Attended several undergrads due to health problems

[hejduk]

So, I went to seven institutions in undergrad due to having an unknown health problem. I was ALWAYS tired and could never make it to class. My fatigue was overwhelming and I eventually just gave up on classes. Not knowing about dropping classes, I transferred from school to school carrying a horrible GPA and random credits. I eventually became familiar with OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea), and was diagnosed and treated (five surgeries).

I graduated with a Bachelor's in General Studies, and got into a state university and completed an MA in Communication. Fast forward a couple years and I am now an adjunct at a state college, and am also doing mass media research for some of my previous professors.

I have applied to one PhD program and was rejected, mostly due to low GRE, but that's another topic... When I apply to schools, I must send SEVEN undergraduate transcripts. While it's expensive, I'm sure it also creates an adcomm reaction of, "What did this guy do in undergrad?"

At this point, my PhD is extremely important to me and I am sincerely interested in obtaining it and teaching full-time. I'm studying to get my GRE up, my grad GPA was 3.8, and I will great LORs. Should I be afraid of potential PhD programs denying me because of the perception created from the numerous transcripts? Does undergrad really matter when it'll be my terminal degree? Do I approach this topic at all in my SOP, or just not discuss it?

[fuzzylogician]

Everyone has some sort of blemish on their record. You're lucky that yours is in the past and you have concrete proof that you have overcome it. Sure, it might raise an eyebrow, and you'll never know if it didn't get you rejected from this place or that, but overall it shouldn't keep you out of grad school.The undergraduate GPA becomes less and less important as applicants gain more life experience. You have an MA and experience working and doing research at a state college. Those will teach the adcom so much more about your abilities than any GPA, let alone that of your undergrad.

Usually I believe in not doing any sort of blemish-explaining in the SOP. Your case, however, calls for an exception. Keep it short and sweet - no more than 1-2 lines which should focus on "I had a problem, I (eventually) got it fixed, and I have been doing great ever since." People will surely wonder about your undergrad career so I think it's best to give them an explanation--especially since it's a good one! If any of your professors know about your situation and can address it in their letter, that would also be helpful.Your strong letters should ease the adcom's mind that you are now a serious and dedicated student and that the undergrad ordeal is not likely to repeat itself in grad school. As an adcom member, I imagine that would be the main concern when reviewing an applicant who attended 7 undergrad institutions.

Edited June 19, 2010 by fuzzylogician

[hejduk]

Bump... Looking for some more advice!

Edited November 7, 2010 by hedjuk

[natsteel]

I agree completely with fuzzylogician... I also would not recommend talking about poor aspects of your record in your SOP, but your case is a bit different. I think a sentence or two along the lines of, "After having my undergraduate studies constantly interrupted by a medical condition which required five surgeries, I received my MA..." Or something like that... this way you're not drawing too much attention to it and coming off as making an excuse, but rather use it as an intro/aside to your solid work for your MA.

[DariaIRL]

I'll add: Are you sure all school you're applying to, require all transcripts? Some only require the transcript from where your degree was actually earned.

Unless you are applying as an international applicant, it is very common for international applicants to have to send all transcripts from all schools.