GPA Cover Note

[Dmax]

Hi All

I'm just applying for my Master's in International Affairs in Europe ( Sciences Po, HEI Geneva, DA Vienna etc) and I was just wondering if I should include a GPA cover note...

1) I double majored in Finance and Accounting at NYU and graduated with an overall GPA of 3.31 which on my CV I round to 3.4.

I did my first 2 years of NYU in a liberal studies programme though and transferred to business school later, my 2 years of liberal studies GPA is probably around 3.8 - much higher, and perhaps more relevant to an international affairs degree.

Now because I double majored and in effect had lots of "extra" classes, mo overall GPA on my transcript does not include several liberal studies classes, in which I had A or A-grades. These are clearly indicated on the transcript with a "not included in GPA" beside them.

I was wondering if I should re-compute my GPA including these grades on a GPA cover note and explain that these ones werent included, but if I do include these courses my cumulative GPA is 3.6ish and these courses are more relevant?

Now I was wondering if this is a god idea or of this only draws attention to a not so high GPA of 3.31?

I'm getting great references, and my letter of motivation is pretty strong I think, my work experience is not too IR relevant but all blu-chip, big name stuff and I speak 4 languages, extensively travelled etc.

So should I draw attention to the GPA or just have it in as it is? and hope they notice that several classes on my transcript with A grades are not included on my GPA..

Any advice/sugggestions much appreciated!

Many thanks all,

dmax

[adaptations]

A few pieces of advice:

First - do NOT round a 3.31 to a 3.4. Doing this essentially means you are a) trying to mislead them or aren't good at rounding. Neither option is good - just be honest.

Second, I would not include an additional cover letter or note regarding your GPA. It just doesn't seem necessary. At most, you could include your cumulative or aggregate GPA with all of your courses, in addition to your official GPA on your CV. However, you should always remember that the admissions committee will have your transcripts and they will be able to see all of your grades, so I don't really see a need to draw extra attention to it.

I hope this helps.

[Dmax]

Thanks Adaptations for your advice ( and sorry for the delayed response, limited internet access in Sierra Leone!) - point noted not going to round the GPA or put in a cover note. A 3.3+ from NYU Stern should carry enough weight i'm hoping:)!

Many thanks again,

[adaptations]

Thanks Adaptations for your advice ( and sorry for the delayed response, limited internet access in Sierra Leone!) - point noted not going to round the GPA or put in a cover note. A 3.3+ from NYU Stern should carry enough weight i'm hoping:)!

Many thanks again,

You're welcome... also, I just learned that "b )" (without the space) turns into a stylish little emoticon - that was not my intention in the first post, lol.

Edited October 13, 2010 by adaptations