Admission, Experience and GPA
I am a 21-year-old student from Turkey. This year, I decided I want to study in Hong Kong and applied to Computing / Computer Science / Computer Engineering programs at CityU, PolyU, and HKBU.
My main concern is that my high school GPA is 87/100, which I fear might be low for these majors. However, I have significant industry experience to back up my application:
I started coding at 12 and have been freelancing and working for companies since I was 15. One of my past roles was at a successful San Francisco-based startup. I worked in a research lab with the Head of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department at one of Turkey's top universities. I gained experience in embedded programming (C++ and Raspberry Pi), helping build an HVAC system and a fall detection system using WiFi signals. I have extensive experience in Web, Mobile, and Backend Development. I am fluent in 5 programming languages and dozens of frameworks. Besides Turkish and English, I have B2-level proficiency in French.
I am worried about how admission officers will view my profile. Do you think my extensive experience will outweigh my GPA, or will my grades be a dealbreaker? I would love to hear your thoughts on my chances of getting admitted (with or without a scholarship).
Thank you so much! :)
Posted Jan 31, 2026, 1:32 PM UTC