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phil123456
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Hello friends,

So I spent 6 semesters in a college. I did pretty bad in the 1st (academic probation) and 3rd semesters and did very well(~3.9GPA) in all others.

While I am explaining the reason (new environment, immaturity), do I need to explain why I did very well in the 2nd semester and did poorly again in the 3rd? Am I thinking too much? Most of ppl tell me AdCom would probably not even care about such details....

BTW my GRE/GMAT is 97%.

Thank you!
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phil123456:

Hello again!

Why did you do so poorly in your first and third semesters? It's not a bad idea to explain why this happened assuming the reason is legitimate and can be spun in a positive way. As I noted in your other posting, this is a great use of the optional essay. Your GMAT/GRE and performance in other semesters can speak to your academic and technical aptitude.

If there is no real reason and/or it feels forced, then I would just let it go and hope that your other credentials outweigh your performance. If you have several years of work experience, that will matter more than your first semester grades.

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Hi there phil123456,

When explaining extenuating circumstances like low GPAs in optional essay sections, Personal MBA Coach advises applicants to remain brief and to the point. Do not offer long-winded excuses or any more information than is needed.

We work with folks with low GPAs who get in if they have impressive experience and ace the GMAT. Feel free to send a note to [email protected] to further discuss your application strategy. Optional essays are part of our comprehensive support for those who need to complete these questions. We would be happy to provide guidance here!

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phil123456
Hello friends,

So I spent 6 semesters in a college. I did pretty bad in the 1st (academic probation) and 3rd semesters and did very well(~3.9GPA) in all others.

While I am explaining the reason (new environment, immaturity), do I need to explain why I did very well in the 2nd semester and did poorly again in the 3rd? Am I thinking too much? Most of ppl tell me AdCom would probably not even care about such details....

BTW my GRE/GMAT is 97%.

Thank you!
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phil123456
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Thank you! The reason is new country and immaturity. I think the new environment can better explain the 1st semester, but as for the 3rd, it's more like I am very immature and did not even think I needed a GPA... Any idea? Thank you!

I would definitely explain. I am just wondering do I need to specifically address why I did well in 2nd semester and then did poorly again in the 3rd one...
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phil123456:

You can only explain away a "I didn't care about a GPA" so much.

Your best off just speaking to the first semester grades and hoping that the third semester doesn't get that much attention or the AdCom will assume it's a continuation of the same issue.

The key to the optional essay response is to keep it simple and do not harm. Don't overcompensate. Throw out the explanation and hope that the AdCom takes into (positive) consideration. Thankfully your GMAT will be a helpful counterbalancing factor.

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Personal MBA Coach

Thank you!

I think the new environment can better explain the 1st semester, but as for the 3rd, it's more like I am very immature and did not even think I needed a GPA... Any idea? Thank you!

I would definitely explain. I am just wondering do I need to specifically address why I did well in 2nd semester and then did poorly again in the 3rd one...