Explanations - do schools really care?

[punkun]

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When schools ask for explanations of shortcomings and inconsistencies, how much are these taken into account during review of an application?

For example, I have a definitely below-average GPA, but I was being treated for depression my freshman year because of a personal tragedy that happened. Without my freshamn grades I am fine, my MCAT is fine, my ECs are fine, and I explained everything tastefully in my personal statement. Now, my question is: to what extent will schools take into account my explanation - or are they likely to not even get that far in my application because of my low GPA.

 

[Law2Doc]

When schools ask for explanations of shortcomings and inconsistencies, how much are these taken into account during review of an application?

For example, I have a definitely below-average GPA, but I was being treated for depression my freshman year because of a personal tragedy that happened. Without my freshamn grades I am fine, my MCAT is fine, my ECs are fine, and I explained everything tastefully in my personal statement. Now, my question is: to what extent will schools take into account my explanation - or are they likely to not even get that far in my application because of my low GPA.

They'll hear you out and maybe give you the benefit of the doubt if you are close and show an upward trend. But at the end of the day, they have more people with competitive stats than they have interview slots, so you need to shine with your accomplishments. If we are just talking about a single year of difficulties, you can fix a below average GPA by taking more courses and averaging it up.

 

[HumbleMD]

When schools ask for explanations of shortcomings and inconsistencies, how much are these taken into account during review of an application?

For example, I have a definitely below-average GPA, but I was being treated for depression my freshman year because of a personal tragedy that happened. Without my freshamn grades I am fine, my MCAT is fine, my ECs are fine, and I explained everything tastefully in my personal statement. Now, my question is: to what extent will schools take into account my explanation - or are they likely to not even get that far in my application because of my low GPA.

Hey there fellow Wolverine - nice game yesterday, eh? I keep hearing over and over that upward trends in grades are really good at allaying fears you wouldn't be able to perform in med school. Also, clinical depression is definitely a valid and good explanation (most of the time people just write they "hadn't quite developed good study habits" - read: lazy and/or partied too much." Take some more science classes to boost that GPA (and I highly recommend practical botany next term). Bust of luck in the admissions and Go Blue!

 

[MeBeans]

When schools ask for explanations of shortcomings and inconsistencies, how much are these taken into account during review of an application?

For example, I have a definitely below-average GPA, but I was being treated for depression my freshman year because of a personal tragedy that happened. Without my freshamn grades I am fine, my MCAT is fine, my ECs are fine, and I explained everything tastefully in my personal statement. Now, my question is: to what extent will schools take into account my explanation - or are they likely to not even get that far in my application because of my low GPA.

In such a case, where you have a clear reason, I would recommend focusing more on tragedy and how you managed to overcome it.
Don't make the essay "I had low grades because I was depressed", but rather, "I managed to overcome my depression by... and look at how I improved"

 

[DrZeke]

Hey there fellow Wolverine - nice game yesterday, eh? I keep hearing over and over that upward trends in grades are really good at allaying fears you wouldn't be able to perform in med school. Also, clinical depression is definitely a valid and good explanation (most of the time people just write they "hadn't quite developed good study habits" - read: lazy and/or partied too much." Take some more science classes to boost that GPA (and I highly recommend practical botany next term). Bust of luck in the admissions and Go Blue!

Hey HumbleMD,

I agree with the upward trend thing. A lot of schools want to know if you have the "longevity" to make it through medical school. Every year there are students who have breezed through their undergrad, and have high MCATs, but then get to med school and get the surprise of their life = they don't do so well. They want to know - how will you handle failure, because if that happens to you, what will you do? I've found since I've had some "failure" in my past and a nice upward trend that it was easy to explain in an interview how I handle myself and what I would do if I found myself in the situation I described above. If you've been through some tough times, and honestly explain how you turned things around, they know you're genuine and all that. 🙂

 

[Scottish Chap]

Schools literally hear hundreds of ‘explanations' (legitimate or not) every year pre-interview and my feeling is that it turns them off. Definitely do not make point of 'apologizing' in your AMCAS essay. I know couple of people who ended up applying again (succesfully second time, with the same stats) after doing this in their first application season. Put together a positive and cohesive application. I promise you that schools will ask you at the interview to justify anything that they feel needs an explanation. Lastly, apply widely - you'll be surprised by which schools show interest. Good luck!

 

[RustNeverSleeps]

Hey HumbleMD,

I agree with the upward trend thing. A lot of schools want to know if you have the "longevity" to make it through medical school. Every year there are students who have breezed through their undergrad, and have high MCATs, but then get to med school and get the surprise of their life = they don't do so well. They want to know - how will you handle failure, because if that happens to you, what will you do? I've found since I've had some "failure" in my past and a nice upward trend that it was easy to explain in an interview how I handle myself and what I would do if I found myself in the situation I described above. If you've been through some tough times, and honestly explain how you turned things around, they know you're genuine and all that. 🙂

I sort of disagree with you here. When I am evaluating applicants, I much prefer seeing no history of academic trouble than a mediocre semester or two. To me, improving GPA from a weak start isn't a positive factor, per se, but more of a mediating factor for a negative on the application. Compelling reasons and/or strong improvement from the weak grades can compel me to "overlook" the academic weak spots, but I won't consider the improvement a strength, necessarily. However, an applicant's forthrightness in explaining the situation and history of overcoming it can make the poor grades much less of a concern. 🙂

 

[BNSN]

Depression's a bitch.

Seriously. I know.

Be proud you overcame it.