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To write or not to write: The Optional Essay

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irishequine
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Joined: 21 Dec 2009
Posts: 17
To write or not to write: The Optional Essay [#permalink] New post  15 Dec 2010, 11:41
I'm in the process of writing my essays for 5 schools to which I'm applying in R2. I'm having an internal debate regarding whether I should address my lowish GPA in the applications. My GMAT was a 750 and my GPA is a 3.06.

If I were to write the optional essay to address my GPA, I would explain the ways that being active on campus in undergrad was a higher priority for me than achieving a certain GPA each month. While I believe I learned as much if not more than every other student, I know now that this approach was shortsighted and that I look forward to approaching business school in a different fashion.

So, what do you all think? should I write the optional essay?
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bakfed
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Joined: 28 Jul 2009
Status:Darden Class of 2013
Posts: 1768
Schools:University of Virginia
Re: To write or not to write: The Optional Essay [#permalink] New post  15 Dec 2010, 12:35
I think that if you're targeting some top b-schools, you should address the 3.06. If you're gearing for University of Pheonix, it'll take you with your 3.06 with no questions asked.
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irishequine
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Re: To write or not to write: The Optional Essay [#permalink] New post  15 Dec 2010, 12:43
Good point, I should have clarified. I'm applying to McCombs, Darden, Haas, Stanford and Notre Dame. I take it you think I should address the GPA as most of these schools are considered top tier.
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bakfed
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Joined: 28 Jul 2009
Status:Darden Class of 2013
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Schools:University of Virginia
Re: To write or not to write: The Optional Essay [#permalink] New post  15 Dec 2010, 12:54
To be honest with you, my GPA is very similar to yours. I graduated with a cumulative of 3.11. I've only explained to those that I consider extremely hard to get in (with an average GPA of 3.5). I did not explain on my Darden application and I received an interview invitation. If I were you, I'd really only explain it on Haas and Stanford GSB, though this is really just a personal taste.
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thisguy310
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Joined: 16 Jul 2010
Posts: 152
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Schools:UCLA Anderson FEMBA Class of 2014
Re: To write or not to write: The Optional Essay [#permalink] New post  15 Dec 2010, 13:58
I would recommend doing it. I was in a similar boat as you and opted to write the optional essays, highlighting my involvement in undergrad and how I recovered.
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tfincham86
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Joined: 17 Aug 2010
Status:Bring the Rain
Posts: 324
Location: United States (MD)
Concentration: Strategy, Marketing
Schools: Michigan (Ross) - Class of 2014
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V39
GPA: 3.13
WE:Corporate Finance (Aerospace and Defense)
Re: To write or not to write: The Optional Essay [#permalink] New post  15 Dec 2010, 14:04
I'm in a similar situation as you. My GPA is lower than I would like.

I'm explaining mine as I had some 'different' circumstances during one semester of undergrad that really pulled my grades down.

Also, I am going to use it as a way to show how I have grown from it.
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piggles
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Joined: 05 Dec 2010
Status:Matriculating to Ross!
Posts: 210
Schools:Harvard, Ross, McCombs, Mendoza
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Re: To write or not to write: The Optional Essay [#permalink] New post  15 Dec 2010, 14:14
I took seven college courses to offset my lower GPA and used the optional essay to show personal growth between collegiate me and current me. If you can do something similar, albeit not on the same scale, I think that makes the strongest essay. Saying you're better today is one thing, proving it is another.

Maybe a quick online calc class over the holiday at a somewhat reputable university?
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riverripper
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Posts: 4307
Location: Back in Chicago, IL
Schools:Kellogg Alum: Class of 2010
Re: To write or not to write: The Optional Essay [#permalink] New post  15 Dec 2010, 17:34
If you have a convincing story to tell then tell it but dont bring attention to something if you are unable to make a compelling arguement. Don't waste a readers time with a bunch of BS, they have heard it all before and probably will see right through a lot of excuses.
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Kellogg Class of 2010...still active and willing to help. However, I do not do profile reviews, don't offer predictions on chances and am far to busy to review essays, so save the energy of writing me a PM seeking help for these. If I don't respond to a PM that is not one of the previously mentioned trash can destined messages, please don't take it personally I get so many messages I have a hard to responding to most. The more interesting, compelling, or humorous you message the more likely I am to respond.
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Re: To write or not to write: The Optional Essay [#permalink]
15 Dec 2010, 17:34
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