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Posted (edited)

My undergrad transcript is... confusing, to say the least. My overall GPA is 2.9/4.0, which is technically below the cutoff for most programs I applied to. It consists of several semesters of straight As, several semesters of all Fs, and a lot all over the place in between. I have lots of other reasons I am a good candidate (170/170/4.5 on the GRE, several years of research experience, really solid letters of rec), and have already gotten at least one interview (waiting to hear back from all other schools to which I have applied).

 

This last summer, when I was several years out of college, I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, which made everything about my undergraduate difficulties finally make sense. I've been told repeatedly not to mention mental illness in the SOP or what have you, so I didn't, but what happens if someone asks me point blank in the interview what the heck was going on with my grades? I honestly believe that now that I'm managing it, anxiety will no longer be as much of an issue in grad school, but how do I tell interviewers "I'm confident this won't happen again" without coming out and copping to mental illness? There was no improvement toward the end, so I don't even have that to point to.

Edited by suurkate
Posted

You could mention something about medical problems (no specifics) hurting your grades but that since getting it treated your grades have improved (you must have a clear trend upwards for this). Quick, simple, and truthful. No one should be asking for specifics, but if they do you can just say it was private. No one is entitled to your medical history.

Posted

You could mention something about medical problems (no specifics) hurting your grades but that since getting it treated your grades have improved (you must have a clear trend upwards for this). Quick, simple, and truthful. No one should be asking for specifics, but if they do you can just say it was private. No one is entitled to your medical history.

 

I wish I could say that. But there is no upward trend, and the fact that it's up and down over 6 years (I took a year and a half off in the middle) makes the "medical problem" line pretty hard to believe.

Posted

What about doing a masters program. I know some programs will use your last 60 units or test scores if you don't have a 3.0. CSU Channel islands has a biotechnology and bioinformatics masters degree program. Take a look a it.

http://biology.csuci.edu/bio_mos.htm

 Maybe this could be an option.

 

Also some graduate programs have diversity essays where you could explain your situation.

 

 Take a look at this website for Professional Science Masters: Bioinformatics/Computational Bio

http://www.sciencemasters.com/PSMProgramLocator/tabid/141/Default.aspx

Posted

Did you do well in classes related to your graduate program, or were those in general all over the place, as well? 

 

How long have you been out of college? You can make the argument that you've changed since then (especially if you have some research experience in between).

Posted

I think saying that you have had a medical issue that has caused you to miss classes and even forced you to be out of school for a while while you recovered, but now you are healthy and since you have gotten healthy you have been able to do research and maintain grades. I'm sure they will say something like "sorry to hear about that but I'm glad you are doing better" and previous grades will no longer be a question. Be prepared to move the conversation along to your research both present and future though.

Posted

I think saying that you have had a medical issue that has caused you to miss classes and even forced you to be out of school for a while while you recovered, but now you are healthy and since you have gotten healthy you have been able to do research and maintain grades. I'm sure they will say something like "sorry to hear about that but I'm glad you are doing better" and previous grades will no longer be a question. Be prepared to move the conversation along to your research both present and future though.

 

 

Yeah, I second that. "I had a medical issue while I was in school that has since been resolved" is a good, non-specific way of communication that yes, there is a good reason for your messy transcript, and no, it's not an issue any more.

 

They *shouldn't* push you any more after that, but just in case they do: spend some time thinking about whether you'd rather tell them "I used to have trouble with anxiety, but it's been under control for several years" or if you'd rather say "I'd rather not discuss specifics, thanks."

Posted (edited)

What about doing a masters program. I know some programs will use your last 60 units or test scores if you don't have a 3.0. CSU Channel islands has a biotechnology and bioinformatics masters degree program. Take a look a it.

http://biology.csuci.edu/bio_mos.htm

 Maybe this could be an option.

 

Also some graduate programs have diversity essays where you could explain your situation.

 

 Take a look at this website for Professional Science Masters: Bioinformatics/Computational Bio

http://www.sciencemasters.com/PSMProgramLocator/tabid/141/Default.aspx

I did apply to one masters program at a low-ranked school as a backup in case I don't get in anywhere else. Obviously I would prefer to go straight to PhD for many reasons, not the least of which is financial (I'd rather get paid to get a doctorate than pay to get a masters).

 

However, at this point I am already being flown out to interview with at least one really great PhD program, so I'd rather address the issue of "what should I say in the interview" than lower my sights and assume I can't get in. Outside of the grades, I actually have a pretty stellar application package.

 

Thanks to everyone for your helpful responses! It's looking like I'll go with the line of a persistent, nonspecific medical issue. It has now been 3 years since I graduated from college, which is a reasonable and believable amount of time to have overcome a medical issue. I am, of course, hoping they ask more questions about my research than my grades.

Edited by suurkate

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