Should I mention this in my primary app?

[Hopeful_Doc123]

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Hi All-

I am sure this question has been asked many times, but after taking a glance through the threads I am not sure if the other situations applied to me specifically.


I am a 3.85 cGPA, 3.77 sGPA student (MCAT score release next week), with all A's and A-'s in my prereqs (lectures). I have gotten B-'s in Organic Chemistry Lab I + II and Physics II Lab. I have gotten A's in General Chemistry Lab I + II and Physics I Lab.

Is this something I should explain in my primary app under additional information? I don't have a good explanation other than Lab courses at my school are curved to a B- and thus I was an average student in my lab courses. Also, my third B- (Physics Lab II) is in my spring grades, which will not be sent to schools until I update AMCAS with a new transcript AFTER I submit my Primary (and hopefully get my grades verified).

1 Final Caveat: I have worked in a basic science lab at my school for two years (~1500 hours) and have two regional conference presentations + a letter of rec from my PI. Would this make-up for any doubt of my lab practical skills?

Honestly, I just know that these B-'s will stick out on my transcript and I feel weird leaving them completely unaddressed when I submit my application.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Goro]

SDNers feel obligated to explain every little sin or flaw in their grades.

Do NOT do this.

 

[LizzyM]

It won't matter. All that matters is your GPA. If those grades were D's someone might care but what you described is what I call a pimple. When you have so much going for you, are you going to meet someone for the first time, desire to impress them, and immediately point out the pimple on your chin. They can see the pimple but in all likelihood they want to get to know you despite the pimple and the first thing you do is say, "hey, this pimple, it's pretty average for college kids my age... I guess it goes with the territory.. otherwise, I have pretty good skin." No, you are going to hope that they don't care about that pimple and they focus on whatever you want them to focus on... all the good stuff in your application.

 

[Hopeful_Doc123]

SDNers feel obligated to explain every little sin or flaw in their grades.

Do NOT do this.

It won't matter. All that matters is your GPA. If those grades were D's someone might care but what you described is what I call a pimple. When you have so much going for you, are you going to meet someone for the first time, desire to impress them, and immediately point out the pimple on your chin. They can see the pimple but in all likelihood they want to get to know you despite the pimple and the first thing you do is say, "hey, this pimple, it's pretty average for college kids my age... I guess it goes with the territory.. otherwise, I have pretty good skin." No, you are going to hope that they don't care about that pimple and they focus on whatever you want them to focus on... all the good stuff in your application.

Thank you for your help! I won't write anything on my application. Hopefully, it does not detract away too much from my application, but only time will tell.

 

[deleted972488]

I believe the USF secondary for the previous cycle asked applicants to explain any grades lower than a B. If it comes up in an interview or a secondary prompt, sure, but don't waste space on your primary. And be careful about how you answer these types of questions, too. Take responsibility for your mistakes and explain how you've learned/grown since those experiences.

 

[Goro]

I believe the USF secondary for the previous cycle asked applicants to explain any grades lower than a B. If it comes in an interview or a secondary prompt, sure, but don't waste space on your primary. And be careful about how you answer these types of questions, too. Take responsibility for your mistakes and explain how you've learned/grown since those experiences.

This is correct; a number of schools ask for explanations of poor grades.

 

[Pre-med path]

Hi All-

I am sure this question has been asked many times, but after taking a glance through the threads I am not sure if the other situations applied to me specifically.


I am a 3.85 cGPA, 3.77 sGPA student (MCAT score release next week), with all A's and A-'s in my prereqs (lectures). I have gotten B-'s in Organic Chemistry Lab I + II and Physics II Lab. I have gotten A's in General Chemistry Lab I + II and Physics I Lab.

Is this something I should explain in my primary app under additional information? I don't have a good explanation other than Lab courses at my school are curved to a B- and thus I was an average student in my lab courses. Also, my third B- (Physics Lab II) is in my spring grades, which will not be sent to schools until I update AMCAS with a new transcript AFTER I submit my Primary (and hopefully get my grades verified).

1 Final Caveat: I have worked in a basic science lab at my school for two years (~1500 hours) and have two regional conference presentations + a letter of rec from my PI. Would this make-up for any doubt of my lab practical skills?

Honestly, I just know that these B-'s will stick out on my transcript and I feel weird leaving them completely unaddressed when I submit my application.

Thank you for your help!

I'll echo not to address this unless specifically prompted, but at the same time have a meaningful answer at the ready.