Mention low GPA in personal statements?

[kbean]

I'm just full of questions today, apparently--so here's another one.

What are peoples' opinions of mentioning low GPAs in personal statements? Mine was not very good in comparison to average GPAs for clinical psych programs. I have excellent letters of recommendation (one of which I know mentions that my GPA does not match up with my ability), two years of solid professional research, undergrad research experience, pretty good GREs scores, etc.

So, do I make reference to my low GPA in my essays, or do I let the rest of my materials speak for themselves? I don't have any stunningly wonderful explanation of why my GPA is so low (you know, no family problems or chronic illnesses)--it's mostly that I kind of slacked off in the beginning of college and I was also holding two jobs for a good portion of my time in schools--but it also clearly got much better in my final two years in college (made Dean's list that whole time).

Any advice on this?

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[PrisonPsych]

I would read what each school wants in their descriptions - if there's any way to include an explanation, I probably would. However, many schools want very specific information in the statements, and if an explanation doesn't fit with what they want in there, it would probably do more harm than good. It also depends on how much lower we're talking - 3.4 is probably not a big deal, whereas 3.0 might be.

Remember, averages are averages for a reason - for every person that got accepted that's above the average, there's one below.

 

[psyed4clinPhD]

I would briefly mention it, but not make a bunch of excuses. Try to keep it positive and use it as a learning experience (not to take on so much while studying, more driven to attain higher grades, etc.) Maybe something like this:

I was working 2 jobs and transitioning to college which resulted in a lower-than-expected GPA. However, during the last 2 year I was better able to apply myself to my coursework which resulted in a higher GPA.

But I think you should just briefly mention it as this is your opportunity to explain any inconsistencies in your application. Good luck

 

[JockNerd]

What's "low"? Some people seem to be under the impression that a 3.3 is low and need explanation. It doesn't.

 

[deadmau5]

I have 3.35 - but I am taking courses this year to improve it just that little bit more. So I'm going to mention that but yeah i'm not going to be "i got ruined in first year... after that everything was great". You can mention that your marks have steadily improved since first year.

i would mention that you had jobs, you were a working student and you supported yourself throughout college.

 

[cardamom]

I would not mention GPA at all unless it's pretty bad, and you need something worthwhile to say about it too otherwise there's no point. If you have one bad semester that is weighing down your GPA (you were sick or something), or if your freshman year sucked and since then you've been great, or your old major you did poorly in, but you switched and your psych GPA is awesome, those are all things could maybe warrant a sentence or so, but I would explain it as briefly as possible, and in the context of a positive (e.g. "Despite having some difficulties [brief details], I excelled academically once [more details about success]"). The more you dwell on it, the more you risk making it seem like an even bigger issue than it is, and if it's already a really big issue to that school, well, honestly, they probably won't accept you anyway, so what you say won't mitigate it.

Also, for what it's worth, many schools weigh last two years GPA and psych GPA more heavily than total undergrad GPA (many ask for those numbers), so if those are better for you, you are already in good shape.

 

[clinicalpsyapp]

I agree with what everyone else is saying. Personally, I have a 3.4 (3.8 last 60 credits). In my personal statement, I managed to weave in some of the things that might explain my low GPA: how I started pre-med (which was relevant to my PS because of my interest in health psych) and how I worked full-time and graduated a year early (which I included to explain why I didn't have any undergrad research experience and why I chose to go the RAship for one year and then master's degree route). I figure they will be able to put 2 and 2 together and realize that's why I had a low GPA, without me spelling it out for them and making excuses.

 

[JockNerd]

3.4 is not a low GPA! It's well within the range for successful applicants at competitive programs.

 

[kbean]

Since a few people asked--mine's a 3.25 overall, with a 3.6 my final two years and a 3.5 in psych.

 

[PrisonPsych]

Since a few people asked--mine's a 3.25 overall, with a 3.6 my final two years and a 3.5 in psych.

Probably okay, but if you're going to mention it, talk about how you improved over your first year, like a couple people have said.

 

[JockNerd]

All of your GPAs are not low! I got multiple interviews and offers with a 3.3.

I wouldn't mention it except in passing and referencing something else. E.g., "I struggled to adjust to college in my first year. Ultimately, I found my passion for whatever it is I like, and this lead me to my work in lab xyz blah blah blah."

I really wouldn't draw attention to it; if your personal statement is being read then you passed the GPA/GRE culls and other things are more important.

 

[psychmama]

oops, accidental post.

 

[clinicalpsyapp]

I really wouldn't draw attention to it; if your personal statement is being read then you passed the GPA/GRE culls and other things are more important.

Great point!

 

[Chenelsea3]

AMEN!!! people stressing about their 3.2s and 3.3s is a sign of how sick this whole process is.

I have a 3.3 and I personally think that's awesome :0)

 

[twilson]

This thread kind of makes me feel better about my GPA!
I mentioned my "low" gpa (3.25) because all my Ws and bad grades were in my freshman year in a 2 sentences or so

 

[hamsterpants]

This thread kind of makes me feel better about my GPA!
I mentioned my "low" gpa (3.25) because all my Ws and bad grades were in my freshman year in a 2 sentences or so

...

 

[kbean]

To all the other people out there in the same sort-of-low GPA situation as me, just a note: this is my second year of applying, and last year, despite NOT mentioning my GPA in my essays, I still got three interviews at three good schools, so I know my apps weren't just tossed out because of my GPA. I think strong statements, GREs, LORs, etc. can make up for it.

I think my not getting in last year was more due to other things (didn't apply to enough schools, didn't apply to good enough matches, didn't prepare myself well enough for interviews, etc.). I'm just asking the question about including it because I'm trying to make my applications as good as they can possibly be this year!

 

[hamsterpants]

To all the other people out there in the same sort-of-low GPA situation as me, just a note: this is my second year of applying, and last year, despite NOT mentioning my GPA in my essays, I still got three interviews at three good schools, so I know my apps weren't just tossed out because of my GPA. I think strong statements, GREs, LORs, etc. can make up for it.

I think my not getting in last year was more due to other things (didn't apply to enough schools, didn't apply to good enough matches, didn't prepare myself well enough for interviews, etc.). I'm just asking the question about including it because I'm trying to make my applications as good as they can possibly be this year!

Thanks. This is good to know. All I want is my app to be given the same consideration as any other. not just gpa/ gre, next. 😉

 

[cdomi018]

So the generally consensus is that for the most part we shouldnt include an explanation for bad grades. That being said, I would still like to hear other people's opinions on my situation.

I have an undergrad in biomedical sciences and am currently working on a second undergrad in psychology. Here's the thing, in my last semester of my last year of biomed I suffered from severe anxiety. I couldn't even bring myself to go to school (I managed maybe 50% attendance). At the time I was doing my honours thesis. I know research is considered very important when applying to grad school... I obviously didn't do well on my thesis (B+ or 78%). I then volunteered to participate in a research study which was looking at the effectiveness of different treatment options. It was very beneficial as it taught me how to reduce and cope with my anxiety issues. It also provided me with the opportunity to be on the other side of study. I have since not had any issues with my anxiety interfering with my studies. Would any of this be worth mentioning?

Thanks!

 

[deleted176373]

It also provided me with the opportunity to be on the other side of study. I have since not had any issues with my anxiety interfering with my studies. Would any of this be worth mentioning?

Thanks!

My 2 cents... No.

Mark

 

[deleted343839]

There's probably no need to mention it, especially if your credentials elsewhere are strong. After the initial pass no one will look very hard at your transcript any longer. If you have good letters, solid research experience, and a good GRE score, then your GPA is not going to be a detriment to your application (unless it's dismally low, like below 3.0).

Have a concise answer at hand if you're asked about it at the interview. Otherwise, don't sweat it.

 

[Doctor Eliza]

It is sort of hard to compare GPA's w/o considering the competitiveness of your undergrad institution. A 3.3 from Harvard is different than a 3.3 from Podunk State (no offense to any Podunk State alums out there 🙂)

My 2 cents is not to mention it, especially if you know a prof has already mentioned it. You don't want to call any extra attention to it.

Also, my understanding is that GPA is more of a screening criterion than an a decision-making criterion. If they are bothering to read your essays, they probably decided that your GPA was high enough. A 3.5 student won't be accepted over a 3.3 student if the 3.3 student's research is a better fit with the prof's.

Best of luck!

Dr. Eliza

 

[zoistaffy]

You have a lot of questions today, and I have a lot of opinions, so good fit! (Whatever, I know).

I personally wouldn't mention it. It's not that low, and why bring up bad things when you PS is your short opportunity to show off your accomplishments. That said, some schools want you to answer/ address particular questions, like: "What has been the biggest struggle with college and how did you overcome it?" and stuff like that.

Your experience with doing poorly the first two years, learning from it, then working to improve and being successful doingn so is a GREAT example of how you took a bad situation, problem solved, worked hard, and overcame.