Bad grades must be explained in PS?

[Apparition]

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After almost completing my PS, I wonder if I should have addressed a failing grade (I retook the class with A-). I don't talk about that time period at all in my essay. Should I somehow explain my grade for that class in ps or is there a way to explain in secondaries? Thanks.

 

[gaf]

Many (but not all) secondaries give you an opportunity to explain.

In my opinion, it's not worth talking about a single grade in the PS. First, because they'll see your grades. Second, because talking about the F tends to either detract from an otherwise unified theme in your essay, or becomes part of a 5200 character "explanation-fest" (probably not a PS theme you want to embrace).

 

[WatchingWaiting]

After almost completing my PS, I wonder if I should have addressed a failing grade (I retook the class with A-). I don't talk about that time period at all in my essay. Should I somehow explain my grade for that class in ps or is there a way to explain in secondaries? Thanks.

No. A year of bad grades can often fit into some general theme of coming of age/personal struggle/maturity; however, writing off an individual bad grade will almost invariably sound like making excuses and not come off well in a personal statement. You may very well field some questions about it at your interviews; however, if the rest of your record is strong, one poor grade is certainly not the kiss of death.

 

[MedSchoolFool]

Man...I envy you for having only 1 failing grade. I know that bad grades suck, but you should have no problem explaining a single slip up. I would think that would be very forgivable, especially if all your other grades are high. I hope it will be OK if I chime in with my own similar, but worse situation. It might make you feel better.

ummmm....let's say you have several failing grades...all retaken with a grade of A, mind you. And by several let's say I mean 5.

Before I joined the military I basically had some terrible college years. My time in service helped turn my life around, though. I was dx with major depression and started taking SSRI's, and since then I have done extremely well in college. I have completed 55 hours in 3 semesters with a GPA of 3.9. However, given my former record my cumulative GPA to this point is only a 3.011. Even if I make straight A's until I graduate the best I can hope to finish with is a 3.4.

I'm going to pursue med school even though I'm basically a longshot. I'm writing the MCAT in April of 2005 and just thinking positive.

I would let your repeated grade speak for itself. Focus on your positive attributes, and let the schools ask the questions before you answer them. But do have an answer ready. Some schools may pass on you because of an F, but an explanation probably wouldn't help you for those schools anyway. If a school is interested in you they will ask for the explanaton.

As far as I can tell your job on the PS is to explain why you would be a good physician, not to explain things that point to the contrary, unless those things were many. You don't sound like they are. But it's ultimately your decision what to do. And I'm sure you'll do well.

JJ

 

[skypilot]

Don't focus on the negative. Give the schools reasons why you are inspired to a career in medicine and why you will make a wonderful doctor.

Unless you have a semester full of Fs due to an automobile accident I wouldn't bother mentioning a bad grade. Who knows if you don't mention it maybe they won't notice it. They will be focused on your numbers anyway not your individual courses and grades.

 

[Amy B]

Since it was only 1 grade and since you retook the class and got an A, then I would not worry about putting it into your essay. It is self explainatory. Now if you messed up the whole semester and retook all the classes, that would warrent an explaination. Or if you had all bad grades during one semester, then that should be addressed.

I would say you are fine to leave it out. Good luck.

 

[nina512]

I had one failing grade and retook and got an A. However, I didn't discuss this *dark* time in detail since there were so many other good/positive things I wanted to emphasize in my PS. To me...that time was such a long time ago, and does not define the person I am today.

 

[Kazema]

Unless it's a long, consistent period of bad grades (like I had...) you should just focus on your positives. One failing grade won't cause adcoms to throw your app out, especially if you retook the class and got an A.

 

[tupac_don]

After almost completing my PS, I wonder if I should have addressed a failing grade (I retook the class with A-). I don't talk about that time period at all in my essay. Should I somehow explain my grade for that class in ps or is there a way to explain in secondaries? Thanks.

No don't explain in your personal statement. If they wanna know real bad, they will ask you in the secondaries or the interview. Remember don't poke at your weaknesses instead project strenght, but be prepared to answer if they ask. If you are good overall all they might not even ask. Make your parents proud.

 

[RayhanS1282]

Don't do it....they already know about this. Only bring up weaknesses when they bring it up. I wanted to explain my D in Bio-calculus in my PS but my adviso told me to steer clear of it. He said that they know about it and it's not adviceable to point out your weaknesses....instead focus on your strengths.

 

[Dr Dean]

I want to know exactly why you got bad grades. What do you have to hide?

ROAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

 

[Apparition]

Thanks guys! I'm glad I don't have to put it in. It would totally be out of place.