Should I bring up red flags on app if not asked about them?

[adamanteus]

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I have two major red flags on my application. (1) I failed a class halfway through first year which caused me to be on academic probation through the remainder of my pre-clinical years. (2) I failed COMLEX 1 (passed USMLE 1) which caused me to be on suspension until I passed, which I did comfortably on second try a month later. I'm pretty sure, however, that the suspension is listed on my MSPE. I've interviewed at two places so far (smaller programs) and neither of them asked me about these issues. I'm about to interview at my absolute top choice and I really want to address these red flags with them, claim ownership, and let them know how I've grown from and learned from them. That way when it comes time to rank, they aren't just staring at a couple of unexplained/unaddressed major issues when they consider me.

So my question is: if this program doesn't bring up these problems, should I man up and do it myself? Or is the general consensus that if they invited me for an interview, they've deemed me worthy on paper at least so don't do any damage by bringing it up?

Thank you for any responses or advice.

 

[Brigade4Radiant]

No you are trying to present your best foot forward don't dwell on your short comings.

 

[deleted716403]

Good question.

 

[TexasMDtoBe2016]

I was asked by the program director, "What is something tough you had to go through?" and I answered with my experience of having to take a year off due to needing to remediate a preclinical course, the financial hardship during that time, and then what I did to overcome it and what I accomplished. I think if you want to address the red flag, and prove how you were able to mature and grow and get through that issue, then the program director will likely look upon you favorably.

 

[shaggybill]

In case anyone is curious, I asked the dean at my school what he thought and his advice was that I should not bring it up with individual interviewers, but if/when I get one-on-one time with the program director, that might be a good time to address it.

 

[Frederica]

When I applied to grad school, I addressed my red flag in my personal statement including, as @TexasMDtoBe2016 noted, what I learned and how I applied that knowledge to a future situation.

Unless asked about, no need to bring it up.