Just finished both applications...I think I've made a terrible mistake

[Normal]

I've only applied to two schools, and in neither of them did I address why I was a B/C student as a freshman/sophomore (later turned into a 3 time Dean's List student). There was a lot of other stuff I wanted to say (mainly - embarrassingly - gushing about why I was so into the program), and it didn't really seem important to me to make excuses for something that is a common story for many college students (finding focus later on in the collegiate career rather than right off the bat). Now that I've submitted my applications, I'm worried that A] I didn't apply to enough schools, and B] I've left out some very critical information.

I know everyone's going through the same process of freaking out right about now but I thought I'd put in my angsty 2p.

Edited January 10, 2012 by Normal

[Zitro6]

You're probably fine. They have your transcripts and they will see your improvement themselves, which may look better since you didnt make any excuses. Once I submitted my app I realized I had spelling errors in my personal statement (earned instead of learned, and those type of things) I was too embarrassed to have anyone read it lol. I also didnt gush about the program either (whoops) but I got in somewhere so I think it will be ok

Edited January 10, 2012 by Alicia Ortiz

[Ameonna]

I think this is why a number of schools ask for the GPA calculation of your final two years in addition to your total GPA; grad schools are probably more concerned with your performance in higher-level classes relating to your field as opposed to your cores or basic level classes. Also, I don't think the transition from B/C student to A student is nearly as dramatic as, say, a student who was put on academic probation in their freshman year who is suddenly getting As and Bs later on in their transcript. I could see how the latter would warrant an explanation, but as you said in your post, a gradual improvement from freshman year to senior year is actually very common.

[stackoverflow]

I have a similar grade progression as you do, and honestly, I think it's almost saying more about you that you have gotten to the point where you can achieve solid A's for your last two years (I'm assuming that you have done this, of course, based on your treatment of your B/C semesters). It shows that you are able to grow and produce great work in more advanced courses. Grade-hungry students generally aren't good PhD material, as far as I can see. It's all about passion, hard work, and a desire to grow as an intellectual. A perfect undergrad GPA only reflects strength in background material.

Edited January 11, 2012 by stackoverflow

[Normal]

Thanks to you guys for your responses. It's really nice hearing from people who have been/are going through the process, plus it's helpful knowing that there are so many others simultaneously freaking out.