Where to put reasons for bad grades

[aakashp127]

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This past semester I got one C+ and a B+ in 2 upper level science classes. During the middle of the semester, my grandmother from Georgia came to live with us because she had been sick all year, turns out she had end stage cancer and was admitted to the hospital towards the end of the semester where she passed away 2 weeks ago. During the semester I was usually going home and spending as much time with her as possible. Finals was hell as I could have definitely used more time to study but it was hard. I feel this is a pretty legitimate reason if anyone asks why the lapse in grades (A/B student) and I was wondering if I put this in my personal statement, anywhere on my application itself or just wait for interviews to explain. Thanks a lot!

Edit: I hope I am not coming off as trying to use my grandmother as an excuse to bypass my low grades, at the end of the day there is no reason for my failure except my own but I thought it would be worth mentioning

 

[Zelda840]

I personally wouldn't bring attention to it in your PS or anywhere on your application, with the exception of any secondaries that specifically ask about blemishes you want to explain. Just be prepared to talk about it in interviews. I'm really sorry about your grandmother. 🙁

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

I've been in similar predicaments where my grades suffered, so first off, sorry for your loss.

I've been told to never bring attention to it unless asked, and if asked never make excuses for any shortcomings. unfortunately saying we've lost family members can come across as excuse-ish if it isn't said the right way, so I'd really come up with a good, well-worded answer for the question incase it comes up.

 

[theseeker4]

This past semester I got one C+ and a B+ in 2 upper level science classes. During the middle of the semester, my grandmother from Georgia came to live with us because she had been sick all year, turns out she had end stage cancer and was admitted to the hospital towards the end of the semester where she passed away 2 weeks ago. During the semester I was usually going home and spending as much time with her as possible. Finals was hell as I could have definitely used more time to study but it was hard. I feel this is a pretty legitimate reason if anyone asks why the lapse in grades (A/B student) and I was wondering if I put this in my personal statement, anywhere on my application itself or just wait for interviews to explain. Thanks a lot!

Edit: I hope I am not coming off as trying to use my grandmother as an excuse to bypass my low grades, at the end of the day there is no reason for my failure except my own but I thought it would be worth mentioning

Definitely do not address this at all unless specifically asked about these grades. It isn't like you scored low enough that you would even have to retake the classes if they were pre reqs....addressing poor grades in your application should be reserved for a completely failed semester, or a dozen Ws on your record, or something along those lines. Don't call attention to a very minor blemish on your record.

 

[Goro]

You don't explain them, because any attempt to do so will simply look like excuse making.

Save explanations for interviews.

This past semester I got one C+ and a B+ in 2 upper level science classes. During the middle of the semester, my grandmother from Georgia came to live with us because she had been sick all year, turns out she had end stage cancer and was admitted to the hospital towards the end of the semester where she passed away 2 weeks ago. During the semester I was usually going home and spending as much time with her as possible. Finals was hell as I could have definitely used more time to study but it was hard. I feel this is a pretty legitimate reason if anyone asks why the lapse in grades (A/B student) and I was wondering if I put this in my personal statement, anywhere on my application itself or just wait for interviews to explain. Thanks a lot!

Edit: I hope I am not coming off as trying to use my grandmother as an excuse to bypass my low grades, at the end of the day there is no reason for my failure except my own but I thought it would be worth mentioning