Mentioning shortcoming in GPA?

[uhurulol]

Hi everyone,

For reference, I'm an astronomy applicant (physics degree) with a pretty strong undergraduate research profile.  I've heard that if your grades are lower than you expect the average to be, it may be advisable to offer a brief explanation in your statement. I have a lower GPA (PHY 3.22, OVR 3.11), and I think I should just mention it briefly. Some of the programs I'm applying to have Master's degrees as well -- should I mention in this section that I would be willing to begin in that program to demonstrate my ability to do the coursework? I've heard of this happening at various universities before.

Thanks in advance.

[MathCat]

I would only mention a reason for your GPA if you have a really good reason. It should not sound at all like an excuse. Also, I don't think it is necessary to mention that you would be willing to begin in the Masters - most schools that would consider that will offer it to you themselves, I think.

[ashiepoo72]

I don't know if this translates across fields, but I was told by professors and other graduate students that it's best to mention GPA shortcomings obliquely and in a positive light. So, for example, I mention in my SOP that I worked throughout my undergraduate and MA careers, which allowed me to appreciate my academic career by way of comparison to my non-academic employment. These are intelligent people reading application packets--I think they can read between the lines, if they are even concerned about the GPA in the first place.

[uhurulol]

Thanks for the help.  I currently have a short paragraph describing my hectic work schedule throughout undergrad, which led me to getting a C in a pretty important class.  The rest of my grades in relative classes are Bs and above, so I figured a little mention of one specific case wouldn't hurt.

[rising_star]

The problem with that, uhurulol, is that blaming a hectic work schedule likely reads as you making an excuse for getting a C.

[ashiepoo72]

I wholeheartedly agree with rising_star. When I mentioned my work schedule in the comment above, I should note that this was one sentence in my entire SOP, which also included reference to my teaching experience (my outside job was as a tutor). So the one sentence that the adcomm could read as an explanation for a slight dip in grades if they chose to was also intended to express my preparation for graduate school--there isn't a place in my SOP where I mention grades. You shouldn't write a whole paragraph explaining your work schedule, and I don't think you should even directly discuss your grades. If your outside employment relates at all to your field, mention it. If you were working like 60+ hours a week then I would say something on how working outside of school taught you to balance your responsibilities or something. You really don't need more than a sentence, max two.

[Guest]

I did this for my super low GRE scores (only did above average on the writing). However,I did not mention anything about it within my SOP. Two of my programs offered an additional information prompt that involved addressing 'anything of concern' to the admissions committee in a seperate letter. I did it because I'm sure a person with a 3.7GPA yet super low gre scores might cause some red flags. I feel that if a school offers such a section, then I am going to make use of it. If not, then I just leave it.

 

I kept it at a half page length and made sure to not complain in the entire letter. I briefly mentioned my hectic work schedule, balancing class 5 times a week (including midterms and finals), and always dealing with general timed- test anxiety regardless of studying. Then, I overshadowed all of it with advantages and concluded that I feel that the GRE does not reflect my true abilities. Also bare in mind, that I am only going for a Masters and my schools do not have a mininum GRE score criteria.

Edited January 10, 2015 by Guest

[uhurulol]

Thank you all for the advice.  One more question -- I have severe ADD that went untreated for most of my college education, is this something I should mention?  

[rising_star]

Depends. Do you want the adcom to know about your mental health? Is your ADD under control now or is it likely to cause an issue in the future? If you bring it up, you may have adcom members wondering if it will happen again...

[uhurulol]

Yeah, that's what I figured.  It's treated now and I'm much better at concentrating on my work.  I think I will still leave this bit out, though.

[bsharpe269]

My undergrad grades aren't great due to ADHD that I wasn't treating at the time. By not great I even mean that I have a couple Ds in important classes.I didn't mention this at all in my SOP. My MS GPA is a 4.0 and the rest of my application is great. I am getting interviews at strong programs in my field. I barely fit all of my research experience and comments on the faculty's work in the 2 pages I wanted to limit my SOP to. I would not have wasted space to point put bad aspects of my application again. Pointing out a C is just going to take away SOP space that could be used to show your knowledge of your field and is going to remind the committee of a negative part of you application.

[uhurulol]

You're absolutely right.  I elaborated more on my research and my research goals and I got to the point where I was trying smaller fonts to fit it all on two pages.  No point in wasting space on the grade stuff.  Thanks for the advice.

[drownsoda]

I really think this depends on a.) the case specific to the person; and b.) how one goes about addressing it.

 

If you aren't careful, it does come across like you're making excuses, which isn't necessarily a good thing. I honestly think admitting your fault in the situation would almost be better (i.e. "I had a hectic schedule and I didn't make enough time for my studies"), but I'm not even sure that's necessary. Maybe this is just me, but I viewed my grad applications like I would a job application, and it just seems weird to try to explain away your shortcomings when you're ideally trying to highlight what your strengths are and what you have to offer (not to mention it's a waste of word space if you incorporate it in your SOP).

 

I was on the fence about using the "additional info" sections which were offered on a couple of my applications. I considered addressing my wretched quantitative score on the GRE, but since I applied to English programs, I ultimately decided that it would be pointless. They're obviously going to be able to tell that I'm bad at math based on my score, but I'm not applying to mechanical engineering programs, so it's not all that pertinent. Likewise, they are going to be able to tell you didn't have the highest GPA, because it's laid out right there for them on your transcript. They may want to know why it was low, sure, but it's tricky to address.

 

I'd just be wary about what you put in the "additional information" section. I ended up using it on one of my applications to briefly acknowledge the year-long gap between my sophomore and junior years on my transcript, but that was because on that specific application I was unable to address it in my SOP due to word constraints (had major health problems, surgeries, treatments, etc. which forced me to drop out of school for a year).

 

My advice would be that if you do use the "additional info" section, to be brief and concise.

Edited January 13, 2015 by drownsoda

[Crucial BBQ]

When I recently met with the program director for a particular program at UC Davis, I was asked about my GPA.  I responded with, "it's low".  I was asked how low?, I hesitated, and then was asked if it was at least a 3.0?  I said yes, to which the program director broke out laughing-saying I had absolutely nothing to worry about.  

 

It might be worth it to briefly mention an F or a D or two, perhaps a C- even, but I'd leave Cs and above alone.   

[rococo_realism]

The problem with that, uhurulol, is that blaming a hectic work schedule likely reads as you making an excuse for getting a C.

Oh my goodness! I tried to up-vote this, but I accidentally clicked down. Sorry about that! I did up-vote your other comment,though.

Edited February 6, 2015 by rococo_realism86

[MastersHoping]

When I recently met with the program director for a particular program at UC Davis, I was asked about my GPA.  I responded with, "it's low".  I was asked how low?, I hesitated, and then was asked if it was at least a 3.0?  I said yes, to which the program director broke out laughing-saying I had absolutely nothing to worry about.  

 

It might be worth it to briefly mention an F or a D or two, perhaps a C- even, but I'd leave Cs and above alone.   

 

Wow, this makes me feel a LOT better! I have around a 3.3 gpa from undergrad, albeit from a very well-known and well-regarded university, and am freaking out about not getting into places because of it.

[PeakPerformance]

Rather than attempting to explain or make excuses for your GPA in your statement of purpose, I recommend that you ask one of your recommenders to address/explain the issue and dispel any concerns your lower GPA might raise. Even if you explain your GPA, you can't dispel any ad com concerns on your own. Your statement of purpose should be positive and focus on your experience in your field, your research interests and why you're a good fit for the school (and vice versa).  Most importantly, if you're applying to PhD programs, you want to leave ad com members with the impression that your commitment to your research/career path is such that you will finish the program and not be one of the legions of PhD candidates who who end up leaving a program before completing their dissertation. At the same time, you want to present yourself as an interesting colleague and a unique addition to the program.