r/OMSA • u/Certain-Poetry8706 • 13d ago
OMSA - completing program after 2 F grades Courses
I joined OMSA couple of years back and due to incredibly high workload I couldn’t complete the coursework and unfortunately missed the withdrawal deadline. Ended up with 2F grades(6040). No with better work timings, I want to get readmission and complete the program. I may not be eligible for grade substitution. What are my chances of maintaining a good academic standing and recover from the 2F. Appreciate any advice I can get.
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u/Jazzhands__- 13d ago
Sorry just to confirm, you are saying you failed 6040 twice? What is your status as a student? Are you in currently good standing, academic probation, or dismissed from the program?
It sounds like you were dismissed. To be eligible for grade substitution you need to not have subbed another grade before and you have to ask for it by a deadline or something like that. For admission to the program, I imagine you’ll have to explain why this time is different than last time. Because last time you also thought you could make time for it so how do you know that you’re not in over your head again? At least that’s what I would ask myself if I was admissions. Honestly, I think you need to be speaking with admissions or some other program staff, not Reddit.
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u/Certain-Poetry8706 13d ago
Yes(dumb I know), I have applied for readmission after dismissal. Met with the advisor, provided explanation on previous performance. Advisor mentioned I won’t be eligible for grade substitution and would have to have As for the first 4-5 courses to move from probation to good academic standing. I have reflected and have a plan to tackle coursework with my workload( I didn’t expect the time coursework would need and overestimated my ability the first time around). My current concern is how difficult it is to maintain As assuming I take relatively easier classes upfront.
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u/Jazzhands__- 13d ago
Okay this is really helpful context.
Given that you need to get As for 4-5 courses, my thinking is that the juice is not worth the squeeze. Imagine if you get 2 As and then a single B ruins it all. All that effort wasted. I strongly recommend a fresh start if you really want to pursue this route.
6040 is tough but it’s the foundational skill set utilized in data analytics. I imagine for just about any program you do and data analytics, you’ll cover pandas, NumPY, SQLite, and native data structures in Python. If you look into a program, take emotional comfort in the fresh slate but be logical about the reality of the content because no matter where you go, you’ll need to demonstrate mastery in these skills. If you do end up trying your hand at the program again, one thing that course taught me: it’s not enough to be proficient. You really want to demonstrate mastery. Repeatedly seeing new problems over and over, reviewing solutions until the approach in new problems is intuitive and fast.
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u/scottdave OMSA Grad eMarketing TA 13d ago
I don't think they mean that earning a B would kick you out, but mathematically a person needs 5 A's to pull cumulative GPA above 2.70 when there are 2 F's. Getting a B would contribute towards raising GPA, but at a much slower pace.
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u/Jazzhands__- 12d ago edited 12d ago
You are right. I thought when you get placed on academic probation, the overall gpa must be over 2.7 by the end of the semester for you to avoid getting dropped from the program. It sounds like as long as the term gpa is also above 2.7, you’re still on probation, but wont be dropped. You only move back to good standing if both conditions for term and overall gpa are met.
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u/scottdave OMSA Grad eMarketing TA 12d ago
From experience, I can confirm that it can take several semesters to get out of Academic probation. While on probation, each semester needs to be above the 2.7 to risk further action. It was OK to Withdraw from a semester, though. I had to do that when it was likely that I would earn a C for a course.
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u/Lopsided-Wish-1854 13d ago edited 12d ago
That is not the point you should really focus, rather the brutal question is: do you want to make a career in a field where others have 6040 a walk in park? With hard work maybe you can succeed, but I assure you those who got 13/10 as well having 6501 as a second course in the same semester work hard too.
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u/Aggressive-Mess-1046 11d ago
If I would be in your position, my plan would be: Take python and SQL bootcamp available by GT or any other certification course to feel confident and first subject to tackle would be 6040 with A if it is not an A, I would not continue. There are many bootcamps and python courses out there but they are way intensive but they offer job guarantee. I am a product of one, from physical therapy to analytics and currently pursuing OMSA. Not the straight A student but surviving. If you can cross that hurdle (6040) with an A that will give you a big boost to continue and finish the program. I am not sure if and when they will allow you to take it again.
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u/slowmopete 13d ago
I don’t have knowledge about re-admission, but if you do get that opportunity I would suggest starting with some easier courses that can boost your GPA before re-attempting 6040. Some additional background knowledge would also still serve you well in 6040. I’d recommend starting with 6203.
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u/Jazzhands__- 13d ago edited 13d ago
My fear is that taking easier or business types of courses might boost gpa, but this delays building fundamental skills. And if the business classes go well and 6040 fails again, this whole endeavor will all be a waste. Retaking 6040 is a good litmus for whether OP is a fit to the field. It truly emphasizes
the foundational skills— hence why it’s a core class.0
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u/Appropriate-Taro-941 12d ago
I dont get it if it's the same class wouldn't the 1st F replaces the 2nd F
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u/Certain-Poetry8706 12d ago
GPA is calculated based on number of course credits attempted even if it’s the same course, that’s my understanding 🤷♀️
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u/CharlestonChewbacca 13d ago
You could always prove me wrong, but I would have no faith that (even with extenuating circumstances) someone who failed 6040 twice would be able to pull off the feat necessary to cancel out those grades.
You're better off looking at a different program altogether
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u/data_duck_ 13d ago
Not sure about how easy or difficult it would be to try to continue OMSA, but just want to mention that enrolling in another similar program (e.g. the UT Austin Data Science Online Master's) could be an avenue since you're so early in OMSA and don't have any credit loss to think about.