Question Regarding Extenuating Circumstance

[ruthong554]

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Hey guys, I had a quick question regarding my application and a extenuating circumstance. I had a family health issue involving my parents causing me to get below my average on science courses (avg As then got C and B-) and also caused me to not pass Spanish, circumstances that were exacerbated by my OCD. My senior year, I also received a NP on a music class. Although I suffer from OCD, it wasnt my condition that caused me to not pass that course, however, I dont know how I would explain my NP. Although my OCD affected my performance when my parents were ill, I was wondering if I should mention it all to explain that NP in my music class. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

[ruthong554]

I apologize for the multiple threads, my internet wasn't loading...Sorry!

 

[Sean Lee]

If your cGPA and sGPA is respectable, I don't think there's any need to explain anything. So what you got a C and a B-?

I have a cGPA of 3.6 and sGPA of 3.3, and I am not explaining anything to anybody.

 

[Goro]

No matter how it's written, whenever I read a PS where someone tried to explain poor grades, it comes off as an excuse. That, plus poor choice making.

Save explanations for interviews.

And get your OCD under control or med school will squash you like a steamroller.

Hey guys, I had a quick question regarding my application and a extenuating circumstance. I had a family health issue involving my parents causing me to get below my average on science courses (avg As then got C and B-) and also caused me to not pass Spanish, circumstances that were exacerbated by my OCD. My senior year, I also received a NP on a music class. Although I suffer from OCD, it wasnt my condition that caused me to not pass that course, however, I dont know how I would explain my NP. Although my OCD affected my performance when my parents were ill, I was wondering if I should mention it all to explain that NP in my music class. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

[Catalystik]

Adcomms will not assume you are magically going to perform well in med school if your recent transcript took a dive. You will have to demonstrate that you no longer have issues via a few terms of excellent academics and a recent upward grade trend. A bad semester can be forgiven, but that doesn't mean you don't have to redeem it before applying to have a chance. If you've already graduated, consider doing some postbacc work.

That said, if you have documentation to support your petition, you might look into whether your school will consider a retroactive withdrawal for the failed Spanish class.

 

[kyamh]

No one except HMS said a word about my B- etc at any interviews. I wouldn't label yourself as OCD even if you are and go along merrily until someone takes some issue with your grades. Your academic record isn't "bad", certainly not bad enough for a withdrawal. Crap happens, people bomb courses, nbd

 

[ruthong554]

No matter how it's written, whenever I read a PS where someone tried to explain poor grades, it comes off as an excuse. That, plus poor choice making.

Save explanations for interviews.

And get your OCD under control or med school will squash you like a steamroller.

Thanks Goro! I wouldnt be writing it on my PS, but I do have some secondaries asking me to explain some circumstances or concerning elements in my application, would that still be looked upon as an excuse?

 

[Goro]

With those specific prompts, then it's OK.

Thanks Goro! I wouldnt be writing it on my PS, but I do have some secondaries asking me to explain some circumstances or concerning elements in my application, would that still be looked upon as an excuse?