personal problems and personal statement

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simpleedwin

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Hello SDN,

I had another question regarding my medical school application. During my freshman and sophomore undergraduate years I maintained a 3.8-3.9 GPA. During my junior and senior years, my average GPA dropped to around 3.3-3.5 but my total GPA right now as a graduating senior is 3.68. I had some family problems during these 2 years that I feel made my life more difficult and affected my GPA.

Should I address these in my medical school application (personal statement maybe?). I haven't yet because I didn't want to make excuses but I'm wondering if it's a good idea or not. I've had the mindset that I'd rather use my personal statement space to draw attention to other aspects of my life, but maybe that's worth rethinking. Please let me know. Thanks!
 
Talk to your pre-med committee. You need to be very careful about discussing personal issues on your applications. Often it is a bad idea.
 
i dont know where you are applying, but to me it seems the drop is not that bad. imo, dont address in essay, but in one of my interviews i was asked if i had any hardship in life. if you get asked that, then you can maybe mention it - but imo you should try to answer it in a way that shows you still managed a pretty good gpa (you didnt let the issues make you fail classes, etc.)
good luck, overall 3.68 is good for a lot of schools
 
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