I really appreciate the encouragement, Blue, and from everyone else. The vote is unanimous!

Best of luck to you all.

Thanks for the encouragement, Batfink27. Another grad student suggested that I should mention/qualify why my MSc marks were low (e.g. in a summary statement attached to my application, explaining the bell curve incident). I'm not sure if that will seem lame, like I'm trying to make excuses (even though they're true).

What do other people think - good or bad idea to call it out?

Thanks for your reply, Mothy. I do prefer to be honest and upfront, but am nervous about this impacting any grant application because they are so competitive these days.

Thanks so much for your replies - extremely helpful. I agree with you both: I prefer to be upfront. But I can't help but be nervous that the MSc will likely hinder any chances of funding.

My uni (for MSc) has distinction/merit/pass/fail system, and they did give us % grades as well. I got a 57% overall, which is a far cry from my undergrad magna cum laude. The grading on a bell curve situation was indeed strange, but wouldn't it seem odd having to explain that to admissions? I don't want to seem like I'm complaining or coming up with excuses, though it's all entirely true. However, it may be a useful approach...at least when speaking with potential supervisors.

Sneaks: we had the option to do a research project, but with a turn around time of 8 months, virtually no supervision, and the paper being worth only 5% of the overall average not one person in my class took this route. However, I now have over 9 years experience managing programs, projects and communications strategies; writing and research; consulting, and building international networks (which would be useful for the kind of research I want to do). Am hoping that will count for something.

Pineapple29, I wish you best of luck with the viva! You are almost there...

Hello,

I received my Bachelor's degree over 10 years ago from a top Cdn uni with a decent GPA (first class in UK). Two years later I completed my MSc in a slightly different topic at a top British uni. Didn't do so well, only 2:2, primarily based on final exams. It was a bizarre grading system there, where one prof had to grade on a bell curve b/c more than half the class failed final exams in one of my courses. After many years work experience I'm looking to apply for MPhil (en route to PhD) and would like to get funding, which I likely won't get if I apply with my MSc grades on the list.

Should I just apply with my Bachelor degree and ask those writing recommendations not to reference my grad school experience? Could I get in trouble for not disclosing my MSc experience? What would you do? I should be able to get enough references through work and former undergrad profs.

Any and all advice is most helpful. Many thanks

Hello,

I received my Bachelor's degree over 10 years ago from a top Cdn uni with a decent GPA (first class in UK). Two years later I completed my MSc in a slightly different topic at a top British uni. Didn't do so well there, only 2:2, mostly based on final exams. It was a bizarre grading system there, where one prof had to grade on a bell curve b/c more than half the class failed final exams in one of my courses. After many years work experience I'm looking to apply for PhD and am considering funding, which I likely won't get if I apply with my MSc grades on the list. Should I just apply with my Bachelor degree and ask those writing recommendations not to reference my grad school experience? Could I get in trouble for not disclosing my MSc experience? What would you do? I should be able to get enough references through work and former undergrad profs.

Any and all advice is most helpful. Many thanks