Worth explaining my grades?

[SeaPT11]

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Hi everyone.

First post here.

So on the PTCAS application, if I recall correctly, it has a spot where it asks you if your grades reflect your abilities as a student.

When I was a freshman and sophomore I was a direct admit into a good program at my school. At the time I was not thinking about graduate school, so I didnt really apply myself as I did in later years when post-grad work was on my mind.

Do you think I should mention this on my application? I took a lot of my intro level pre reqs early in school, and they are in the 3.2 range, not terrible. However my later classes, like ochem and biochem, are closer to 3.8s and 4.0's, but to my understanding PTCAS wants me to select the entry level sciences for my pt pre reqs if have them.

Should I try to explain/justify my lower entry level pt pre reqs? Or am I over thinking it?

Thanks everyone.

 

[Kuhdaytee]

I definitely wouldn't say anything about a 3.2. I got less than a 3.0 twice I think, and I'm not going to mention anything, because I don't have a good reason for not studying better. I think that an upward trend is highly common, especially since a lot of people don't study well until their later classes.

PTCAS wants entry level sciences, but some schools will look at your entire transcript and select upper level courses (microbio as a substitute for general bio is a common one I've found). Your pre-req GPA on PTCAS may look lower, but it can be higher for the schools that calculate it using different classes.

 

[Watson27]

I agree with Kuhdaytee. Being young and foolish as a freshman/sophomore is not an excuse for low grades. I wouldn't worry about it too much. You can always contact programs directly and let them know you wish to substitute an upper level course for the pre-req. Honestly, most schools do their own calculations due to special pre-reqs or policies.

 

[starrsgirl]

I wouldn't touch that section either if I were you. A 3.2 isn't horrific. And certainly not odd or unusual circumstances. If anything I fear it would bring attention to your lower grades rather than saying nothing and the focus be on your higher cumulative.

 

[NewTestament]

Say nothing about your first two years. Don't touch them. Discussing your freshman year is opening Pandora's Box. If you get rejected, retake those classes.