When not to use the Optional Essay to explain low gpa?

Question

Hello,
I am wondering when an applicant should not use the Optional Essay section to address getting a low undergrad GPA? My gpa is much lower than the average for almost all schools (3.05) but I don't have any specific reason why I didn't get better grades (such as illness or supporting family, etc). If you don't have a specific reason why your GPA was so low, should you still use the optional essay to address it? If so, what do you explain?

Thanks! (I searched for this a few times but couldn't find it posted elsewhere, but sorry if it is).

BeenThere · Answer

Great question - as with most things in the application, there isn't one specific, clear-cut answer. The decision to use the optional to address a low GPA is really situation-dependent. A few thoughts/questions:

Did your GPA progress through undergraduate? Did it regress? 
  Try to imagine how your application (resume, essay, transcript) looks without addressing. What assumptions or thoughts might an adcom make as is? Could you address more thoroughly? 
  Truthfully - you said your GPA is low relative to their averages. Why'd you get that GPA? Lack of focus? Do you think you performed to the best of your ability? If so, then maybe don't say anything - if the GPA reflects the best of your efforts and you have nothing more to say, the inferences adcoms might make (e.g. "maybe the curriculum would be a lot for them") might be warranted.  
  My initial thought is that saying something is better than not. Any narrative or color you can add (optional essay or not) can position your transcript different than it would in isolation.

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

Were you involved in lots of ECs? Hard major? Hard school? Work during school? I hope something applies here.

What I would want to know as the AdCom is, IF we give you a seat, how do we know you will perform better this time?

Meaning be a more serious student and a more. successful one.

Btw are you from the US?

https://mbaprepcoach.com

hellothere88 · Answer

hi, how about theres no optional essay provided?how should we explain low GPA, or other thing like gap in resume?

hellothere88 · Answer

hi, how about theres no optional essay provided?how should we explain low GPA, or other thing like gap in resume?

bb · Answer

Many schools offer a section or a small portion that does not say "Optional Essay" but rather says "If there is anything else AdCom should know about the candidate, feel free to provided it here" Again, hard to generalize but if there is no room, opportunity or anything for you to write it in, you have a few other options:

1. Ignore it 
2. Cannibalize the space of your other essays. Basically sneaking in a sentence or two here and there about why and what changed. It is harder since you will have to merge multiple stories and ignoring may be an easier path. 
3. Send a separate letter/note to the adcom and ask to attach it to your application
4. Have one of your recommenders/supporters defend you/explain your weakness

MBADecoder · Answer

I will agree with  bb . If the b-school does not ask the optional question specifically, they mostly have small sections to explain employment gaps / academic performances in the relevant sections. So, you will, most likely still be answering that question.

3Storms · Answer

Undergrad GPA is a major marker for ability to cope academically with a full time MBA program. Leaving it unaddressed leaves it up to the AdComm -- and they won't spend much time trying to counterbalance it.

Here's the step by step approach to addressing any major weak spot:

If you have good explanation, lay it out clearly. If not, then .....

If you can demonstrate other subsequent things you've undertaken that reflect academic ability (eg. CFA, Certifications etc) then discuss those as more representative.

The final resort is to lean on your GMAT score as an indication of your ability to perform in a challenging quant and verbal environment.

Do everything you can to paint a broader picture of your capabilities.

When not to use the Optional Essay to explain low gpa?

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