Devoting Space in "Statement of Purpose" to Give Context for Poor Grades

[jacob007]

Hey kiddos,

 

Just wondered how much space (if any) to go into to explain a bad grade in an ochem class. Basically, I decided to switch majors from chem in my second year and completed the second quarter of ochem. I switched back however at the beginning of my third year and finished the third quarter of ochem essentially with a year in-between my second and third quarters. Just wondered how appropriate it would be to address this in a statement of purpose/supplemental document. I guess to make this a more general question, how much space should be devoted to explaining/addressing mediocre grades?

Edited October 11, 2014 by jacob007

[loginofpscl]

Do not address it, they will already consider it and you trying to justify it will more likely than not sound as if you're tooting your own horn.

 

If you're really worried, ask your adviser (or ideally, that ochem professor if you're close with them) to write in their letter that your grades don't do you justice.

[UBackwardsChemistry]

Assuming that your performance bounced back after this I think that you should mention it. I had some pretty mediocre grades in my sophomore year largely due to a difficult living situation but was able to get back on track in years 3 and 4. I addressed this in my SoP for all the schools I applied to and it seems to have worked out alright. I gave this a small paragraph at the end as, honestly, GPA is one of the least important metrics for admission (but it can disqualify you if it's way low); ultimately it's up to you.

Also there is nothing wrong with "tooting your own horn" a bit in your SoP: admissions committees are looking for talented, committed students and this is your opportunity to highlight your best qualities and (in this case) ameliorate your detractors.

[GCool]

For one class, I don't think I'd devote much (if any) space to it in your SoP. It's probably an explantion better suited for an interview situation or a discussion with a potential adviser/professor. After all, you're not attempting to explain an entire semester or year - you basically gave the whole story in a short forum post. If you devote a paragraph to it in your SoP, schools will think you're either hung up on it or unsure about your ochem skills!

 

Just approach the question confidently if and when it comes.