After sending applications, do grades count?

[tesolin4languages]

Hello every1

I have applied to a few universities for TESOL Masters program.

I have a 3.7. All is fine.

However, just hypothetically, if I were to screw up and get straight C's (I'm taking three classes), which would bring me down to around 3.6x, would the universities change their decisions depending on my final grades?

The question is based on the assumption that they accept me for what I have completed and achieved before this final semester is over.

If anyone knows the answer to this basic question, if you could answer that would greatly calm me down. I think I have senioritis. I just have two basic classes, and one is an upper division elective, lol.

Any1?

[CauchyFan]

It is my understanding that, in general, they have made their decision long before your final semester ends (assuming you apply during or right before your final semester).

[wtncffts]

Since decisions are made in February-March, obviously the final semester of undergrad, if applying as an undergrad, couldn't make a difference. I assume, though, that if you did something really unexpected, like fail every course or get cited for academic dishonesty or something, there's some way schools would renege on the offer.

[tesolin4languages]

Thanks for the two prompt replies!

According to my university, I need a "C" or above to pass all the three courses I am taking in order to graduate. Of course, passing is not the issue.

The issue is:

1) I might lose the prestige of being magna cum laude and would be cum laude. I do not believe even straight C''s would take away "cum laude" which I think is a 3.6gpa in my university.

and

2) If I lose my straight A streak and suddenly get C's, would they renege on the offer as you say?

Also, I have another question. What if I were to get straight B's........how much lower would my GPA go? What about straight C's?

Knowing myself, I would still give it 100%. However, I am much less motivated to do so - I hope some of you can relate. =)

Thanks!

Tesol

[tesolin4languages]

And yes, I applied to two universities, one with a Jan15th deadline, and another Feb1 deadline.

I already have an interview with one of them. I hope that's progress and not just another element of the application process. Does anbody know?

I am applying to Columbia Teacher's College for TESOL K-12 track, and the same for Warner School of University of Rochester.

The other colleges I will apply to will have my application at around April I believe.

Sorry for the unorganized questions...........lol

Thanks every1!

[Rustin]

It depends on the school. A lot of times schools will include something like "This offer is conditioned upon successful completion of current courses." or something similar. I wouldn't worry about C's necessarily, but flunking them all might not be good. The other issue is future applications. If you end up not attending either school and need to apply again next year, or if you decide to transfer. I'd be more worried about those scenarios.

And, by the way, I attend Rochester as an undergraduate. I really love the school and city. So, if you have any questions about the area, feel free to contact me.

[tesolin4languages]

It depends on the school. A lot of times schools will include something like "This offer is conditioned upon successful completion of current courses." or something similar. I wouldn't worry about C's necessarily, but flunking them all might not be good. The other issue is future applications. If you end up not attending either school and need to apply again next year, or if you decide to transfer. I'd be more worried about those scenarios.

And, by the way, I attend Rochester as an undergraduate. I really love the school and city. So, if you have any questions about the area, feel free to contact me.

Rustin!!! That's a very intelligent reply, of course they would say that (duh! lol)

That makes absolute sense.

I love that you are in Rochester! (We're talking Rochester, NY right lol)

U of Rochester is my second choice, since I'd love to live in NYC and go to Columbia which I believe is the top (oscillating every few years/rankings) in education.

But in Rochester I can have a car, and its beautiful scenery makes it a strong 2nd. The best thing is that it's a 17month program versus 24months+summer in Columbia.

How is life in Rochester? I live in FL and have lived here enough to become totally used to the hot weather. Going up north rather scares me, and Rochester, well, even more.

What can you tell me that would make me go to Rochester instead of NYC IF I am accepted to both?? (wishful thinking? hope not for my sake lol)!

[LJK]

My understanding of how admission contracts are worded is something along the lines of the offer being contingent on comparable performance to what has come before. So if you have a 3.9 now you shouldn't have much below a 3.9 in the end. At the same time, I think it is mostly a legal out that most programs wouldn't invoke if you got a C, though with three Cs they may decide that you aren't worth the risk and revoke their offer. Basically, don't blow off your final classes because they can matter if really not good.

[tesolin4languages]

My understanding of how admission contracts are worded is something along the lines of the offer being contingent on comparable performance to what has come before. So if you have a 3.9 now you shouldn't have much below a 3.9 in the end. At the same time, I think it is mostly a legal out that most programs wouldn't invoke if you got a C, though with three Cs they may decide that you aren't worth the risk and revoke their offer. Basically, don't blow off your final classes because they can matter if really not good.

Also a sensible reply. Thanks LJK!

[ZeChocMoose]

They will definitely have to see an official copy of your final transcript at some point because they need to verify that you have completed your bachelor's in order to enroll in a master's program.

I am not quite sure if the program cares whether you finish with a 3.7 or a 3.6 unless the university refers you to a fellowship or a scholarship that is based on your academic grades. Seeing a dip in your last semester probably won't be impressive to them. At this point, it is safer to just keep plugging away and doing the good work that you have been doing.

[tesolin4languages]

They will definitely have to see an official copy of your final transcript at some point because they need to verify that you have completed your bachelor's in order to enroll in a master's program.

I am not quite sure if the program cares whether you finish with a 3.7 or a 3.6 unless the university refers you to a fellowship or a scholarship that is based on your academic grades. Seeing a dip in your last semester probably won't be impressive to them. At this point, it is safer to just keep plugging away and doing the good work that you have been doing.

Thanks. I definitely understand. However in my SOP I said I'd be graduating as Magna Cum Laude. Therefore, I need to make sure I receive all A- (I did the calculation with my counselor) in order to maintain my status of magna cum laude. I should have written, perhaps, that I would be graduating with honors (and not specifying what degree of honors).

Any1 else have opinions?

Thanks to every1 that has taken their time to reply! =)

[tesolin4languages]

bump to the top of the page!

[Rustin]

Rustin!!! That's a very intelligent reply, of course they would say that (duh! lol)

That makes absolute sense.

I love that you are in Rochester! (We're talking Rochester, NY right lol)

U of Rochester is my second choice, since I'd love to live in NYC and go to Columbia which I believe is the top (oscillating every few years/rankings) in education.

But in Rochester I can have a car, and its beautiful scenery makes it a strong 2nd. The best thing is that it's a 17month program versus 24months+summer in Columbia.

How is life in Rochester? I live in FL and have lived here enough to become totally used to the hot weather. Going up north rather scares me, and Rochester, well, even more.

What can you tell me that would make me go to Rochester instead of NYC IF I am accepted to both?? (wishful thinking? hope not for my sake lol)!

Yes, Rochester, NY. You know, I am sitting here after a month of January when it snowed 30 of the 31 days of the month. This winter has been terrible, but the last two winters I've been here have been much more mild. There are great ski areas within 30 minutes, as well as lots of places to ice skate, watch hockey, and do winter-related things. Even if you are not a winter person, experiencing it for two years may be fun, particularly if you're headed back to warmer weather afterward.

I am excited about heading to Florida though for a conference at the end of the month. It'll be nice to get a break from this weather. And, it is worth noting, you'll still get hit with winter in NYC and there will be less winter-related things to do because you are in the city. Columbia though is great; hopefully you get into both and have to make the tough decision.

My quick defense of the Warner school: They have a flexible enough curriculum that permits you to take classes outside of the education school. This includes classes on African American history and literature, as well as other similar courses. Depending on what you want to teach, these can be really helpful and set you apart from other candidates. UR also has a very good relationship with local schools and you begin your student teaching work almost immediately upon coming here. A lot of my friends in the Warner school really enjoy being able to experience a few different classroom settings while at Rochester (it also helps with networking, if you're planning on teaching in the area after graduation).

I don't know much about Columbia's school of education, so I can't compare or contrast too much. Good luck with the applications though, the waiting on mine is killing me.

[tesolin4languages]

Yes, Rochester, NY. You know, I am sitting here after a month of January when it snowed 30 of the 31 days of the month. This winter has been terrible, but the last two winters I've been here have been much more mild. There are great ski areas within 30 minutes, as well as lots of places to ice skate, watch hockey, and do winter-related things. Even if you are not a winter person, experiencing it for two years may be fun, particularly if you're headed back to warmer weather afterward.

I am excited about heading to Florida though for a conference at the end of the month. It'll be nice to get a break from this weather. And, it is worth noting, you'll still get hit with winter in NYC and there will be less winter-related things to do because you are in the city. Columbia though is great; hopefully you get into both and have to make the tough decision.

My quick defense of the Warner school: They have a flexible enough curriculum that permits you to take classes outside of the education school. This includes classes on African American history and literature, as well as other similar courses. Depending on what you want to teach, these can be really helpful and set you apart from other candidates. UR also has a very good relationship with local schools and you begin your student teaching work almost immediately upon coming here. A lot of my friends in the Warner school really enjoy being able to experience a few different classroom settings while at Rochester (it also helps with networking, if you're planning on teaching in the area after graduation).

I don't know much about Columbia's school of education, so I can't compare or contrast too much. Good luck with the applications though, the waiting on mine is killing me.

I'd love to experience a true winter. The coldest I've been is living in France for a few years and that doesn't get colder than 32F-35F or 0C to -5C most winters. So Rochester NY will be a big change

I already have an interview for University of Rochester and I am hoping it is a good thing and not just part of the application process. In my mind, this means that they are at least marginally interested.

FYI, I am planning on teaching ESOL (English to Speakers of Other languages).

Columbia is a top education school, as is Warner I believe.

However, given that I will be independent financially, while NYC is great, it's really expensive and given the fact that I will try to be a full time student, making ends meet will be tough with menial / nickel and dimed jobs.

I hope since Columbia's deadline was Jan 15th, and Warner's was Feb1st that by mid march I will have an answer. Do you know when they will give you the decision?

This would spare me some cash because every school charges a fee, plus transcripts and if I have an answer then I don't have to bother with my other choices. I want to go to NY state badly because that's where the opportunity for my major is. Plus, NYC K-12 certification is as rigorous as they come, and they have reciprocity with many states.

Good luck with your apps Rustin!

Also, if any1 has tips or info or just opinions, I'd love to read them. =)

[tesolin4languages]

bump

[tesolin4languages]

my post is seemingly lost in oblivion

[wtncffts]

my post is seemingly lost in oblivion

I don't think it's good form to bump your post for no reason. What more do you want to know? I think you've received some pretty good answers.

[tesolin4languages]

I don't think it's good form to bump your post for no reason. What more do you want to know? I think you've received some pretty good answers.

Well for one I wanted to continue a (probable) conversation with Rustin and anyone who could explore the question a little more with answers or personal opinion on the subject at hand or any others that were slightly touched upon or implied.

No need to be aggressive, I'm just trying to get to know people.

Relax

[Amalia222]

The question is based on the assumption that they accept me for what I have completed and achieved before this final semester is over.

If anyone knows the answer to this basic question, if you could answer that would greatly calm me down. I think I have senioritis. I just have two basic classes, and one is an upper division elective, lol.

Any1?

I have spoken to various graduate coordinators, and they made it clear that all admissions decisions are based on what is in your application at the time of review. So if you don't submit something, they don't see it, so they judge you without it.

[tesolin4languages]

Thanks for your input! I truly appreciate it !

I have decided that I have to come to a sensible solution from all the answers put together(lol): it makes absolute sense to keep up the good work, all while knowing that they review your application based on what you have already performed. If comparable performance is not achieved in the last semester well it's not as important, but if it's drastically lower than what you applied with that would be a very bad sign, probably leading to the college's / school's rejection.

If anybody else has input I always appreciate it.

Thanks every1! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!