Highlighting an upward trend?

[brianmartin]

So my upward trend is pretty good. Had a 2.9 freshman year, going up to 3.9-4.0 junior and senior year with A's in nearly all pre-reqs and in many upper division classes. Basically, the upward trend is very obvious. But my overall GPA is still about 3.5.

Now, is it important to mention the upward trend in my PS or elsewhere in my application? Or do they usually look for it? Like if I applied to schools with median GPA at 3.7-3.8...am I going to be competetive there?

Do you have to somehow "draw attention" to the upward trend, or is it common enough that they are already looking for it?

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[167649]

So my upward trend is pretty good. Had a 2.9 freshman year, going up to 3.9-4.0 junior and senior year with A's in nearly all pre-reqs and in many upper division classes. Basically, the upward trend is very obvious. But my overall GPA is still about 3.5.

Now, is it important to mention the upward trend in my PS or elsewhere in my application? Or do they usually look for it? Like if I applied to schools with median GPA at 3.7-3.8...am I going to be competetive there?

Do you have to somehow "draw attention" to the upward trend, or is it common enough that they are already looking for it?

They look over grades probably more dilligently than any other part of your application. And the AMCAS breaks down GPA by science, non-science, and year in school, so they can see that pretty clearly. In your situation you won't need to metion it. But maybe in your PS, you could mention how your self discipline and maturity improved if that fits with what your writing about.

 

[87138]

I had almost identical GPA #'s/trends. In my PS I just mentioned quickly how transferring schools and changing majorsmade me realize how much I enjoyed learning (but made it sound less lame). It seemed to work out fine for me.

 

[brianmartin]

See the thing is, I already wrote my PS (or at least I have it nearly complete) and I didn't mention grades anywhere. And now I'm starting to think, should I insert something about it? The problem is, my PS doesn't really have a spot where I could mention it without screwing up my train of thought.

 

[Maxprime]

They see the breakdown, they'll notice. They may wonder why, but 1 awful year followed by 3 incredible years speaks for itself pretty well. Mention it if you have a good story, otherwise - let them assume you were young.

 

[Isoprop]

not necessary. your other grades and mcat score covers up the blemish quite well.

 

[MyInitialsAreJC]

My first few years in college were so horrible, academically speaking, that i made it a major theme in my personal statement and secondary essays. My GPA was in the low 2s by the time i got serious. It actually seems to have turned out quite well for me.

One of my interviewers even pointed out that the very *first* grade listed on my AMCAS grade sheet is an F! i assured him that i didn't mind that cuz it serves to set the tone for my academic reformation. 😉