Should I explain this trend?

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redruby

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On a number or secondaries, we have the option of telling the school whatever else we think they should know.

The trend in my overall GPA for college in 4 years is approximately, 3.7, 3.6, 3.2, 3.8 at a top ten school.

Basically, my junior year, I was taking mostly upper level bio classes and had started my first real research project for a highly demanding lab. I would never write this in an essay, but I pretty much didn't think I wanted to go to med school and didn't give a **** about my classes. Anyway, I obviously didn't do so well and ended up with a C in one of the classes. My overall BCPM is a 3.3 and cumulative is a 3.55. I just took the MCAT and have no idea how I did.

Should I bother explaining this trend? I did much better my senior year (also had research and upper level classes) so I hope that will redeem me a bit. I don't want there to be this weird hole in my app, like what went wrong here?! but I also don't want to draw attention to something that might be common? On the Jefferson secondary, we only get a little bit of space to write about ourselves, should I stick to talking about why I want to go to school there rather than make excuses for the GPA trend?
 
I say state what is unique about you and direct them towards the inevitable "we should interview this guy/gal"

I woudln't bring that negative stuff up...its not that bad....and besides, you hopped back to a 3.8 the following year, so they will probably chalk that junior year up as an anomaly.....

-tx
 
I also had a similar trend (mostly because I was sick Junior year), but I didn't mention it. They likely won't notice it too much, unless you tell them.

My GPAs: 3.90, 3.80, 3.35, 3.84

I didn't mention it.

Jason
 
I agree. I don't think you should draw attention to your "bad" year. The ADCOM will think what they want to think about that year regardless of how you explain it. Focus on what makes you a good candidate and why they should want you regardless of that blip on your transcript.

Be prepared if they bring it up in an interview, but otherwise, focus on all of your positive attributes.
 
If you actually wrote an excuse, you would either be lying or it wouldn't be a good enough excuse to merit the time. If they ask you about it in an interview, you should be honest, but you don't have to go into detail. Just say you were having a tough time and you lost your motivation, and then move on.
 
I have a situation like this. My first two years were absolute crap. And then in the next two years I hit 3.5 (Junior year) and 3.8 (Senior year). I talked about this saying that I can improve myself..etc etc.
 
no dont explain it because i dont think they will care? it looks like they might though, you just never know with these people!!!!!!!!!! :idea: :idea:
 
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