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Addressing the issue of depression

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vazhkudai
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Addressing the issue of depression [#permalink] New post   07 Nov 2007, 08:53
I am in two minds about addressing this issue at all in my essays. The reason I even thought about this is that my grades in my undergraduate study were really affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that I suffered. I ended up with a not too pleasant GPA with some failing grades (I had my transcript evaluated by some credentials agency and it came near 3.3 upon 4.0).

I finally managed to overcome my disability and proceeded to get a Masters in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins with a GPA of 3.67.

Should I address my weak undergrad GPA in the optional essay? Or should I leave it out, lest I would be construed as someone who blames the circumstances more than himself?

Are Business schools leery of applicants with such a baggage?
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kwam
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[#permalink] New post   07 Nov 2007, 09:01
I wouldn't do that in your case, your graduate GPA from a very strong institution, proves much better than issuing that on your essays, that that you're capable of getting good grades.

Also, no one knows how the person on "the other" side would react to your history. I would play safe. Also your undegrad GPA is not that Bad...
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emoryhopeful
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[#permalink] New post   07 Nov 2007, 09:13
Not that bad? I'd kill for the 3.3 undergrad GPA right now. Anyways, I agree with the sentiment that you don't need to address this issue. For one, the GPA is solid, and two, your graduate GPA was great, at Johns Hopkins nonetheless.
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riverripper
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[#permalink] New post   07 Nov 2007, 09:28
Not worth the stigma you could receive. Depending what cause your PTSD, you could write about the event but not the mental affects. If you come from a warn torn country, served in the military, survived some huge natural disaster, or something along those lines you could write about what that did for you in terms of growth.

You generally want a positive spin on your essays. No one is going to want to read something extremely sad and horrible unless it has a pleasant outcome at the end.
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vazhkudai
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[#permalink] New post   07 Nov 2007, 09:28
emoryhopeful, kwam and riverripper:

Thanks for those helpful words. I forgot to mention that I am in the hyper-competitive male Indian IT applicant pool and have a below average GMAT for that dempgraphic (Mine is 690). I was afraid that my application would be washed away by a deluge of applicants with superior GMAT scores and GPA's. So I thought I could make myself stand out from this pool by talking about overcoming this adversity and as well as addressing the GPA issue.

As you guys mentioned, I think it makes sense to play it safe and avoid tackling this issue.

Thanks again,
Karthik
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riverripper
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[#permalink] New post   07 Nov 2007, 09:42
New on BW today...read it
https://www.businessweek.com/bschools/content/nov2007/bs2007116_694244.htm?chan=bschools_bschool+index+page_top+stories
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vazhkudai
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[#permalink] New post   07 Nov 2007, 10:08
Thanks riverripper. Wish me luck for my Tuck interview tomorrow!
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dabots
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[#permalink] New post   07 Nov 2007, 10:11
i thought this thread was going to be about how to deal with no interview invites
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kidderek
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[#permalink] New post   07 Nov 2007, 10:13
dabots wrote:
i thought this thread was going to be about how to deal with no interview invites


hahaha ME TOO!!!!
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adcxaway
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Re: Addressing the issue of depression [#permalink] New post   08 Nov 2007, 02:15
vazhkudai wrote:
Should I address my weak undergrad GPA in the optional essay? Or should I leave it out, lest I would be construed as someone who blames the circumstances more than himself?

Are Business schools leery of applicants with such a baggage?


I've got something mild, anxiety disorder and mild depression. Last year, I wrote about it and submitted my essays. This year, I showed the essays to an ad. consultant (you know those free 1 essay review kind of thing?). Anyway, the ad. con said that I should have avoided writing about personal problems unless specifically asked.

So, just avoid touching on the topic. it's dirty. :(
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Re: Addressing the issue of depression [#permalink]
08 Nov 2007, 02:15

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