Should you "explain" prior poor grades?

[yogidoc19]

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I am unsure what to do with those optional questions on a lot of secondaries where it asks for any more information or anything the admissions committee should know. I had a poor end of undergrad grades wise due to family financial issues (not really an excuse but I can't change it now). I did a 32 credit post-bacc and got a 3.7 overall- all science courses.

Basically my question is this- is it worth drawing attention to those grades and explaining why I don't think they represent my potential as a student (not making excuses just being honest) or is that obvious due to my post bacc performance?? I don't want to draw attention to bad things but also don't necessarily want to act like it isn't there...

 

[Goro]

Never draw attention to a negative unless specifically asked

 

[yogidoc19]

Never draw attention to a negative unless specifically asked

Okay- got it thanks! Is this something you think that someone would bring up in an open file interview- i'm prepared to discuss it just curious

 

[Goro]

Explaining at interviews is fine...when asked!

 

[smukke]

Okay- got it thanks! Is this something you think that someone would bring up in an open file interview- i'm prepared to discuss it just curious

Definitely. I got grilled over my C/Ds from 10+ years ago by more than 1 interviewer.

It doesn't help that the grades are listed in chronological order so early bad grades are the first things they see; if appropriate, try to redirect them by bringing up your later better grades.

 

[Magus5454]

This is a common thing on MD secondaries though. Explain poor grades or gaps etc

 

[yogidoc19]

This is a common thing on MD secondaries though. Explain poor grades or gaps etc

Oh good to know- still waiting on those MD secondary's... if I get any that is haha

 

[yogidoc19]

Definitely. I got grilled over my C/Ds from 10+ years ago by more than 1 interviewer.

It doesn't help that the grades are listed in chronological order so early bad grades are the first things they see; if appropriate, try to redirect them by bringing up your later better grades.

damn that's pretty intense haha
Yeah I'm prepared to talk about it for sure so thanks for the heads up

 

[yogidoc19]

Never draw attention to a negative unless specifically asked

would you say that this question on a secondary is an appropriate time to discuss this? I don't intend to focus it solely on my grades but more about the financial issues/working during school etc.

"Please discuss challenges in your journey thus far to medical school."

Thanks for your help!

 

[Goro]

would you say that this question on a secondary is an appropriate time to discuss this? I don't intend to focus it solely on my grades but more about the financial issues/working during school etc.

"Please discuss challenges in your journey thus far to medical school."

Thanks for your help!

That would be fine.