How to explain hellish transcript in a PS?

[Nottingham]

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Where do I begin? I apologize for the novel, if you want to skip the whiny sob story and get to the question please skip ahead to the **

**My question is, how do I put this into a personal statement? I have pharmacy experience, good PCAT scores and good LORs but my transcripts are a mess. All this is a reason, not an excuse, and I want to convey to the Adcoms that I am past it and motivated and will succeed. Reading about my parents' indiscretions are about as interesting as watching paint dry. I don't want come across as whiny as I think I sound, but I need to explain the first two years of hell. I'm concerned that "academic forgiveness" will not apply because, we're not talking about a decade ago we're talking about a mere 2 years ago. I have matured, I have learned to cope with my family and the stress that they entail and I am a stronger person for it. Any insight is appreciated.

 

[ALLNuclear]

Keep it minimal and concise. Focus on how you improved, how personal family struggles influenced your passion for pharmacy, and (subsequently) you began to get straight A's. I wouldn't say your transcript is hellish just from that. A lot of people are procrastinating slackers-turned-ochem-geniuses (see: ALLNuclear). You don't have to tell them your family is.... unique.

 

[Nottingham]

Haha, I'm sure they're not unique. Just difficult.

 

[jackal head]

"This fall I am taking a monster course load that includes OChem, Microbio and A&P. I will get straight As. I am capable"

Your taking all those at once and plan to get As? Why would you want to put yourself through such hell, I haven't taken any of those classes but word on the street is they are each very time consuming.

Don't take this the wrong way but I think you are way over loading yourself and should at least drop one of the above and replace it with an easy class.

On the flip side if you can actually pull off As in all those, hats off to you and I'm sure this will definitley show your dedication.

 

[^=^]

If you can do it, go for it!
I was thinking about taking Plant bio, Animal Bio, Physics, and Ochem. All with lab except for O-Chem...We'll see

 

[Nottingham]

"This fall I am taking a monster course load that includes OChem, Microbio and A&P. I will get straight As. I am capable"

Your taking all those at once and plan to get As? Why would you want to put yourself through such hell, I haven't taken any of those classes but word on the street is they are each very time consuming.

Don't take this the wrong way but I think you are way over loading yourself and should at least drop one of the above and replace it with an easy class.

On the flip side if you can actually pull off As in all those, hats off to you and I'm sure this will definitley show your dedication.

I was told I couldn't take Inorganic I (with a lab), Calculus and Microeconomics in 6 weeks, plus work 25-30 hours a week, keep 2 horses in work (I did cut back from 3 horses) and excel. Well...I just checked and I pulled off three As. In fact, I worked out that if I didn't even bother to take the finals in any of my classes, I still would have had all Bs. As long as I can stay on top of my comprehension and review, I am confident I can pull it off. I'll let you know how it goes 😉 All I can say is that my boyfriend is a VERY patient man!

 

[Sparda29]

Devote 75% of your studying time to Organic Chemistry, you won't regret it.

Anatomy and Physiology can be aced by simply going to class and taking good notes, and skimming over the notes a few hours before the exams. Watching House M.D. is another great way to ace this class.

Microbiology, same thing. Go to class, take notes, watch House M.D.

Organic Chemistry, do every homework problem possible.

 

[jackal head]

Devote 75% of your studying time to Organic Chemistry, you won't regret it.

Anatomy and Physiology can be aced by simply going to class and taking good notes, and skimming over the notes a few hours before the exams. Watching House M.D. is another great way to ace this class.

Microbiology, same thing. Go to class, take notes, watch House M.D.

Organic Chemistry, do every homework problem possible.

you really seem to like that show, is it really that good? watching episode 1 season 1 right now

 

[aboveliquidice]

Explaining all of your faults in your PS is a rookie mistake. It may seem like a logical place to do this... but it in fact puts your worst attributes in the forefront.

Liken it to a first date with a beautiful, smart woman. What intimate details are you going to share? How wonderful a person you are? Or that you sometimes, on occasion, wet the bed?

Extreme... well... maybe - but think of it this way. If they decide to choose you for an interview, they will almost certainly give you an opportunity to explain yourself. Why not do it then. You are not the first applicant with a bad transcript (no really - I'm serious). Give the ADCOM a stellar PS. Doing so will earn you an interview - and a perfect opportunity to explain those blemishes on your record.

One slight deviation. If they provide a section (secondary essay) that allows for an open response, definitely explain the issue there. They provide this section for just such an explanation - and it would be foolish of you to not take advantage of it...

Just my .02

(not checked for spelling / grammar)

~above~

 

[Sparda29]

you really seem to like that show, is it really that good? watching episode 1 season 1 right now

Facebook has a House MD Application Trivia Thingy. I'm ranked 110 out of 227005.....

I've watched every episode at least 5 times.

 

[IrishRxMan]

I do agree that you don't want to air all of your dirty laundry right off the bat, but they will see your transcripts before they give an interview. You should put it at something like you had many personal issues, you walked through a pile of poo and came out smelling like roses on the other side, from what you say. Don't say too much about what personal issues they were, just that you learned from them and in your transcripts you show that you have grown and learned from your experiences. Ultimately, that's all life is, just experiences, what you learn, and how you use the lesson you learned. Definitely use the secondary essay to more fully explain things more fully like aboveliquidice said. Good luck!