Should I explain one bad mark in my transcript?

Question

I have a Canadian undergrad but by US GPA standards scored a 3.86/4.00. I graduated with distinction (degree in math) in my class. I had one C+, the rest of my grades were B and higher. Should I explain this in one of the optional essays/information areas in the applications as being an outlier? Isn't it obvious that it is an outlier? Just read something on StacyBlackman that said that should be explained but I dont see the point... Thanks!

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

I could not agree less. I see no reason to put the focus on this; your academic record is stellar. Having one anomaly is honestly rather expected. You're not a robot. I would only explain this if it was remedial math or something LOL.

Farrell Dyan Hehn, MBA
Admissions Consultant & Verbal Strategist MBAPrepCoach.com

Farrell Dyan Hehn, MBA
Admissions Consultant & Verbal Strategist MBAPrepCoach.com

jn30 · Answer

Thanks!

VanessaGilMBA · Answer

Dear Sefienolte,

Thanks for the question! The answer really is…it depends. If you are applying for one of the most elite schools, like Harvard, Stanford or Wharton, you might want to explain why the lower grade occurred. What was the C+ grade in? Did it occur in a year in which most of the other grades were toward the lower or higher end of your spectrum of academic performance? It’s important to think critically, and not just apply a blanket answer to your situation.

If you are applying to a lower-tier MBA program, or if your work experience, community service contributions, and GMAT scores are truly stellar, you might want to leave it alone. However, given that your academic performance is not in the upper-most ranges, you may want to provide more insight.

As you probably know, MBA AdCom’s do not look at one element (or even one grade) in isolation. However, it’s difficult to guide you without having a more comprehensive understanding of your profile. If you're just feeling lax and not really that committed to going to B-school, sure, don't explain it. But if you'd actually like to be admitted to a top MBA program, with a degree/brand worth including on your CV, you may want to think a bit more critically about it...

I wish you all the best in your applications!

Regards,
VG

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

Hi Vanessa, his GPA is 3.86. Most definitely in the upper ranges.

I think he should focus on what he is most proud of, personally.

Farrell Dyan Hehn, MBA
Admissions Consultant & Verbal Strategist MBAPrepCoach.com

StratusDonna · Answer

Hi Sefienolte
 Ahh.. there is no absolute right or wrong here because you can't see into the mind of an adcom member- and different people could approach it differently. Here's what I would have thought and I have reviewed thousands of apps over the years... and I have seen all kinds of transcripts... good, bad and downright ugly. One C+ on an otherwise stellar transcript is really not a big deal. It means you are human and maybe even took a challenging course. I would not worry about it. The high gpa is well above most averages so really no explanation is needed. I think explaining it might even make you sound a bit overly detail oriented. Let it go and present your application with confidence!

Should I explain one bad mark in my transcript?

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