"Unmentionable" Grades: How do I talk about them?

[leahshay]

I had a couple of semesters that were quite rough, but since the spring of sophomore year I've consistently made Dean's List. Should I still talk about those few awful grades I recieved, despite they're being in my other (science) discipline, or should I just let my transcript do the talking?

PS- I hate the SOP more than any other part of this process! Nobody ever warns you about how difficult it is until the month before you sit down and try to begin

[bon to the jour]

I had a few terrible semesters myself before doing well, so I know exactly what your problem is like. I chose to not address any grades in particular and really focus more on the catalyst behind my switch from academic probation to dean's list. After all, grad schools are really looking for the motivated students --- those that get good grades because they really learned something as opposed to those who just test well or guessed lucky on multiple choice exams. What I'm trying to say is that having good grades is not enough, because almost every applicant has good grades. Schools want to know why an applicant's grades are good, and that's where the statement of purpose comes in. As such, I would try to focus the statement more on the reason behind the change in grades, and less on what's to blame for your poor performance in a few classes. If you have more specific questions about your statement, I can try to answer those as well. I've found that the hardest part of writing these things is being able to explain your reason for pursuing graduate study in the first place --- as many applicants and ad comms alike will tell you, "because I want to" is not an acceptable answer.

[rising_star]

If they [the bad grades] were early in your academic career and not in the field you intend to study in graduate school, I wouldn't even bother talking about the few bad grades you received.

[fuzzylogician]

If they [the bad grades] were early in your academic career and not in the field you intend to study in graduate school, I wouldn't even bother talking about the few bad grades you received.

+1.

Except in unusual cases I believe the SOP should always concentrate on the positive and not dwell on the negative. In your case I don't think there is any reason to mention the bad grades at all, but if you do want to address them say 'I had a rough time adjusting but ever since my sophomore year I've consistently made the dean's list' and move on. Personally I think spending even one line on this is too much in this case (there is a clear upward trend in your grades, the low grades aren't in your major).

[awvish]

I've got a problematic situation, too. I had some bad grades early in intro bio my freshman year, then did two summers of research in ecology, and took a field class in the same subject. A year after graduation (I'm in the Peace Corps right now), I realized I wanted to get a Ph.D in behavioral ecology...but I don't have the background or the grades to back this up officially. Can I rely on my research experience (and publications) or should I spend a year catching up? Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks!

[fuzzylogician]

I've got a problematic situation, too. I had some bad grades early in intro bio my freshman year, then did two summers of research in ecology, and took a field class in the same subject. A year after graduation (I'm in the Peace Corps right now), I realized I wanted to get a Ph.D in behavioral ecology...but I don't have the background or the grades to back this up officially. Can I rely on my research experience (and publications) or should I spend a year catching up? Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks!

My suggestion would be: try applying now; if you don't get in, spend the year catching up and then try again next year.

[Carmen]

Hi!

So here's my situation. I have an undergrad in biomedical sciences, after graduating I decided i wanted to go to clinical psychology, so I needed an undergrad in psychology (currently going into my last year). Anyway, the last semester of my last year of my undergrad in biomed I didn't do great. The reason for which being I suffered from severe anxiety and couldnt go into to school. Now, I wouldnt mention it. But, I know for clinical psychology they really emphasize that research is important. One of the courses I was taking was my fourth year honours thesis, which I did poorly for the previously stated reason. Anyway, the following semester I volunteered to participate in a study which looked at the effectiveness of different treatments, which really taught me how to cope with, reduce and manage my anxiety. It hasnt been an issue since. It also gave me a look at what it was like being on the other side of a study. So, the question is, should I or shouldnt I mention it?