Personal statement and explanation for some grades

[Creightonite]

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Well, the main point for the personal statement is to talk about why I want to be a doctor and maybe talk about some global things like switching from graduate to medical school, and other things.

I got some C's in college that I could explan but I do think this has anything to do with the main point of the personal statement. Everyone can explain their grades, not sure if the adcoms really care about the explanations... What's the point of making excuses after the fact? Maybe this should not be a part of my PS, but rather part of an update letter or something like that.

What do people think about mentioning grades in the PS?

 

[jochi1543]

I think if you are gonna do it, do it indirectly, e.g. "this event renewed my motivation for academic success," so you can hint at improvement trends in your transcript. But don't be like "In fall 2002, I got a C+ in organic chemistry" - don't attract further attention to the negatives. I used the activity section to address some withdrawals, since a certain EC experience led me to become depressed, which in turn caused me academic trouble and I chose to drop some courses to reduce my courseload to a more manageable level considering my health. However, I didn't address the stupid C and C+ I had fall of my freshman year - I think everyone is ready to see freshmen **** up.

 

[Creightonite]

Yeah. i think I did indirectly mention those things last year. It think i would probably spend not more than half a paragraph talking about the grades. What's that "magic number" you are talking about in your mdapps profile?

 

[jochi1543]

Yeah. i think I did indirectly mention those things last year. It think i would probably spend not more than half a paragraph talking about the grades. What's that "magic number" you are talking about in your mdapps profile?

The LizzyM score under another name.

 

[Farmy]

If I were you, I would focus my PS on the things that aren't aleardy on the application: your motivation, professional/personal goals, an event/experience that has greatly motivated or influenced you. As far as the indirect allusions to bad grades, only do it if perhaps there were extenuating circumstances, like you were taking a full class load, doing extracurr's, volunteering, and working part-time, or whatever. But make sure that you show a positive outcome: you learned to better manage your time, re-evaluated your priorities, etc...and if you improved soon after, make sure you mention that. This all shows personal growth.

I was in the same situation, had 2 C's and a withdrawl, and I didn't even mention them in my PS, not even indirectly. Basically, if the adcom wants to know more, theyll ask you about it during the interview whether you mention it in your PS or not, so why waste the space? Just my opinion, but it worked for me 👍 Good Luck

 

[whatisthis?]

I wouldn't use the PS to explain my weaknesses. It is supposed to tell them why you will be a good doctor. I had a very low MCAT verbal score (less than an 8, go figure). When I applied last year, the pre-med advisor at my school suggested that I write a half a page addendum to be attached with my secondaries. It worked for me. So, I guess the schools do look at those things.

Good luck!!!

 

[Creightonite]

The LizzyM score under another name.

where did you get that score if you do not mind?

 

[jochi1543]

where did you get that score if you do not mind?

From the stats in my US News book.

 

[Creightonite]

Oh, I was asking how did you calculate it. Anyhow, I searched and found the answer.