redfield wrote:
Hey so just a quick question, I won't be applying for a couple years (just now getting started on GMAT) but I have seen when someone typically has a low GPA for the programs they're applying (mine is at the bottom of the 80% range for my reach schools and not from an ivy) it might be a good idea to explain in an optional essay contributing factors to the low GPA.
I don't have one big single factor and I'm afraid it will just seem like complaining more than actual excuses once I get writing it so I'm wondering if it's better to maybe pick a couple and play them up or if I really would be better off listing the things?
For example:
I was in a school play and had a part time job on and off again throughout school
I came from a high school where I almost NEVER had to put time in out of class to ace everything and I had to adjust
I had 4 surgeries in 3 years (not a great story just 2 ACL's and 2 shoulder injuries but they definitely made it hard to get into the swing of things during semesters).
Had a lifelong/childhood friend die middle of first semester sophomore year, first death of someone close to me and it kind of made me lose focus during the rest of that semester as well as the majority of the second semester.
So the essence of the question is, is it better to pick a couple bigger things, just one big thing that may have affected me more, or list them out like that as long as it's done in a way that doesn't seem like I'm just whining about it?
I'd really appreciate any input thanks!
Hey,
Well, you might be jumping the gun here a bit. I mean, since you are applying in a couple of years, you don't yet know how your GPA looks in comparison with the GPA of the average student. Meaning, will you be applying to HBS with a 3.1 or you applying to Georgetown. It makes a difference of course. What I'd say is that this is not something you need to start thinking about now.
Instead, ask yourself: what can I DO to offset this? And there are plenty of things: Like further studies or coursework, like acing your GMAT, like getting other certifications that are relevant... basically doing anything that will SHOW that you are real smart.
And I think it's probably worth your while to focus more on this than to start thinking about a potential optional essay at this point.
Best,
Jon