Georgia Tech Admissions? ACE, GPA?

[glancing7924]

In regards to OMSCS does Georgia Tech accept students from TESU where they hacked most of the degree through Sophia and Study.com? Do they ask for transcripts from them before admissions? Do they calculate that into their GPA requirements?

Also, I took some classes at UMPI, where I failed a few classes but replaced those grades with ACE credits and got removed from my GPA. Does Georgia Tech still count those F's as part of your GPA? Do they even ask for those transcripts?

[Hotdogman1]

I got accepted into the OMSA with a UMPI BABA with ~65 ACE credits + ~155 RA credits, but I decided to go with an in-person masters. I helped a zero to UMPI get into the OMSA. My brother (Math major) and his best friend (Comms major) is in the OMSCS. It really isn't hard getting into GT. It is difficult to graduate. They ask for all transcripts after you apply. You can get an application waiver ($95) if you can prove you received Pell grant within the past two years. I don't know about the failed course since you "replaced" it with an ACE course.

I read your other threads https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...uld-you-do. Unless you are a self taught programmer or work in CS industry, I honestly don't think you would graduate even if you get into the program with your current plan: ~24 RA credits in non CS/STEM courses, 7 TESU required CS courses with you already struggling with the first two courses, and the rest of the courses taken with ACE credits. 

• "Preferred qualifications for admitted OMSCS students are an undergraduate degree in computer science or related field (typically mathematics, computer engineering or electrical engineering) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher." As a potential TESU CS major, you should meet the preferred qualifications but it seems like a technicality in my unqualified opinion.  I think my CC's CS associates requires more CS courses.
  
• "Familiarity with multiple programming languages is recommended." It doesn't seem like you took a python/java course before. Most of the CS courses would be ACE credits.
  
• "some classes in the OMSCS program—especially in the artificial intelligence and machine learning areas—require a solid background in advanced mathematics, especially linear algebra, probability, and statistics." You took Calculus 1 and Stats at Sophia...You could select a different specialization but your math foundation (on paper) is paper thin.
  

• Another issue could be your GPA. From what I understand, ACE credits get added as a block, so your total GPA would be from 45 credits = 24 previous RA credits + 21 TESU RA to graduate. If those failed several courses at UMPI get counted and you don't get straight A's from TESU, what is your estimated GPA?
  

(I don't think it's worth paying for the UMPI BABA out of pocket since you lose Pell grant after you complete your first bachelors, but I guess a Business bachelor's and additional RA credits to boost your GPA can't hurt.)

I spoke to my brother's friend and he took the prerequisite python, OOP, and DSA courses at a local community college. "These may be for-credit classes at community colleges, other universities, or courses delivered via university-affiliated extension schools; whether such courses are taken in-person or online is irrelevant...Note that academic coursework means that the university is able to provide a transcript notating your performance is worthy of academic credit; this must come from the university, not a third-party intermediary or platform such as a MOOC provider." (Like LevelUP mentioned, it seems like you could take some of them at TESU.) From how it's written for the prerequisites, they prefer: UL university courses > LL CC > MOOC. I've heard of people getting in with only the MOOC, but: "Specifically, these MOOCs alone are rarely sufficient for those with only a Bachelor's degree in a non-STEM field. Similarly, non-credit courses and curricula from other MOOC providers, bootcamp providers, etc. are rarely considered sufficient." While not required, he, as a Comms major, was advised to take College Algebra/Calculus 1, Linear Algebra, Discrete math, and Stats at a CC or at least have the knowledge before enrolling in courses.  Even if you complete all of these: "Please note that these courses provide only the minimum qualifications for studying computer science at the graduate level. Completing them does not guarantee admission to the program." 

Beyond the prerequisites, resume, essays, letters of recommendations, the little ways I could think of how you could improve your application:
"Other objectively-documented credentials may be considered—such as MOOCs with verified certificates and bootcamps—but it is rare that such instructional settings are as rigorous and well-documented as for-credit classes at recognized academic institutions."

• you can request Financial aid to get a 90% discount up to 5 courses a year on EDX. I know this can be applied to some of the recommended "brush up" refresher courses. If you get the 90% discount, it might be a good idea to do the prerequisites at both the Uni and MOOC. https://courses.edx.org/financial-assistance/
  

• You can complete several cs related EDX professional certificates to supplement your application. I don't think it helps much, but it can't hurt if you have the time. You can complete them for free via Verizon and they have several relevant certs from Harvard: Computer Science for Python Programming, Computer Science for Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science for Cybersecurity, Computer Science for Web Programming, Learning Python for Data Science, Data Science. I have take several courses and the content is very good. Even if it doesn't help, it'll look good on your resume https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...ll-Forward
  
• I really do recommend you complete the math/stat at a CC, but I don't know if they actually check if you completed them since they aren't required courses, only recommended. Either way, I'd recommend completing both the RA and some of the verizon edx relevant math certs. From Delft University of Technology: Mastering Calculus, Mastering Probability and Statistics, and Mastering Linear Algebra. I haven't taken any of these. You could also CLEP Calculus and maybe College Algebra (free via Modernstate voucher).
  

All the quotes "" are from https://omscs.gatech.edu/preparing-yourself-omscs.
(This is unrelated, but I don't think financial aid can be applied towards the OSMA micromasters. However, EDX often has 30% holiday sales that can be applied: 9 credits over 80 (B) applies towards the 36 OMSA credit hours. The discount makes it ~$192.50 per credit hour vs $297 standard OMSA tuition. There is a risk with completing the EDX micromasters as it doesn't guarantee admission into the OSMA and the micromasters itself would not apply towards another program since it isn't RA credit.)

"my main goal is to get a job in System Administration, and not Software Engineering." My IT knowledge is definitely outdated and probably incorrect, but if you graduate from GT OMSCS and TESU BACS, you would have a computer science masters & bachelor's with no relevant IT certs and work experience. Is it possible to get a Sysadmin job with those qualifications?

[bjcheung77]

Basically, for all graduate programs, they look at your application as a package, from GPA to other various variables. As mentioned, getting into a program is much easier than completing the program of choice. I highly recommend making a backup choice or two just in case GT doesn't accept you due to various reasons, from GPA, to prerequisites, certs, degree, experience, etc. An example option for your backup choice would be UofPeople MSIT, WGU MSIT, or something similar...

[glancing7924]

I got accepted into the OMSA with a UMPI BABA with ~65 ACE credits + ~155 RA credits, but I decided to go with an in-person masters. I helped a zero to UMPI get into the OMSA. My brother (Math major) and his best friend (Comms major) is in the OMSCS. It really isn't hard getting into GT. It is difficult to graduate. They ask for all transcripts after you apply. You can get an application waiver ($95) if you can prove you received Pell grant within the past two years. I don't know about the failed course since you "replaced" it with an ACE course.

I read your other threads https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...uld-you-do. Unless you are a self taught programmer or work in CS industry, I honestly don't think you would graduate even if you get into the program with your current plan: ~24 RA credits in non CS/STEM courses, 7 TESU required CS courses with you already struggling with the first two courses, and the rest of the courses taken with ACE credits. 

• "Preferred qualifications for admitted OMSCS students are an undergraduate degree in computer science or related field (typically mathematics, computer engineering or electrical engineering) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher." As a potential TESU CS major, you should meet the preferred qualifications but it seems like a technicality in my unqualified opinion.  I think my CC's CS associates requires more CS courses.
  
• "Familiarity with multiple programming languages is recommended." It doesn't seem like you took a python/java course before. Most of the CS courses would be ACE credits.
  
• "some classes in the OMSCS program—especially in the artificial intelligence and machine learning areas—require a solid background in advanced mathematics, especially linear algebra, probability, and statistics." You took Calculus 1 and Stats at Sophia...You could select a different specialization but your math foundation (on paper) is paper thin.
  

• Another issue could be your GPA. From what I understand, ACE credits get added as a block, so your total GPA would be from 45 credits = 24 previous RA credits + 21 TESU RA to graduate. If those failed several courses at UMPI get counted and you don't get straight A's from TESU, what is your estimated GPA?
  

(I don't think it's worth paying for the UMPI BABA out of pocket since you lose Pell grant after you complete your first bachelors, but I guess a Business bachelor's and additional RA credits to boost your GPA can't hurt.)

I spoke to my brother's friend and he took the prerequisite python, OOP, and DSA courses at a local community college. "These may be for-credit classes at community colleges, other universities, or courses delivered via university-affiliated extension schools; whether such courses are taken in-person or online is irrelevant...Note that academic coursework means that the university is able to provide a transcript notating your performance is worthy of academic credit; this must come from the university, not a third-party intermediary or platform such as a MOOC provider." (Like LevelUP mentioned, it seems like you could take some of them at TESU.) From how it's written for the prerequisites, they prefer: UL university courses > LL CC > MOOC. I've heard of people getting in with only the MOOC, but: "Specifically, these MOOCs alone are rarely sufficient for those with only a Bachelor's degree in a non-STEM field. Similarly, non-credit courses and curricula from other MOOC providers, bootcamp providers, etc. are rarely considered sufficient." While not required, he, as a Comms major, was advised to take College Algebra/Calculus 1, Linear Algebra, Discrete math, and Stats at a CC or at least have the knowledge before enrolling in courses.  Even if you complete all of these: "Please note that these courses provide only the minimum qualifications for studying computer science at the graduate level. Completing them does not guarantee admission to the program." 

Beyond the prerequisites, resume, essays, letters of recommendations, the little ways I could think of how you could improve your application:
"Other objectively-documented credentials may be considered—such as MOOCs with verified certificates and bootcamps—but it is rare that such instructional settings are as rigorous and well-documented as for-credit classes at recognized academic institutions."

• you can request Financial aid to get a 90% discount up to 5 courses a year on EDX. I know this can be applied to some of the recommended "brush up" refresher courses. If you get the 90% discount, it might be a good idea to do the prerequisites at both the Uni and MOOC. https://courses.edx.org/financial-assistance/
  

• You can complete several cs related EDX professional certificates to supplement your application. I don't think it helps much, but it can't hurt if you have the time. You can complete them for free via Verizon and they have several relevant certs from Harvard: Computer Science for Python Programming, Computer Science for Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science for Cybersecurity, Computer Science for Web Programming, Learning Python for Data Science, Data Science. I have take several courses and the content is very good. Even if it doesn't help, it'll look good on your resume https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...ll-Forward
  
• I really do recommend you complete the math/stat at a CC, but I don't know if they actually check if you completed them since they aren't required courses, only recommended. Either way, I'd recommend completing both the RA and some of the verizon edx relevant math certs. From Delft University of Technology: Mastering Calculus, Mastering Probability and Statistics, and Mastering Linear Algebra. I haven't taken any of these. You could also CLEP Calculus and maybe College Algebra (free via Modernstate voucher).
  

All the quotes "" are from https://omscs.gatech.edu/preparing-yourself-omscs.
(This is unrelated, but I don't think financial aid can be applied towards the OSMA micromasters. However, EDX often has 30% holiday sales that can be applied: 9 credits over 80 (B) applies towards the 36 OMSA credit hours. The discount makes it ~$192.50 per credit hour vs $297 standard OMSA tuition. There is a risk with completing the EDX micromasters as it doesn't guarantee admission into the OSMA and the micromasters itself would not apply towards another program since it isn't RA credit.)

"my main goal is to get a job in System Administration, and not Software Engineering." My IT knowledge is definitely outdated and probably incorrect, but if you graduate from GT OMSCS and TESU BACS, you would have a computer science masters & bachelor's with no relevant IT certs and work experience. Is it possible to get a Sysadmin job with those qualifications?

I appreciate your detailed response. Based on my situation, I would love to get the OMSCS but I won't be too disappointed if I don't get it. Although I have never worked a SysAdmin job before, through self study I know a lot already and perhaps getting some certs would serve me better in the short and long run. 

I am unwilling to go back to Community College to take classes or take additional math classes from those required in my undergrad, even if it made me eligible to join the program at Georgia Tech. I simply want to take my TESU degree, mostly through ACE credits, and join Georgia Tech. If I am denied I will be moving on and finding a different program that does accept me or perhaps abandon my aspirations for a Masters. 

As a 35 year old, the opportunity cost is not worth it at my age. My plan was to finish my undergrad, get some certs, get in the industry, and get my Masters at a slow pace.

---

Basically, for all graduate programs, they look at your application as a package, from GPA to other various variables.  As mentioned, getting into a program is much easier than completing the program of choice.  I highly recommend making a backup choice or two just in case GT doesn't accept you due to various reasons, from GPA, to prerequisites, certs, degree, experience, etc.  An example option for your backup choice would be UofPeople MSIT, WGU MSIT, or something similar...

I agree. I am currently looking at secondary options just in case I get denied. It wouldn't surprise me if I was denied, but I am hopeful. If UofPeople stopped being so stubborned and changed their name to a more basic name I would of loved to get my Masters there. WGU is a great option, but I expect my Masters to be taken at a slower pace which is why the per credit price at Georgia Tech was enticing. I will continue searching as I finish my Undergrad.

[Hotdogman1]

It isn't hard getting into the program. It wouldn't be surprising if you got in.

• "Adding in the incoming students (OMSCS Spring 2025), total enrollment in the program is 16,609 this semester, which is an all-time record"
  
• "20% of incoming students already have a graduate-level degree. 3% have a PhD or other doctoral degree" = 77% only had a bachelor's (https://mailchi.mp/cc.gatech.edu/welcome...ce2c18dc7/)
  

When I was applying, I heard the acceptance rate for both programs was around 75% (probably not accurate since I couldn't find official data to confirm).

I didn’t mean to gatekeep; I just got the impression that you thought it was an entry level beginner friendly program. They don’t teach from the ground up as they expect you to already have a certain level of knowledge. That said, many people, like my brother's friend, have thrived in the program without a CS background. With only the TESU BACS, you might have an ok shot of getting in (I'm not guaranteeing anything). Get the $95 application waiver, 3 really good letters of recommendation, resume and essays edited/reviewed at a public library or TESU's writing center if they have one. Like bjcheung77 mentioned: "they look at your application as a package, from GPA to other various variables." Worst case scenario, you only waste <$20 in transcript fees since you probably need the rest for the other schools anyways.

[bluebooger]

> It isn't hard getting into the program.

you don't know that


you even say the acceptance might only be 75%

I know someone who has a Pharmacy Doctorate and works in the IT department in a major hospital

he knows python and sql and has created numerous internal websites that allows the pharmacy department to speed up their work

he applied and got rejected

[Hotdogman1]

Isn't 75% high for a school like GT? (Again, it's probably inaccurate since I can't find a source for it.) UT Austin's CS masters is basically equivalent to GTs program but they had a 30.56% acceptance rate last year out of 2071 applicants. (https://gradschool.utexas.edu/about/stat...enrollment).

I know someone who has a Pharmacy Doctorate and works in the IT department in a major hospital

he knows python and sql and has created numerous internal websites that allows the pharmacy department to speed up their work

he applied and got rejected

I don't know. From my previous post: "20% of incoming students already have a graduate-level degree. 3% have a PhD or other doctoral degree" = 77% only had a bachelor's (https://mailchi.mp/cc.gatech.edu/welcome...ce2c18dc7/) However, it's nice to know that UMPI BABA > Pharmacy Doctorate.

[LevelUP]

> It isn't hard getting into the program.

you don't know that


you even say the acceptance might only be 75%

I know someone who has a Pharmacy Doctorate and works in the IT department in a major hospital

he knows python and sql and has created numerous internal websites that allows the pharmacy department to speed up their work

he applied and got rejected

It says on the GT website, the acceptance rate is 85%.

https://www.cc.gatech.edu/news/learning-...ale-degree

[bjcheung77]

Basically, for all graduate programs, they look at your application as a package, from GPA to other various variables.  As mentioned, getting into a program is much easier than completing the program of choice.  I highly recommend making a backup choice or two just in case GT doesn't accept you due to various reasons, from GPA, to prerequisites, certs, degree, experience, etc.  An example option for your backup choice would be UofPeople MSIT, WGU MSIT, or something similar...

I agree. I am currently looking at secondary options just in case I get denied. It wouldn't surprise me if I was denied, but I am hopeful. If UofPeople stopped being so stubborned and changed their name to a more basic name I would of loved to get my Masters there. WGU is a great option, but I expect my Masters to be taken at a slower pace which is why the per credit price at Georgia Tech was enticing. I will continue searching as I finish my Undergrad.

With an overall package that you optimize to showcase your certs, degree, experience, etc, and if it meets most, if not all the requirements of entry, you should be able to enter the program (at least 85% chance of acceptance). The main thing is, you want to be well prepared for the program, getting in isn't really the issue, getting the most out of the program and learning extra subject matter, gaining that knowledge and/or filling in those knowledge gaps from undergrad, is what you want to accomplish (in addition to the degree of course).

[Kjnova]

I was accepted into Georgia Tech (MSc Cybersecurity) with 100+ credits at a major state university, with a poor GPA (around 2.0), 42 credit hours via ACE, and 42 credit hours taken directly at UMPI, with a UMPI BBA with a 4.0 GPA.

I don't think you need to include a transcript from a college where you completed fewer than some threshold of credits. Something like 12 credits. But you'd want to confirm that.