Should I mention this in my SOP?

[yesoymilk]

Hi there! This is my first post so please let me know if there is any format issue that I should be aware of. I'm applying to MS in Biostats this year. GPA 3.78. Applied Math major.

Thing is last quarter a person I was really close to passed away that got in the way of my study. I ended up with 2 B+ in my major courses and a Not Pass in another Math class. Should I mention this in my SOP? If so, how much should I talk about and how should I put it?

Thank you in advance for your help and advice!

[Teaching Faculty Wannabe]

@yesoymilk I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you feeling better now, but loss is always a hard thing to bear.

I am not an expert on this topic since this is my first time (and hopefully only last time) applying to graduate school. I am not sure if it is entirely a bit deal, especially since your GPA is pretty great. I think the B+'s are okay not to mention, but if you feel like the Not Pass class really bothers you, I would maybe mention that you were going through a difficult patch during that time. I don't think I would express specifics, but mention that you were personally were going through things, which affected your academics. I wouldn't talk much about it because they want to hear more about your research interests and your fit into the program more than anything.

I hope this is helpful! Good luck!