosed with dyslexia in the final year of my degree, so never really had any assistance with it and understood very little as to how it affected me. Also, I was since diagnosed with sleep apnea, which explains why I was sleeping poorly and was consequently very tired.

Since graduation, I have worked in financial services and have gained professional qualifications, which has helped me to better understand how dyslexia affects me and I believe have become stronger academically as result. The course structure of Durham's Online MBA would also suit me, as it is all coursework and has no exams.

The admissions tutor I spoke to essentially said that undergrad degrees do not necessarily count as much as other parts of candidates' applications, but I am nonetheless a bit hesitant about applying and would welcome some feedback, as to whether it would be worth my time.

Many thanks

Ian

Does it say 2.1 on your degree? If it's borderline, I would definitely ask them.

I don't know if you have to get so deep into the mitigating factors; if they ask you why your grades were low you can explain it and also explain your coping mechanisms and what you've done since then. They're going to want to see that, in spite of your undergraduate performance, you'll be ready to hit the ground running in an MBA.

The tutor is somewhat right: the farther you are out from your studies - the more work experience you have - the less important your grades are. Admissions people will be looking for strong career growth instead.

A strong GMAT score can also help assuage their fears that you're not ready to stud in an MBA.

Does it say 2.1 on your degree? If it's borderline, I would definitely ask them.

I don't know if you have to get so deep into the mitigating factors; if they ask you why your grades were low you can explain it and also explain your coping mechanisms and what you've done since then. They're going to want to see that, in spite of your undergraduate performance, you'll be ready to hit the ground running in an MBA.

The tutor is somewhat right: the farther you are out from your studies - the more work experience you have - the less important your grades are. Admissions people will be looking for strong career growth instead.

A strong GMAT score can also help assuage their fears that you're not ready to stud in an MBA.

Good luck!

Slightly off-topic here, but does anyone know what kind of assessments for the modules Durham requires of students? Eg) written assignments, exams (open or closed book), etc? I couldn't find anything regarding this in their brochure.

Slightly off-topic here, but does anyone know what kind of assessments for the modules Durham requires of students? Eg) written assignments, exams (open or closed book), etc? I couldn't find anything regarding this in their brochure.

Thanks very much George.