Being admitted into a graduate program after dismissal from another

Applying to College
1

Hi all,
I want to thank everyone in advance for any advice I receive and apologize if this topic has been covered before. A Google search of both the College Confidential forums and the wider web did not reveal anything that fit my particular circumstances, so I thought I would ask on this forum for advice.

I graduated in 2010 from RIT with a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering and Economics. My GPA was less than stellar (3.0). I also took the GRE while an undergrad, and received a 750 Math and a 680 Verbal score. After graduation, I moved to Northern Virginia for a full time engineering job. While working, I applied to several PhD Economics programs and was eventually accepted into the program at George Mason University.

I started in the program in 2011, while continuing to work full time. Due to some poor time management skills, study skills, and personal issues, I could not maintain the minimum academic requirements. I was dismissed from the program after 4 semesters, because I received 3 C grades (the programs requirement is no more than 2 C grades). I had by that time taken my prelim exams, and passed my Macro, but did not pass my Micro.

I have already gone through the appeals process at George Mason without any success. I have also spoken with the department secretary, and was informed that I cannot be readmitted to George Mason.

I was wondering what are my options for getting into another Masters/PhD school? I have started taking non-degree classes at The George Washington University, hoping to get good grades and recommendations from professors, for a future Masters program application. Will that be useful, or am I wasting my money?

Thanks!

2

I do not have any experience, so this is just a gut reply.

I think that you’ll be able to get into another program without too much concern. You are older and wiser and more experienced now, which you may need to “prove” in your application.

I think there is probably some wisdom as well in your current strategy. I personally wouldn’t invest too much time/money in doing so… like I would be applying to other programs “now”.

Do you need the additional education? Are you still working? What do you hope to gain with the additional degree? Does your employer reimburse tuition costs?

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Appreciate your response crazymonster. I am currently not working. The reason I want to pursue a Masters is because I want to switch to a career in research/academia in economics, as I feel like that will be where I am more productive and happier.

4

I see you are posting this all over the place, but the Graduate School forum will get you the most eyeballs and relevant replies, if anyone really knows about this sort of outlier situation.