Reinventing oneself: Overcoming an obstacle?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

IlyaR

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2013
Messages
1,096
Reaction score
727
Wondering if this would be a suitable reply for those secondary essays. I'm aware that school should not have been an obstacle in the first place, but the first thing that comes to mind when I see this question is my reinvention. I was hoping to phrase the answer in the manner of taking responsibility for my lackluster initial undergrad performance, realizing that that screw up IS an obstacle for what I want to do, and doing great afterwards (great MCAT, SMP GPA, final 65 credits of UG GPA)

I will not be saying that school was difficult and I overcame blah blah, since that wasn't the case

Would love to see some outside opinion

Thanks!
 
Wondering if this would be a suitable reply for those secondary essays. I'm aware that school should not have been an obstacle in the first place, but the first thing that comes to mind when I see this question is my reinvention. I was hoping to phrase the answer in the manner of taking responsibility for my lackluster initial undergrad performance, realizing that that screw up IS an obstacle for what I want to do, and doing great afterwards (great MCAT, SMP GPA, final 65 credits of UG GPA)

I will not be saying that school was difficult and I overcame blah blah, since that wasn't the case

Would love to see some outside opinion

Thanks!
As long as you don't make excuses, own the problem, and most importantly, overcome the problem, you should be fine. For most folks, if you don't have any issues, this one is a tough question. If you have something you conquered, this is a perfectly good topic!! Best wishes to you.
 
As long as you don't make excuses, own the problem, and most importantly, overcome the problem, you should be fine. For most folks, if you don't have any issues, this one is a tough question. If you have something you conquered, this is a perfectly good topic!! Best wishes to you.
Thanks!
 
I also got a conflicting opinion that obstacle questions shouldn't have an answer invoking grades. I think I answered the question well, and also spotlighted some pluses on my app, so wouldn't want to rewrite but not entirely sure now
 
Top