Addressing a bad semester in PS?

[Gordo014]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi all,

I'm in the midst of fiddling around with my personal statement, and I was wondering if it'd be beneficial if I addressed my absolutely atrocious first semester of undergrad (1.4 gpa that semester - have since managed to bring it up to a 3.6 sGPA and a 3.63 cGPA thanks to an incredibly strong upward trend). Essentially I came into college extremely immature with zero study or time management skills but got my butt into gear afterwards, learned how to study, and overcame it.

Assuming I'm able to weave it into my PS, would it be worth talking about? I've heard conflicting opinions on the topic.

 

[digzthis]

I wouldn't go in to the personal statement with a plan to address it..if it happens to come across as evidence for a larger idea then sure, but i think your first semester is pretty insignificant and your upward trend quietly addresses it.

 

[artist2022]

Your PS is for you to explain why you want to pursue a career in dentistry. Don't use it to explain your grades-- some school's secondaries (like Western's) have a place for you to explain things like this in your application.

 

[tccheng91]

I wouldn't go in to the personal statement with a plan to address it..if it happens to come across as evidence for a larger idea then sure, but i think your first semester is pretty insignificant and your upward trend quietly addresses it.

Agreed. And since this happened in the very beginning and you improved so I am sure they know. But if you still want to address it, perhaps mention it in secondary application and tell them how you matured and grew from such experience.

 

[KineticFlow603]

They will figure that out on their own from the progression of your GPA (positive uptrend). Use your personal statement to address why you will be a great dentist.