Explaining a poor undergraduate GPA

[mobenny]

Hi,

Many schools offer the opportunity to write an additional essay if necessary. I have a poor undergraduate GPA, which I would like to explain in my application. Do you recommend that I use the additional essay to explain my poor undergraduate GPA or should I weave it into my application?

Also, do you know any resources I could use to help me explain my poor undergraduate GPA?

Thanks,

Moses

[mbamission]

Hi Moses -

I would definitely advise using the additional essay for that purpose and not weaving it into your essays. Your essays should be showcasing your strengths. In terms of the optional essay, you want it to be brief, addressing the low GPA, giving reasons (but not excuses), and then focusing on offering evidence that it is not representative, e.g. through GMAT scores, relevant work experiences, additional courses, etc.

For further help, please see our blog posts:

http://www.mbamission.com/blog/2009/03/ ... mistake-2/
http://www.mbamission.com/blog/2009/03/23/443/


Jessica Shklar
MBA Mission
646-485-8844

Website: www.mbamission.com
Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog

[mobenny]

Hi Jessica,

Thank you for your response. I had an idea that I would appreciate some insight about. I am still in contact with my academic advisor during college and interestingly enough she was also my advisor regarding the issue that caused my low grades.

1) Would it be appropriate and/or effective to have her write a letter as my additional essay explaining my poor grades.

2) If not, would it be more effective to have her write my 2nd recommendation because she can offer a non-biased opinion about my low gpa and my intellectual aptitude.

I know that she would be very happy to write the letter for me and that it would be a strong letter that would speak to my character and my intellect. Please let me know what you think and if you think I could use her insight in any part of my application.

Thanks!!

[mbamission]

Hi Moses -

It's an interesting issue you raise. Definitely do not do #1 - she should not write your essay.

As for her being one of your recommenders, generally we discourage people from selecting academic references since the schools are more interested in more recent professional ones. However, some schools are open to receiving additional notes or letters. I think I would ask her to do that - write a letter to the schools, not as a reference though, explaining the situation with your grades.

One caveat - some schools do not accept additional letters. In that case, you probably should just write the optional essay, possibly including her name/phone number as your advisor during that period whom they can use to verify information.

Good luck.

Jessica Shklar
mbaMission

www.mbamission.com/blog

[mobenny]

Thank you very much for your insight.

Just to clarify, you recommend including an addition letter from her to the schools that accept them. And to also write an additional essay for these same shools. So I would submit an additional letter and a letter from her to the schools that would accept this info, correct?

Thank you for your help!!

Moses

[mbamission]

Yes, Moses. All schools will accept an additional essay, which you should submit. She can also write an additional note to schools that accept them.

Good luck.

Jessica Shklar
mbaMission