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rwx5861
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Application Red Flags Updated on: 23 Aug 2018, 21:35
Originally posted by rwx5861 on 17 Aug 2018, 20:59.
Last edited by rwx5861 on 23 Aug 2018, 21:35, edited 1 time in total.
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Hi,

Can anyone offer advice on how to address multiple red flags? All the articles I've read looks written with the assumption that the most I have is one. Also, the short limits on optional essays make explaining more than one difficult.

Some context: my goal is an M7 program. I don't plan on applying this year but want to develop a clear strategy on better positioning myself. The two flags I had in my profile: poor grades (few C's, B-'s, a D) in several math classes in different semesters and an employment gap. I can still "salvage" my grades with a high GMAT quant or an alternative transcript, but I figured adcoms would still want to know "why". Otherwise, I would've used the optional to explain the gap only.

Any actual examples or anecdotes would be fantastic, but I'm open to hear thoughts in general.
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Application Red Flags 22 Aug 2018, 11:20
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charles01
Hi,

Can anyone offer advice on how to address multiple red flags? All the articles I've read looks written with the assumption that the most I have is one. Also, the short limits on optional essays make explaining more than one difficult.

Some context: my goal is an M7 program. I don't plan on applying this year but want to develop a clear strategy on better positioning myself. The two flags I had in my profile: poor grades (few C's, B-'s, a D) in several math classes in different semesters and an employment gap. I can still "salvage" my grades with a high GMAT quant or an alternative transcript, but I figured adcoms would still want to know "why". Otherwise, I would've used the optional to explain the gap only.

Any actual examples or anecdotes would be fantastic, but I'm open to hear any general thoughts.
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Hello charles01


I would not stress much about it, as most people do have it, we are all humans.

However, what is most important is what you can do about it.

I assume we are talking about low GPA at undergraduate studies.

That is not uncommon as you may think.


You were probably not that mature at that moment, so you didn't invest proper time and take them seriously.

That's one way, honest, to put it.


You are right, good GMAT score and good quant score will out weight those grades in math.


If you have time and can afford, doing some other classes or even master would also be a good thing.

If you decide to do it, make sure you have good grades there, especially in classes related to math, statistics, finance etc.

You can also take some online classes or courses in those related fields.


I don't know reasons for employment gap, but that doesn't have to be necessarily a bad thing.


Just make sure you convey your reasons honestly with slightly wise spin, to sell your story.

Never lie, not only because of obvious moral reasons that will hurt your personality long way, but also because if they catch you, you can forget about get in, not only in that particular school, but also probably on all schools on your list, since they do talk with each other.


I believe you dont need examples from other and their anecdotes, just be honest, tell your on individual story, dont try to provide some generic explanations already seen, show remorse and prove how you changed, how you matured, how you took necessary steps to prove you are worth now of admission.

You are not the same guy now, with the one who was on bachelor studies previously, that's the point.


Good Luck ! :thumbup:
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Application Red Flags 25 Aug 2018, 19:15
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Thank you. I have every intention of explaining my shortcomings frankly and honestly.

My question wasn't very clear (my fault). What I'm really asking is how to use/format the optional essay when addressing multiple red flags. I've read that some people blend their topics together (if they're related enough), or they might have headers that address each issue separately (like "1.) Employment Gap" ?)

I don't know if there's an unspoken etiquette or adcom preference in the way an applicant goes about using the OE, and I want to make sure I know my options when planning what/how to write.
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Application Red Flags 27 Aug 2018, 13:07
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charles01
Thank you. I have every intention of explaining my shortcomings frankly and honestly.

My question wasn't very clear (my fault). What I'm really asking is how to use/format the optional essay when addressing multiple red flags. I've read that some people blend their topics together (if they're related enough), or they might have headers that address each issue separately (like "1.) Employment Gap" ?)

I don't know if there's an unspoken etiquette or adcom preference in the way an applicant goes about using the OE, and I want to make sure I know my options when planning what/how to write.
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Hello again charles01


Ok regarding structuring your essay, I understood you have only two of them, red flags, that you mention, low gpa/poor grades in math classes and employment gap.

You mention also, that due to your future GMAT score you would possibly only address employment gap in optional essay.


However, if we start with two red flags agenda, that are still only two topics, or two problems, meaning in terms of style, that will be two only bigger paragraphs.

So I dont see any special need for structuring, you can start with either one, usually that would be historically first one, that makes sense, I assume low grades first, then you continue to employment gap in next paragraph.

If you can connect the two even better, that will look as one integral essay, but either way, even with two subtitles it will still be fine.


Also, I know you want to write this in advance and you definitely should, even only as template, but during application process, when you come to uploading your optional essay, you may be provided with some guidance in terms of style and number of characters you should use, so you may end up fine tuning your initial essay/template.


Those demands can also a little bit vary from school to school, from department to department, so be prepared for that, if show up to be necessary.


You may end up lucky with no need to adapt.


Take your application list, visit those schools websites and investigate further in those and other terms.



Good Luck ! :cool: