Clean record to this point, explanation statement?

[DickVetPlease]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

To be honest, my academic record up until this point has been pretty solid. I don't really feel the need to explain a semester where I got a 3.5 instead of a 3.8 or whatever (I'd feel pretty stupid trying to explain something like that). So, if that's the case, is it acceptable to just skip over the explanation statement?

Also, stupid side question. I've entered my evaluators, so can I submit the app before they submit the recommendations?

 

[nyanko]

You'd probably be right to feel pretty stupid explaining something like that. If you don't have anything in your application that needs clarification, then I wouldn't bother with the explanation statement. Just my opinion, though. Others may disagree!

And yes, you can submit the app before your eval writers submit their letters. However, you can't delete or add new ones if you submit so I'd make sure that you know they will come through before submitting.

 

[Angelo84]

Yes there is no need to use the explaination section. You can submit before your evaluators. I think you can still nag your evaluators even after you have submitted but I don't think you can change them. This can be a bit terrifying as one of my evaluators didn't get it in until noon on the day it was due! I was in contact and he kept assuring me he'd get it in and he did! Apparently he just wanted to terrify me first.

 

[twelvetigers]

Gotta love evaluators that enjoy causing a panic-induced adrenaline rush in those they are evaluating. 🙄

 

[psjlg2]

I wouldn't write anything. Although the ad com wants to know as much as they can about you in a limited space, I don't think they want to have to read any "sob my GPA was only 3.5 this semester sob" stories. Unless of course you have a great reason you feel like talking about in an interview, I would leave it blank. Sometimes I think less yammering when its not needed makes a better impression that explaining things to death.

I was going to put an explanation about why I re-took O-Chem in the explanation statment. But honestly, isn't it obvious? I got a C and wanted an A for a better GPA and to show that I'm not incompetent, I don't need to spell that out.

 

[twelvetigers]

I was going to put an explanation about why I re-took O-Chem in the explanation statment. But honestly, isn't it obvious? I got a C and wanted an A for a better GPA and to show that I'm not incompetent, I don't need to spell that out.

I did the same thing... well, am doing the same thing. I don't plan on explaining it either - it's pretty easy to figure it out without assistance, you know? I don't think I'll put anything in the explanation statement this time. I don't have any good reasons, just excuses (or things that sound like excuses).

 

[nyanko]

I wrote a freaking novel for the explanation section. 😳

 

[DickVetPlease]

haha alright then, a bit less work for me 👍

Thanks for the responses