How important is graduate GPA?

[Cevo]

I would like to ask you guys a question while everyone is still around. Consider an international student who did his undergrad in CS then made a very very wrong decision and started doing a PhD in a different field (though very related to CS). Now, I decided to leave after getting my MS and will apply again for Fall 2011. Because of the stupid courses that I had taken, I have a fairly low graduate GPA (around 3.4) and my greatest concern is the B- that I received in graduate level probability course. My question is that, how important is graduate GPA for the admissions committee?

Thank you so much in advance.

[DeWinter]

I would like to ask you guys a question while everyone is still around. Consider an international student who did his undergrad in CS then made a very very wrong decision and started doing a PhD in a different field (though very related to CS). Now, I decided to leave after getting my MS and will apply again for Fall 2011. Because of the stupid courses that I had taken, I have a fairly low graduate GPA (around 3.4) and my greatest concern is the B- that I received in graduate level probability course. My question is that, how important is graduate GPA for the admissions committee?

Thank you so much in advance.

Though I'm not an expert in the field of computer science, I do know what professors have told me time and time again. That it looks much more impressive that you're applying after getting a masters and that if a graduate GPA shows improvement, it's a very strong sign that you are fit to do graduate coursework. Your GPA is not incredibly low and sometimes, grad student end up with B's. It's just how it is. However, a B- doesn't kill your chances but it might raise from eyebrows. Regardless, I think that a strong application overall can raise your chances.

[grotesqueidols]

Though I'm not an expert in the field of computer science, I do know what professors have told me time and time again. That it looks much more impressive that you're applying after getting a masters and that if a graduate GPA shows improvement, it's a very strong sign that you are fit to do graduate coursework. Your GPA is not incredibly low and sometimes, grad student end up with B's. It's just how it is. However, a B- doesn't kill your chances but it might raise from eyebrows. Regardless, I think that a strong application overall can raise your chances.

I totally agree. The other thing I would suggest is directly address your prior grad word and your marks in your statement of purpose. Don't pretend it isn't there and hope they don't see. Frame it as a learning experience: a way through which you gained experience and developed your true research goals.

Any chance of doing a transfer of departments within the school you are already at? That might be less painful in general...

[Cevo]

Firstly, thanks for your responses...

I totally agree. The other thing I would suggest is directly address your prior grad word and your marks in your statement of purpose. Don't pretend it isn't there and hope they don't see. Frame it as a learning experience: a way through which you gained experience and developed your true research goals.

Any chance of doing a transfer of departments within the school you are already at? That might be less painful in general...

My current department is ranked top-10 whereas CS department is ranked 50-ish. Although I am happy with my advisor, I want to get a PhD in CS from a higher-ranked university.