First, you may want to consider searching for similar discussion on academia.stackexchange.com . Now, wanting to study Comp Sci more deeply is a valid (and com

First, you may want to consider searching for similar discussion on academia.stackexchange.com . Now, wanting to study Comp Sci more deeply is a valid (and commendable) wish. You seem to be describing (at least) three issues: * You also seem not to be satisfied with self-study, such as "auditing" courses. Is that because of the lack of instructor feedback? The lack of challenge of pressure/stress and face-to-face interaction? Difficult with the self-discipline required for a study schedule? * ... You did not indicate whether you're interested in doing more research, rathet than just studying more advanced material. M.Sc. programs often involve both. * Your low GPA as a barrier to entry. Try to offset it by working on some interesting/useful FOSS (not just for the sake of having done so!); if you can show you have written decent code and that people are using it, this should offset something like a low grade in an introductory programming course. Doing this may also help you with "bankable" skills. * If it's research you're after, don't just try to "enroll"; look for research groups which do something you're interested in.