Personal Statement Bad Grades

[Ozn]

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In my personal statement is it wise to talk about my bad grades. i did ok on my DAT (21 AA and 21 PAT). i did ok in my freshman and sophmore year (3.5 gpa) and totally tanked my junior year (2.5...) and made my overall gpa to 3 and my sci gpa below 3. the reason i did bad was because my mother was sick (schizerphrenia) and this is actually true.

should I mention this in my personal statement?

 

[Daurang]

That's fine but how did you do in your senior years? Sure include it in your statement; I did it under similar circumstance as you. The problem is your somewhat low gpa may not even make the cutoff point for them to even consider your application unless you're a minority status.

 

[Flipper405]

Yes I think that's really what the personal statement is for. Make sure to apply to a lot of schools since you will have to deal with cutoffs as previously mentioned.

 

[Daurang]

No do not waste your money applying to a lot of schools. Be realistic and apply only to the few schools you may have a prayer's chance.

As I've said before, I was in the exact circumstance as you 15 years ago with the same gpa, same dat, and same personal difficulty. I applied to one school, went to one interview, got accepted to that only one school because I knew that was my one and only chance. It was slightly easier then for me so I can't imagine how hard it'll be for you to get in now with the same qualification. If I didn't get in I'd probably be an engineer or lab tech now. I honestly wish you the best but be prepare for alternate profession.

 

[Ozn]

thanks guys, appreciate it very much.
il be applying to 4 to 6 schools at most and possibly meet the gpa criterion. il be a senior next year. and i will be repeating all the bad classes in my junior year to increase my gpa.

 

[aphistis]

Make sure you spell schizophrenia correctly if you talk about it--and I mean that sincerely, not smart-alecky. No adcom will believe you spent any significant effort helping your mother cope with a disease whose name you misspell in your essay.