Can I get feedback on this question:

[Dr. ThorStrange]

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Discuss any elements of your application that you feel might be concerning to the Admissions Committee.
Is this question required or optional on the application?
If required, should I explain about one bad grade or low MCAT?

How should I approach this question? Should I mention the concern then provide positive aspects?

 

[mr. tree]

i've always felt it's more of an optional question. A chance for you to explain something in case you have something that needs explaining. IMO leave it blank unless you have something significant to add.

 

[gonnif]

1) its opitional
2) do not, repeat, do not explain a few lower grades
3) do not explain a “low” MCAT as you shouldnt have been applying to a school where your MCAT is way below the 10% level

 

[The Knife & Gun Club]

Also only explain something if you have an explanation. This may seem obvious but it actually is not.

If you don’t have a reason for that B- in Ochem sophomore year, then don’t try to explain it away with BS or redirection.

 

[deleted480308]

Discuss any elements of your application that you feel might be concerning to the Admissions Committee.
Is this question required or optional on the application?
If required, should I explain about one bad grade or low MCAT?

How should I approach this question? Should I mention the concern then provide positive aspects?

Just to show you how adcom might respond....what would your explanation sound like?

 

[Goro]

Discuss any elements of your application that you feel might be concerning to the Admissions Committee.
Is this question required or optional on the application?
If required, should I explain about one bad grade or low MCAT?

How should I approach this question? Should I mention the concern then provide positive aspects?

Explanations always come off as excuses, no matter how well they're written

 

[LizzyM]

Explanations always come off as excuses, no matter how well they're written

I do think that there are extenuating circumstances that can explain grades and scores that happened after the event. I'm thinking of catastrophic events such as a family member murdered, family home burns to the ground, accident that lands several members of the immediate family in the hospital, you are forced to evacuate and live in a shelter for weeks due to weather/wild fires. Those things might not otherwise appear on the application but could cause your GPA to take a hit. I think that those are extraordinary, very rare events that an adcom will take into account when examining an academic record.

 

[gyngyn]

This thread can be followed here: UC Davis 2018-2019 Secondary Application