How can I explain poor performance in college?

[Med1992]

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So to start off, I'm still a sophomore going on into junior year. I'm a Biology major (doing a concentration in Microbio/Immunology).

I've had a really weird college experience. My GPA freshman year was a 3.55, and I did awful the first semester mostly because I was homesick. Second semester, I took 20 credits and aced most of them.

I initially tried sophomore year out, but due to a family illness that really affected me, I withdrew completely (fall 2011) and didn't go back to school until fall 2012 (gap year dealing with family crisis). This year, that family crisis turned into a death, and that was hard to deal with. I got a C in Organic Chemistry I, and getting so behind in the second part forced me to withdraw from Organic II. But in addition to that, I was diagnosed (a few days ago) with ADHD and anxiety, and I really think that also contributed to a poorer performance. So far, I got a B and A in both General Bios, a D (then B after retake) in Chem I and an A in Chem II. I got a C in Organic I, and I withdrew from Organic II and Microbiology.

Studying was always extremely hard for me, and I haven't taken medicine for it yet and I really don't want to, but I think this explains why I've been doing so poorly.

How do I explain all of this? I dont want dental schools to feel like I'm crazy or something or take those pills just to perform better in college and other stuff like that...and also, with regards to the family crisis that lasted over a year, won't they think I was too weak for not being able to handle it?

Won't they be like...oh if this happens while he's in dental school, whats he gonna do then?

I dunno...I'm just confused. Can someone please help?

 

[Bis-GMA111]

So to start off, I'm still a sophomore going on into junior year. I'm a Biology major (doing a concentration in Microbio/Immunology).

I've had a really weird college experience. My GPA freshman year was a 3.55, and I did awful the first semester mostly because I was homesick. Second semester, I took 20 credits and aced most of them.

I initially tried sophomore year out, but due to a family illness that really affected me, I withdrew completely (fall 2011) and didn't go back to school until fall 2012 (gap year dealing with family crisis). This year, that family crisis turned into a death, and that was hard to deal with. I got a C in Organic Chemistry I, and getting so behind in the second part forced me to withdraw from Organic II. But in addition to that, I was diagnosed (a few days ago) with ADHD and anxiety, and I really think that also contributed to a poorer performance. So far, I got a B and A in both General Bios, a D (then B after retake) in Chem I and an A in Chem II. I got a C in Organic I, and I withdrew from Organic II and Microbiology.

Studying was always extremely hard for me, and I haven't taken medicine for it yet and I really don't want to, but I think this explains why I've been doing so poorly.

How do I explain all of this? I dont want dental schools to feel like I'm crazy or something or take those pills just to perform better in college and other stuff like that...and also, with regards to the family crisis that lasted over a year, won't they think I was too weak for not being able to handle it?

Won't they be like...oh if this happens while he's in dental school, whats he gonna do then?

I dunno...I'm just confused. Can someone please help?

just..be honest

 

[Med1992]

just..be honest

I mean I realize I have to be honest...I'm not gonna lie or anything, but I'm just wondering how they're gonna see all this and what they'll think.

Because to be honest, it sounds very depressing and I don't want them or anyone else feeling sorry for me or anything like that. I want them to see me as a very cheery, optimistic person that I am.

So I guess my real question is...what will they think and what kind of impact would these have on my admissions?

 

[dchoi]

i understand where you are coming from, but i think being honest will be the best solution. just explain to them how you have overcome those problems from the past and how determined you are now. reassure them that you won't mess up in school anymore by literally showing them the turning point. by getting solid grades from this point forward, you can literally show them the point in time that you have become determined, focused, etc. but without showing them how you have "changed", this story will not hold up.

 

[dentalWorks]

So to start off, I'm still a sophomore going on into junior year. I'm a Biology major (doing a concentration in Microbio/Immunology).

I've had a really weird college experience. My GPA freshman year was a 3.55, and I did awful the first semester mostly because I was homesick. Second semester, I took 20 credits and aced most of them.

I initially tried sophomore year out, but due to a family illness that really affected me, I withdrew completely (fall 2011) and didn't go back to school until fall 2012 (gap year dealing with family crisis). This year, that family crisis turned into a death, and that was hard to deal with. I got a C in Organic Chemistry I, and getting so behind in the second part forced me to withdraw from Organic II. But in addition to that, I was diagnosed (a few days ago) with ADHD and anxiety, and I really think that also contributed to a poorer performance. So far, I got a B and A in both General Bios, a D (then B after retake) in Chem I and an A in Chem II. I got a C in Organic I, and I withdrew from Organic II and Microbiology.

Studying was always extremely hard for me, and I haven't taken medicine for it yet and I really don't want to, but I think this explains why I've been doing so poorly.

How do I explain all of this? I dont want dental schools to feel like I'm crazy or something or take those pills just to perform better in college and other stuff like that...and also, with regards to the family crisis that lasted over a year, won't they think I was too weak for not being able to handle it?

Won't they be like...oh if this happens while he's in dental school, whats he gonna do then?

I dunno...I'm just confused. Can someone please help?

My sympathy goes out to you.

But you should never bring up the ADHD.... and this is coming from one "diagnosed" ADHD to another. Its interesting how you took 20 credits and aced them (where was ur ADHD then?) see what I am saying? this isn't a good excuse for poor college performance.

However, in rare event your bad grades get brought up during the interview, explain to them the family problems... I am sure they'll understand ESPECIALLY if (and I am assuming here) that you start to do much better from this point forward.

I am someone who was "diagnosed" with ADHD when I was a kid, and again as an adult, i refuse to take medication for it because I believe its flat out a "medical" excuse to being lazy. Will power overcomes ADHD.

 

[0123]

So to start off, I'm still a sophomore going on into junior year. I'm a Biology major (doing a concentration in Microbio/Immunology).

I've had a really weird college experience. My GPA freshman year was a 3.55, and I did awful the first semester mostly because I was homesick. Second semester, I took 20 credits and aced most of them.

I initially tried sophomore year out, but due to a family illness that really affected me, I withdrew completely (fall 2011) and didn't go back to school until fall 2012 (gap year dealing with family crisis). This year, that family crisis turned into a death, and that was hard to deal with. I got a C in Organic Chemistry I, and getting so behind in the second part forced me to withdraw from Organic II. But in addition to that, I was diagnosed (a few days ago) with ADHD and anxiety, and I really think that also contributed to a poorer performance. So far, I got a B and A in both General Bios, a D (then B after retake) in Chem I and an A in Chem II. I got a C in Organic I, and I withdrew from Organic II and Microbiology.

Studying was always extremely hard for me, and I haven't taken medicine for it yet and I really don't want to, but I think this explains why I've been doing so poorly.

How do I explain all of this? I dont want dental schools to feel like I'm crazy or something or take those pills just to perform better in college and other stuff like that...and also, with regards to the family crisis that lasted over a year, won't they think I was too weak for not being able to handle it?

Won't they be like...oh if this happens while he's in dental school, whats he gonna do then?

I dunno...I'm just confused. Can someone please help?

Well put yourself in their shoes, you have an application from a student of whom went through some tough circumstances and with those circumstances realized their grades slip. Yet upon coming through those circumstances pulled up their gpa by retaking classes and performing well in upper level classes. What would you think? The adcom is comprised of people most of whom want to open your application and have you make it easy for them to say yes. Just make it easy for them to say yes! Get the medicine you need, make the adjustments needed and move forward. No they aren't going to think you're too weak they are going to think you're committed to being there for your family and life happens, im sure it happens to them too. Help them say yes to you, it's that easy, best part about it is that you can talk to them about it and they will tell you what you have to do to get them to say yes. How neat is that. Best of luck 1992.

 

[Med1992]

Wow guys, thanks for all the support! Every single post was very reassuring and made me feel better about my whole situation. I agree, I dont think I'll bring up the ADHD part though

My other question is...I've pretty much gone through two whole years of school and did only ok (actually subpar by dental standards), and I really only have my junior year left. In this year, I'm gonna be taking all those upper-level classes like Immunology, Virology, Cell & Molec, and Micro...I pretty much only have this one year to show the change and to show tremendous improvement and more involvement in my studies/extra-curriculars. Is that even enough?

Right after Junior year, I plan on applying to schools so they won't really see my senior year progress to accompany the app

 

[dentalWorks]

Wow guys, thanks for all the support! Every single post was very reassuring and made me feel better about my whole situation. I agree, I dont think I'll bring up the ADHD part though

My other question is...I've pretty much gone through two whole years of school and did only ok (actually subpar by dental standards), and I really only have my junior year left. In this year, I'm gonna be taking all those upper-level classes like Immunology, Virology, Cell & Molec, and Micro...I pretty much only have this one year to show the change and to show tremendous improvement and more involvement in my studies/extra-curriculars. Is that even enough?

Right after Junior year, I plan on applying to schools so they won't really see my senior year progress to accompany the app

between junior and senior year... this is PLENTY of time to fix up ur GPA (and I don't even think its in that much of a bad shape anyways).... Assuming you have strong junior year performance (above 3.5), I think you'll be competitive (even tho you are applying without senior year grades).

 

[Futuredentist18]

So to start off, I'm still a sophomore going on into junior year. I'm a Biology major (doing a concentration in Microbio/Immunology).

I've had a really weird college experience. My GPA freshman year was a 3.55, and I did awful the first semester mostly because I was homesick. Second semester, I took 20 credits and aced most of them.

I initially tried sophomore year out, but due to a family illness that really affected me, I withdrew completely (fall 2011) and didn't go back to school until fall 2012 (gap year dealing with family crisis). This year, that family crisis turned into a death, and that was hard to deal with. I got a C in Organic Chemistry I, and getting so behind in the second part forced me to withdraw from Organic II. But in addition to that, I was diagnosed (a few days ago) with ADHD and anxiety, and I really think that also contributed to a poorer performance. So far, I got a B and A in both General Bios, a D (then B after retake) in Chem I and an A in Chem II. I got a C in Organic I, and I withdrew from Organic II and Microbiology.

Studying was always extremely hard for me, and I haven't taken medicine for it yet and I really don't want to, but I think this explains why I've been doing so poorly.

How do I explain all of this? I dont want dental schools to feel like I'm crazy or something or take those pills just to perform better in college and other stuff like that...and also, with regards to the family crisis that lasted over a year, won't they think I was too weak for not being able to handle it?

Won't they be like...oh if this happens while he's in dental school, whats he gonna do then?

I dunno...I'm just confused. Can someone please help?

My personal feelings are that we all have ADHD and anxiety...you don't need medicine to mask your issues, you need to develop coping strategies to deal with and kick them in the a**. Get outside and go running, join a gym, do breathing exercises. DON'T tell yourself that you are "sick" or "mentally ill". I dealt with the same thing, I was short of breath all the time, I was constantly uncomfortable. I never know what it was and I finally went to the doctor, after trying to prescribe medicine I knew I did not need, I decided to take action. I did all of what I told you to do above and my life is SO much better.

It seems like you've gone through a lot over the past couple years and you may have some trouble dealing with it. If you take those feelings out at the gym or even on paper, I bet you will feel much better!

As for school, just like the others said, as long as you can improve your grades until the time you apply, you should be fine! Also, taking the DAT will be a great way to show that you really know the material!

Good luck! If you have more questions about what I did to get back to normal, feel free to PM me! 😀

 

[LaughingGas]

Sorry for what happened, but you did good by taking time off from school. BTW the you have junior year and if you don't receive anything by december, you can do academic update , which you can update your summer and fall grades during the cycle.

 

[misty818]

Sounds pretty much exactly like my academic history. I got into tufts, Upenn Maryland, nyu, bu, USC. Be honest, explained what you learned from your mistakes, and you should be just fine.

 

[Futuredentist18]

Sounds pretty much exactly like my academic history. I got into tufts, Upenn Maryland, nyu, bu, USC. Be honest, explained what you learned from your mistakes, and you should be just fine.

That's way cool!👍

 

[Med1992]

Sounds pretty much exactly like my academic history. I got into tufts, Upenn Maryland, nyu, bu, USC. Be honest, explained what you learned from your mistakes, and you should be just fine.

Wow really?! That gives me hope!

 

[bambam92]

So to start off, I'm still a sophomore going on into junior year. I'm a Biology major (doing a concentration in Microbio/Immunology).

I've had a really weird college experience. My GPA freshman year was a 3.55, and I did awful the first semester mostly because I was homesick. Second semester, I took 20 credits and aced most of them.

I initially tried sophomore year out, but due to a family illness that really affected me, I withdrew completely (fall 2011) and didn't go back to school until fall 2012 (gap year dealing with family crisis). This year, that family crisis turned into a death, and that was hard to deal with. I got a C in Organic Chemistry I, and getting so behind in the second part forced me to withdraw from Organic II. But in addition to that, I was diagnosed (a few days ago) with ADHD and anxiety, and I really think that also contributed to a poorer performance. So far, I got a B and A in both General Bios, a D (then B after retake) in Chem I and an A in Chem II. I got a C in Organic I, and I withdrew from Organic II and Microbiology.



Studying was always extremely hard for me, and I haven't taken medicine for it yet and I really don't want to, but I think this explains why I've been doing so poorly.

How do I explain all of this? I dont want dental schools to feel like I'm crazy or something or take those pills just to perform better in college and other stuff like that...and also, with regards to the family crisis that lasted over a year, won't they think I was too weak for not being able to handle it?

Won't they be like...oh if this happens while he's in dental school, whats he gonna do then?

I dunno...I'm just confused. Can someone please help?

If you were written a script for meds by a psychiatrist, you should try them and see how they work. Often times these drugs will help greatly with the ADHD and anxiety. Clearly you can do well when you are focused. Try the meds and go from there! good luck

 

[diasIItema]

1) You should never make an excuse. They don't want to hear it. They want to hear how you'll improve upon your situation and why you will excel in dental school.

2). I can't speak for the ADHD thing. But I can say we have three individuals in our class who receive "special treatment" b/c of clinically diagnosed ADHD. They receive extra time on tests and practicals. Sometimes that creates quite an unfair advantage and I personally am highly opposed to it, but do understand that dental schools are required by law to accommodate ADHD.

3) We had one girl drop out of our class after Gross Anatomy. She blamed it on newly prescribed ADHD meds. I'm pretty sure she just couldn't handle the stress, but that was her alibi.

 

[muffin21]

I screwed up my first two years of college, and it wasn't even because of a serious reason like family illness.. I was just an awkward kid out of high school, who had a hard time adjusting. I honestly told interviewers (when they saw I had done really really ****ty in a couple classes) how things turned out that way, and here was my response formula:

Spend about 15% talking about what happened, but be honest, and don't try to sound like you're looking for pity, and spend the other 85% talking about how you've improved and what you've learned from the struggle. If you are genuine, people understand that mistakes happen.

I ended up getting 9 interviews and got into 5 for 5 schools I interviewed at, and what I've learned is that bumps in the road make you more resilient which is a necessary skill for d school anyway 🙂