Explaining a failing grade?

[tom1504]

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Hey guys,

I'll make this short: last year was hell; my parents were close to losing their house so I started working full time mid-way through the semester to help them pay their mortgage in addition to paying my rent.

Long story short, my grades dropped. My most glorious grade to date is an F in Abstract Algebra (I'm a math major). I retook it and got an A, but since med schools will average the two, it definitely won't count as an A. I suppose that Abstract Algebra isn't really that necessary to become a doctor, but since it's a math course it's counted in the science GPA, which is a 3.4 with the A and F averaged.

In any case, I'm a senior now and thinking about applying this June. MCAT score is 36, I have a lot of EC's. My question is, what's the best way to address the F on the application?

 

[koffein]

The honest explanation you gave here is probably the best. Your personal/non-academic problems were overwhelming and lead to your one-time flop semester. It happens. I would not fret much.

 

[TooMuchResearch]

What's your overall GPA (both science and overall)? If it's still pretty high, don't even mention the F. They'll notice if they want to notice. Some schools will ask you to explain any low grades or withdrawals on the secondary. If they don't bring it up, I'd suggest you don't mention it.

 

[EkramVahsedi86]

I can only imagine that story helping you. You would make a good doctor if you really are self-sacrificing like that. If you worked, you paid taxes, and its on your gov financial records, its auto-documented--you'll be fine and inspiring story too.