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
Durham Online MBA with a weak undergrad degree
Posted Jan 28, 2019 13:45
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
Posted Jan 31, 2019 18:10
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.
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.
Posted Jan 31, 2019 22:12
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.
Thanks for your response. Yes, my degree is a 2.1, although as I mentioned in my post, I don't think it would have done at the majority of universities. I've decided to give it a shot and see what happens, if I don't try, I'll never know...
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.[/quote]
Thanks for your response. Yes, my degree is a 2.1, although as I mentioned in my post, I don't think it would have done at the majority of universities. I've decided to give it a shot and see what happens, if I don't try, I'll never know...
Posted Feb 04, 2019 19:42
Good luck!
Posted Apr 22, 2019 19:31
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.
Posted Apr 22, 2019 22:06
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.
You can find the info in this link:
https://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/faculty.handbook/degrees/frameworks/n1t717.pdf
You can find the info in this link:
https://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/faculty.handbook/degrees/frameworks/n1t717.pdf
Posted Apr 23, 2019 00:37
Thanks very much George.
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