Best time for applying for masters assuming poor 2nd year performance
What is the best period to apply for masters? I want to do a Msc but I assume I'm likely going to get a mid-2.2 due to various personal reasons by the end of 2nd Year which isn't so great. Your final year is often heavily weight so I'm not too concerned it just means working substantially harder next year which is often stated to be easier.
My main question is that, since application deadlines are often placed before graduation, what would be the most ideal time to apply? Do universities provide predictive grades or will I have to use my 2nd and 1st Year Transcripts? If its the latter can I use my 3rd year semester 1 provisional marks as well?
I'm looking to apply by January of the year of admission but if unis don't make predictive grades or applications are biased heavily towards your year 2 results should I just wait until after graduation and apply for the year after? Rolling admission programs I guess are also an option as I know some unis like Manchester and LSE do that.
My main question is that, since application deadlines are often placed before graduation, what would be the most ideal time to apply? Do universities provide predictive grades or will I have to use my 2nd and 1st Year Transcripts? If its the latter can I use my 3rd year semester 1 provisional marks as well?
I'm looking to apply by January of the year of admission but if unis don't make predictive grades or applications are biased heavily towards your year 2 results should I just wait until after graduation and apply for the year after? Rolling admission programs I guess are also an option as I know some unis like Manchester and LSE do that.
Reply 1
Predicted grades aren’t really a thing for postgrad applications. Your ref might mention an expectation, but unis typically put more weight in your interim transcript.
With regards to when to apply, I’d suggest either when you have your first semester grades from
your final year, or after graduation with a gap year.
With regards to when to apply, I’d suggest either when you have your first semester grades from
your final year, or after graduation with a gap year.
Reply 2
Original post
by agab3What is the best period to apply for masters? I want to do a Msc but I assume I'm likely going to get a mid-2.2 due to various personal reasons by the end of 2nd Year which isn't so great. Your final year is often heavily weight so I'm not too concerned it just means working substantially harder next year which is often stated to be easier.
My main question is that, since application deadlines are often placed before graduation, what would be the most ideal time to apply? Do universities provide predictive grades or will I have to use my 2nd and 1st Year Transcripts? If its the latter can I use my 3rd year semester 1 provisional marks as well?
I'm looking to apply by January of the year of admission but if unis don't make predictive grades or applications are biased heavily towards your year 2 results should I just wait until after graduation and apply for the year after? Rolling admission programs I guess are also an option as I know some unis like Manchester and LSE do that.
My main question is that, since application deadlines are often placed before graduation, what would be the most ideal time to apply? Do universities provide predictive grades or will I have to use my 2nd and 1st Year Transcripts? If its the latter can I use my 3rd year semester 1 provisional marks as well?
I'm looking to apply by January of the year of admission but if unis don't make predictive grades or applications are biased heavily towards your year 2 results should I just wait until after graduation and apply for the year after? Rolling admission programs I guess are also an option as I know some unis like Manchester and LSE do that.
I know most unis open applications for Master’s courses in autumn of your final year, and you can apply anytime between October and around June/July, depending on the course and university. Some courses have fixed deadlines (especially competitive ones like LSE), but many offer rolling admissions, so applying earlier is better to secure funding or a spot, but late applications can still be successful if places are available!!
Since you're applying before graduation:
•
You'll submit your transcript with 1st and 2nd year marks (even if 2nd year wasn't your strongest).
•
Some unis will ask your academic referee to give a predicted final grade in their reference.
•
Others may let you submit provisional Semester 1 marks from final year, especially if you're applying in January or February.
So, should you apply now or wait until after graduation?
That depends on your confidence in how final year will go and the type of courses you're aiming for:
If you’re aiming for research-heavy courses or competitive unis, it might help to wait until after graduation if you're unsure about your final classification, so that you can apply with your full results
If you're aiming for a course with rolling admissions and you have strong references, a good personal statement, and work experience to back it up, you could absolutely apply during final year, and just explain your situation and show your commitment to improving
Best of luck!!!
Gemma
Official LJMU Student Rep
Quick Reply
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