Explanation of low GPA

[krishnalynn]

So I submitted my applications back in January and the weakest part of my application was my GPA. I worked 50 hrs/week for the first three years of undergrad, so my GPA was at a 3.04 at the time of application with an upward trend. I did not have to submit a statement of purpose for this school, just a proposal as the only written submissions. Most of the work at first was not in my field so it wasn't on my CV. My application is really strong in other areas, published paper, research experience, etc. I have a POI who has accepted me, we wrote a proposal together, and she's trying to push my application through. 

 

I was talking to one of my LOR writers and talking to her about it and shes like "wait, you should have told me! i could have written a paragraph explaining your grades!" because she has had me as a student and knows my work ethic. Right now there's nothing in any of my LORs explaining my grades. I mentally cringed when I heard this because I didnt even think about including this. 

 

I am pretty close with my POI and I can bring it up to her to see if she can mention it during the committee meeting. Or bring it up with the Graduate Secretary asking if I can submit an updated LOR? Or should I just let it go? 

[PsychGradHopeful14]

Let it go... it's usually bad policy to ask to supplement/update application materials after submission has been finalized or deadline has passed/application is under review.  It may be possible to bring it up in an interview if that is part of your process but that's about it.

[megshoe]

I agree that you should just let it go. Submitting supplementary materials, especially ones "explaining low grades," is likely not to be taked into consideration or at all, or viewed very positively. If the rest of your application is exceptional enough, you'll be admitted despite your grades and even with the explanation, they probably wouldn't have cared about it unless the rest of your app stood out.

 

As previous poster said, perhaps bring it up in an interview, but otherwise let it go and wait it out. Believe me, I understand how agonizing it is.

[ssynny]

If you're particularly close to your POI, I would ask for their input. If they think it would benefit your case to submit a statement, it might be the push you need to gain acceptance. But obviously if your POI feels they have all the info they need, I would let it go.

[dhg12]

I was almost in the same boat, but I met with one of my professors to discuss the process/tips luckily. She is in charge of the Philosophy grad program at my current school, and luckily she was super clear that I actually should mention my low first-year GPA in my SOP. She also told me to make sure I communicate that info to my letter writers, that way it is basically repeated in three separate documents. 

 

I do agree that it is sort of out of your hands now though. Worst case scenario you don't get in where you'd like this round and need to reapply. At least then you will know that info and almost automatically have a stronger applciation

[CarefreeWritingsontheWall]

I was in a similar situation as you, mainly that the week before I wrote my GRE my family and friends were facing signficant personal crises. Paired with a power failure in the middle of my test, I completely bombed my quantitative and verbal sections because I had lost all ability to focus. On my of LOR writer's is my undergraduate thesis advisor and he assured me he would explain that (I had emailed him about it the moment it happened, and he had convinced me to apply to American schools in the first place). If something happens, and you aren't accepted, I don't think it would hurt to get a revised letter with the explanation in it. That said, I think your LOR writers will already discuss your work ethic in their letters, maybe not in relationship to working full time on top of school, but in ways that will show a committee that you're a dedicated student regardless. Like all of the others here, I don't think it would be worthwhile to say something now. It seems like you already have your foot in the door at the one. Good luck!