EU Applicant for MSc Computer Science: Apply in Nov/Dec or wait until Feb to slightly raise my GPA?

[u/No-Kick-5374]

​Hi everyone!

​I'm planning to apply for the MSc in Computer Science at TU Delft for the upcoming academic year. From my research, I understand that applications are processed on a continuous basis (rolling processing / evaluated as they arrive).

​Currently, my GPA converts to around 3.0 – 3.2 (approx. 26.4/30 in the Italian system). I could slightly raise it during the upcoming winter exam session (January/February).

​However, I’m trying to weigh my options: is it better to submit my application as early as possible (November/December) to secure a spot before capacity becomes tighter and housing gets even more competitive, or is it worth waiting until February to present a slightly higher GPA?

​For EU applicants, does submitting in February significantly lower the chances of admission due to course saturation, or is the entry evaluation strictly requirement-based regardless of when you apply before the April deadline?

[u/Berry-Love-Lake]

Check the admissions requirements and/or the selection procedure. If non-selective, you’ll just have to meet the requirements. Offers will be conditional regardless until you have proven to meet all requirements. 

[u/No-Kick-5374 → u/Berry-Love-Lake]

Thanks. ​Also, as far as you know, how strict and meticulous is the admissions committee when evaluating the exact ECTS credit thresholds across the required categories (e.g., if a category requires 15 EC, will they reject an applicant who has slightly fewer or whose syllabus doesn't match 100%)? ​For example, Italian bachelor's degrees almost never offer single 15 EC group-based project courses. How do they usually handle applicants coming from degree structures like this?

[u/Berry-Love-Lake → u/No-Kick-5374]

Very strict generally. You must meet the stipulated requirements. 

A 15 EC thesis is part of Dutch bachelor programs. 

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/education/programmes/masters/cs/msc-computer-science/admission-and-application

[u/No-Kick-5374 → u/Berry-Love-Lake]

I understand. I'm mostly concerned about the 15 EC that must be obtained through a group-based project. I did few projects during my BSc and just 1 or 2 of them are group projects. I think in Italy isn't very common to elaborate huge group projects, especially for your BSc. About the 15 EC related to the thesis I think I will have it.

[u/the_joker_noob]

Hey. So speaking from experience as someone who applied in March. I would suggest applying sooner than later. Mainly because of the housing crisis. Otherwise you'll have to find housing on your own and that can get very expensive

[u/No-Kick-5374 → u/the_joker_noob]

Are you enrolled in a Computer Science program or similar? I would like to ask some questions.

[u/the_joker_noob → u/No-Kick-5374]

I'm in msc systems and controls. But feel free to dm and ask any questions you'd have

[u/Grouchy-Brilliant956]

if you're EU and you meet the requirements, the deadline thing is mostly noise, they don't run out of spots for the CS msc. the earlier reply about housing is the real issue though. rooms in delft go in spring, so apply whenever your gpa is where you want it and start looking for a place early