Should I send an update with a bad grade? HELP

[frabjous0721]

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So, I was deferred from my dream medical school (at this place, a defer is not a death sentence - you're still in the running for one of ~200 spots still open, they just want the interview process to be fair for later interviewees). I was planning on sending my senior fall semester grades as an update, as I was planning on getting a Pass (Pass/D/Fail), 2 A's, and a B, which would have been great for an update. However, the B I thought I was going to get turned out to be a B-, for reasons that are still bewildering to me. Regardless... should I send this update? The dean does not directly state that they are required but I'm pretty sure that it is implied in the defer email I received. If I do send them, should I explain/disclaim the grade? The majority of this grade came from participation (it was an upper level neuroscience/psychology seminar, with only 15 students) and the professor spoke so much that we could barely get a word in, and it was reflected in all of our grades. I already had 2 B-'s and a C+ on my transcript beforehand, so sending another B- would put into question my already questioned academic ability (it's truly amazing that I got an interview here to begin with). My cGPA has actually stayed the same though this fiasco, because of my two As. Anyone have any advice? Maybe a med student who has heard of this situation before? Thank you!

 

[sector9]

So, I was deferred from my dream medical school (at this place, a defer is not a death sentence - you're still in the running for one of ~200 spots still open, they just want the interview process to be fair for later interviewees). I was planning on sending my senior fall semester grades as an update, as I was planning on getting a Pass (Pass/D/Fail), 2 A's, and a B, which would have been great for an update. However, the B I thought I was going to get turned out to be a B-, for reasons that are still bewildering to me. Regardless... should I send this update? The dean does not directly state that they are required but I'm pretty sure that it is implied in the defer email I received. If I do send them, should I explain/disclaim the grade? The majority of this grade came from participation (it was an upper level neuroscience/psychology seminar, with only 15 students) and the professor spoke so much that we could barely get a word in, and it was reflected in all of our grades. I already had 2 B-'s and a C+ on my transcript beforehand, so sending another B- would put into question my already questioned academic ability (it's truly amazing that I got an interview here to begin with). 3.5cGPA/3.4sGPA/36, from an ivy. My cGPA has actually stayed the same though this fiasco, because of my two As. Anyone have any advice? Maybe a med student who has heard of this situation before? Thank you!

Solution: Send an update letter that only includes your good grades.

Problem solved.

 

[frabjous0721]

Haha, if only it were that simple. I'm pretty sure they want my new transcript... sadly I can't erase that sad last reminder that this school has totally kicked my a** the past 3.5 years.

 

[StoicJosher]

The B- is not going to make or break you especially since your cGPA is going to stay the same. Send the new transcript and don't worry. Don't try to explain the grade because your explanation (that I saw in your post) sounds a lot like an invalid excuse and might come across as whining.

 

[Catalystik]

If they specifically ask for a formal transcript, you're stuck. But for an update letter, which is a voluntary submission, there is no need to mention a grade that does not reflect well on you. Why not call to get that clarified.

 

[frabjous0721]

If they specifically ask for a formal transcript, you're stuck. But for an update letter, which is a voluntary submission, there is no need to mention a grade that does not reflect well on you. Why not call to get that clarified.

Hadn't thought of that before - will call tomorrow. Thank you so much!

The B- is not going to make or break you especially since your cGPA is going to stay the same. Send the new transcript and don't worry. Don't try to explain the grade because your explanation (that I saw in your post) sounds a lot like an invalid excuse and might come across as whining.

Hahaha, yea. I totally agree. It's a tough situation but when I try to explain it to anyone I just sound like a bratty pre-med (which I definitely have tried not to be through this whole process!) It's ridiculous how many crazy things you think of when things get down to the wire...