Should I discuss this in my SOP?

[amethyst23]

I posted about this issue a while ago but wanted to get additional input before I actually make a decision. I have a "gap" my academic record --the first physics class ever I took was in college, and I got a C+. But the subsequent three physics classes, which went all the way up to intro to quantum, I earned A's. 

 

I've been told that this isn't too significant of an issue and that I shouldn't draw attention to it in my statement of purpose. What I am thinking about doing is having my academic advisor, who I consulted while I was struggling, comment on this in the letter of rec. But another thing I want to do is just briefly explain it in a sentence in an endnote, not in the body of the SOP.

 

Should I just request my advisor to address this and leave it to them or would it be better to briefly mention it in the SOP?

 

I don't want to weaken the competitiveness of my application because I neglected to address this inconsistency. 

[victorydance]

It's one class, forget about it. 

[bsharpe269]

I think you will weaken your application by drawing attention to it.

[Taeyers]

Don't even worry about it, I doubt anyone will raise an eyebrow at it. My transcript shows that I withdrew from 2 classes (analytical chemistry lecture and lab) during my junior year of undergrad, and no one had given me any indication of having even noticed it. During my interview with the head of the department, he was skimming my transcript and simply said a couple of times what an excellent student I am. Seems to me like they are fully aware that everyone hits speed bumps along the way, and pay much more attention to the general trend in your performance rather than outliers.

[Crucial BBQ]

I posted about this issue a while ago but wanted to get additional input before I actually make a decision. I have a "gap" my academic record --the first physics class ever I took was in college, and I got a C+. But the subsequent three physics classes, which went all the way up to intro to quantum, I earned A's. 

 

I've been told that this isn't too significant of an issue and that I shouldn't draw attention to it in my statement of purpose. What I am thinking about doing is having my academic advisor, who I consulted while I was struggling, comment on this in the letter of rec. But another thing I want to do is just briefly explain it in a sentence in an endnote, not in the body of the SOP.

 

Should I just request my advisor to address this and leave it to them or would it be better to briefly mention it in the SOP?

 

I don't want to weaken the competitiveness of my application because I neglected to address this inconsistency. 

This is a sticky situation.  I had a few Cs in some intro courses and then came back with As and Bs in more advanced courses in the same subjects.  The program that wait listed (and then ultimately denied) me did not mention my lack of clarification, or even if I did, as a factor but they were concerned about the "low" grades.  Another program was downright baffled that I did not mention a reason for those Cs, and had I did, they would have recommended me to their Master's program.  The reason why I did not mention those grades was because of the very clear upward trend that I assumed would not require an explanation.  

 

I was wrong.  Perhaps there is a difference between a handful of Cs and only one, but I dunno; knowing what I know now I personally would not risk not mentioning it.  It only takes one, perhaps two sentences tops; you do not need to devote a whole paragraph to it. 

 

While gradcafe is an awesome resource, another thing I have learned between last year and now is that it really pays (hopefully   ) to go straight to the source and email program directors, potential advisors, etc.  What one program my overlook  another may not. 

Edited September 19, 2014 by Crucial BBQ

[amethyst23]

Hmm alright... I talked to my academic advisor and she recommended that I leave it out for the same reason that it's only one grade.

 

Right now I'm leaning towards not mentioning it because it does seem to weaken my SOP. I may just call the programs and ask how they prefer me to address it.

 

Thanks for all of your input

[Vene]

It's one grade, it doesn't matter. Bringing it up shows you're overly fixated on it and haven't moved on.

[Science_Nerd]

Hmm alright... I talked to my academic advisor and she recommended that I leave it out for the same reason that it's only one grade.

 

Right now I'm leaning towards not mentioning it because it does seem to weaken my SOP. I may just call the programs and ask how they prefer me to address it.

 

Thanks for all of your input

I totally agree with others and your advisor.

It is just one class, and plus, you got A's in the subsequent classes that are more difficult.

[Chimeric Phoenix]

I think another important factor to consider is the length of the SOP. If you have 1 page to talk about all of your accomplishments, what makes you a good student, and why you want to attend that school, you may not have space to mention 1 grade.