Rasch wrote:
Seasons Greetings to you all:
I am in the process of preparing my applications for two schools here in the Atlanta area. They are UGA(Terry) and GSU(Robinson). On both there is an optional essay basically asking you to provide any additional information about yourself that is not covered elsewehre in the application but that you believe is appropriate and relevant to the evaluation of your application.
Here is my dilemma. I took the long way around during my undergraduate study. I worked my entire way through school and I paid for it myself with no loans, and it took me almost 10 years to finish.
During my time as an undergraduate at GSU I hit rock bottom wiith depression caused by hypothyroidism. I tried to work my way through it but the worse it got the worse my grades became. When my GPA went down to a 2.5, I decided to find out what caused my depression. I got treatment and decided to get a new start at different school so I enrolled at Kennesaw State. I finished my degree there although it took me another 3 years but I did it working full time and going to school almost always full time and I graduated with a 3.24 GPA.
My question to you is do I need to take the time to explain this to the adcoms? Would they even care to know? I know these two schools are not at the elite level, but I feel either one would suit me just fine, especially since my job will be footing the bill.
Here is my info:
34 yrs old male
B.S. Computer Science
GPA 3.24
GMAT will be taken 02/2007
Kennesaw State University
5 years full time experience in IT field /1 year intern experience - all for the same company
Programs applying for:
GSU - FlexMBA emphasis in Computer Information Systems
UGA - Masters of Science in Internet Technology
Both programs are part time.
I appreciate any insight you give me.
Thanks,
Rasch,
Yes, since your undergraduate experience is "nontraditional" it will raise some questions and you want to use the schools' optional essays to address it. The key is to be factual, brief, and above board. Don't give them more personal info then they need, don't whine or engage in self-pity, and take responsibility by showing how your have positively built on these experiences to put them behind you. You also need to provide evidence that any psychological issues are behind you as well.
Good luck,