Explaining a Bad Semester

[Syr]

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So, I had a really bad semester last fall - my depression worsened to the point of near-hospitalization, and I ended up going to a partial-hospitalization program and withdrawing from almost all of my classes. My GPA for the remaining classes was fine, but I'm left with three rather glaring W's on my report card.

How can I explain these if I'm questioned about them? A lot of my poor performance has been related to poor mental health and an undiagnosed problem (which is now, thankfully, diagnosed and treated successfully). I'm not trying to make excuses for myself, but am trying to decide what to do if questioned or what to put in a personal statement. I don't really want to put "I went crazy for a semester, then got better and I'm fine now", but I don't want to completely skirt the issue either, as I think it's a rather important part of my academic record and who I am.

Like I said, it's successfully treated, and hopefully shouldn't be a problem any longer - my grades last semester were fine, I haven't had to be hospitalized, and I'm no longer depressed. I'm just worried about previous issues reflecting badly on me, or giving them the idea that I'll do poorly in the future again because of the same issue.

Any ideas or experience? Any help or commentary would be great!

 

[ckgilabert]

i was totally honest in my explanation. i stated the facts (grandma sick, couldn't focus on school, had to put her in a home). and then i wrote about how i got focused, i raised my gpa, transfered to a university. and said my university gpa, my science gpa, and my plans. my overall gpa was a 3.2 but my upper division gpa was a 3.6 and science 3.4 or 3.5. something like that. i think that since you're waiting to apply till next year, then you'll have a chance to change things for the better. and talk about that. 🙂 end on something positive and how you fixed yourself

good luck!!!

 

[thearsonist]

Sorry to hear about your situation. I hope you're alright.
As far as the W's, aren't you able to retake the classes that you withdrew from? Possibly write a letter to the dean and try to work something out about maybe getting the W's removed, so it doesn't look so bad.

If that doesn't work, then try explaining it by letting them know that you were unable to continue those classes due to severe health issues, and be sure to be able to present documented proof regarding hospitalization and such. If they ask any more about it, then don't be afraid to tell them, they want to see you as a person, and future doctor.

best of luck.

 

[parietal]

Also, be aware that you get a separate explanatory statement where you can address issues like this. I'd keep the medical/explanatory stuff to that.

For what it's worth, I spent almost as much time crafting my explanatory statement as I did my personal statement. Mine wasn't only an explanation but a story of my journey and how I learned to overcome my obstacles. You don't get a ton of space, but use it wisely and your W's won't be an issue.

 

[sumstorm]

With any sort of health issue, particularly any that someone may be prejudicial against) it is acceptable to say something as simple as 'As indicated by my lower GPA/withdraws/etc, I was affected by a medical issue from x date to y date which was resolved through appropriate treatment.' there is no need to go into more detail, and legally adcoms can't ask (they can ask if you can successfully complete the program & work as a vet, but that is different.) if you share any details, adcoms can consider those details (because inclusion means you consider them to affect your application.)

 

[Minnerbelle]

I agree with Sumstorm. Your issues may be a part of who you are (and most likely, a part of why you are a stronger and more resilient person), and it most definitely is NOT a character flaw. If anything, I think you should be applauded for overcoming adversity. However, you never know who is going to be reading your application and what prejudices they have. Since it looks like you're trying to explain away only one really bad semester and you've bounced back since, it is really none of the adcom's business to know what exactly your ailments were.

 

[nitheninny]

Agreed. If it were me, I'd simply explain it as a medical problem which has now been resolved. Also, keep in mind that it's far less important what you say went wrong than explaining how you've grown from that experience and what you learned in the process. Discuss the thought process around your decision to withdraw from those classes and the decision NOT to withdraw from the semester entirely. How did you make those decisions? What skills/lessons did you learn from this experience that will prepare you for vet school and the possibility of another issue coming up?

 

[StartingoverVet]

Agreed. If it were me, I'd simply explain it as a medical problem which has now been resolved. Also, keep in mind that it's far less important what you say went wrong than explaining how you've grown from that experience and what you learned in the process. Discuss the thought process around your decision to withdraw from those classes and the decision NOT to withdraw from the semester entirely. How did you make those decisions? What skills/lessons did you learn from this experience that will prepare you for vet school and the possibility of another issue coming up?

👍👍👍
Couldn't agree more. Consider everything on your app (including the bad stuff) as a way to talk more about how everything that has happened to you makes you a better candidate. It shows self-awareness and it is good marketing!

Also, I like the way Sunstorm suggests presenting the info. It gets the job done without revealing much. I took a similar approach for a family issue on my app!