Personal Statement Advice

[eebrost]

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I am currently writing my personal statement and I hope there are some people out there that can answer this question:

When I decided to pursue dentistry, I had just started in a graduate program in physics. I ended up getting a 3.0 GPA that first semester because I spent a lot of time soul searching about what I wanted to do with my life. A 3.0 may not look terrible as an undergrad, but in graduate school it really isn't great because of grade inflation. Should I bring up why I got a 3.0 in my personal statement, or would it just weaken my stance? I ended up getting a 3.7 the second semester and finishing with a M.S. degree before I changed paths.

 

[free99]

Rather than bringing up your shortcomings, emphasize your successes. I would definitely not explicitly explain your 3.0, but I think you may indirectly address it when tackling the broader question of "why dentistry?"

 

[dentalWorks]

I am currently writing my personal statement and I hope there are some people out there that can answer this question:

When I decided to pursue dentistry, I had just started in a graduate program in physics. I ended up getting a 3.0 GPA that first semester because I spent a lot of time soul searching about what I wanted to do with my life. A 3.0 may not look terrible as an undergrad, but in graduate school it really isn't great because of grade inflation. Should I bring up why I got a 3.0 in my personal statement, or would it just weaken my stance? I ended up getting a 3.7 the second semester and finishing with a M.S. degree before I changed paths.

I agree with above poster....

the personal statement essay is a place where you talk about WHY you want dentistry... it is not a place where you bring up your short comings (aka 3.0 GPA).

 

[Hawkteeth]

Definitely do not put that in your personal statement. Be prepared to explain it if you want when you go to interviews.