Does university employment have any effect on the admissions process?

Question

If you work at a university and apply to a graduate program at your school, would that help your admissions chances at all?

What if you were an alumnus of the university, then worked at the same school?

I'm concerned about my undgraduate GPA as it was fairly low.

Thanks. I do qualify (and have received) nearly free tuition for classes. I took 2 undergraduate courses this past summer and did relatively well (compared to my prior performance).

Answer 1

Its all about contacts really. If you work in the parking garage i doubt it will help your chances :D. If you work with a department chair (or some other role where you are involved with some of the faculty) I'm sure his/her word is better than many letters of reference that could be written from outside sources. Don't forget the power of office/academia politics.

It also depends on the difference in GPA from the cut off. If you got like a 1.9 you have a very slim chance. If the cut off is 3.5 and you had a 3 something you should be alright.

See if you can schmooze your way into an introduction or chance meeting with the admissions people in the department you are applying for and see if that helps.

Some times it helps if your going to the grad school where you got your undergrad sometimes it doesnt.

Answer 2

I got my Master's degree from the school where I currently work, and though they are fairly selective, I had no trouble at all. I'm sure they will give employees preferential treatment. Most schools offer remission. Check with your Human Resources Department to see if you qualify for free/reduced tuition.

Answer 3

No none.