To address or not to address...

[tangerine15]

I failed a major-related survey course when I was a Sophomore at a junior college, because I was unable to finish it.  As a Junior at a university, I retook the course and received an A+, replacing the F in my GPA.   

 

I cannot decide whether or not I should address this in my SOP.  As it's written now, I discuss my specific area of focus, how I have spent the last two years developing my research skills in this area (research grant, studying abroad, private language lessons, ect...), and what I want to research in graduate school.  At no point do I acknowledge my F, because all of my grades since then have been As or A-s, and it obviously does not reflect my abilities to research in my field.  Plus, who wants to hear excuses?

 

This approach seems like a gamble, so opinions are appreciated.

[fuzzylogician]

In your situation, I'd be inclined not to give an explanation. Since it's just one bad grade in a sea of good ones, and you've successfully retaken this class, there shouldn't be any concern about your performance as a student, nor your ability to study this material and pass the class. It's clearly a one-time thing that doesn't reflect anything more general.*

 

* Some applications have space for "is there anything else you want to tell us" type questions. You could add a short one-liner explanation there. "In my sophomore year I had problem X, couldn't finish course Y. In year Z I re-enrolled in the class and received an A." 

[Applemiu]

In your situation, I'd be inclined not to give an explanation. 

 

I agree! Don't worry about that.

[rising_star]

I wouldn't give an explanation. You retook the course and got an A+, which more than demonstrates your knowledge of the content of that survey course. The space in your SOP can be better used to discuss other things.

[tangerine15]

Thanks for the feedback, guys.  I will leave my SOP as is and not fret about it.