Addressing GPA numerically in PS

[Elevencents]

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My current cGPA/sGPA is 3.18/3.19. This is due in no small part to my first adventure with college back in 1999 where I had two semesters with ~1.9 GPA. However, in my last 140+ credit hours I have sustained a 3.43 cGPA / 3.57 sGPA. Is this something that should be mentioned in the PS directly, somewhere along the lines of "after learning from my mistakes, I have maintained a 3.43/3.57 GPA over the last 5 years". Or will these numbers be readily evident to adcoms and mentioning them in the PS is just overkill and looks like you are pleading?

It doesn't seem right to mention it, but at the same time I would hate to be completely disregarded for a hindered GPA stemming from almost 15 years ago.

Since I know it will come up, yes I am applying DO and I am perfectly happy if that works out, I am just giving myself some more geographical options. 😀

If anyone has any experience with a similar situation I would love to hear it!

 

[Lil Mick]

My current cGPA/sGPA is 3.18/3.19. This is due in no small part to my first adventure with college back in 1999 where I had two semesters with ~1.9 GPA. However, in my last 140+ credit hours I have sustained a 3.43 cGPA / 3.57 sGPA. Is this something that should be mentioned in the PS directly, somewhere along the lines of "after learning from my mistakes, I have maintained a 3.43/3.57 GPA over the last 5 years". Or will these numbers be readily evident to adcoms and mentioning them in the PS is just overkill and looks like you are pleading?

It doesn't seem right to mention it, but at the same time I would hate to be completely disregarded for a hindered GPA stemming from almost 15 years ago.

Since I know it will come up, yes I am applying DO and I am perfectly happy if that works out, I am just giving myself some more geographical options. 😀

If anyone has any experience with a similar situation I would love to hear it!

Send me a pm. I applied after a terrible first go at college, have a bit of experience with this sort of application, and am happy to help anyone who wants to discuss it further.

In general, they will notice the trend in the grades, but some MD schools may screen you out for the total gpa (not DO, though). I wouldn't address it quite like that, but it is something that can be worked into your personal statement as a testament to your desire to enter this career and ability to learn from mistakes. Send me a pm if you want to talk more.

 

[survivordo]

I would definitely work it into your personal statement to make SURE that they notice that your second go around was much more compatible to success in medical school.

Survivor DO