Low GPA from Health Issue

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onlyexternaluse: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 7; Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2009 2:12 am

by onlyexternaluse » Wed Apr 14, 2010 10:25 pm

My reason for low GPA is because I have serious illness.
I started with 3, then bounced in 2.5 and 3.2 range and ended at 2.6
I planned to ask for medical certification from my doctor that during my college, I had to take meds and fight with the illness.
Though I still have to take the same medicine but things are much better now.
Life was struggling at the time, so studying was not number one priority.

I found that they said don't make any excuse.
Does this sound like an excuse?
Please suggest me.

Thank you.

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Source: Beat The GMAT — The Application Process | Wed Apr 14, 2010 10:25 pm

GMAT/MBA Expert

Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Thu Apr 15, 2010 7:09 pm

Dear onlyexternaluse,

Your illness is not an excuse; it is an explanation. The key to your optional essay where you will want to address your undergraduate transcript is to state that you were struggling with an illness that resulted in your inconsistent performance, but that your illness is under control now. Basically, the bulk of your essay should be about how your performance in business school will be different, how you are different now and able to handle the rigor of the program. You don't need to get into the specifics of your illness unless you want to, but you do want to write the optional essay addressing your performance.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me

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onlyexternaluse: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 7; Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2009 2:12 am

by onlyexternaluse » Thu Apr 15, 2010 8:10 pm

Thanks Lisa.

One more question what about the idea of getting a medical certificate?

At least to show them that I don't make my illness up.
The content in the certificate is planned to be about when I consult with a doctor, how I'm doing now.
I plan to scan the certificate, or should I just send the real one to the university?

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ReachingHigher: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 48; Joined: Mon Apr 26, 2010 10:33 amFollowed by: 1 member; Thanked: 1 times

by ReachingHigher » Wed May 05, 2010 2:25 pm

I actually like this question. I had severe medical issues which landed me in the emergency room several times during my undergraduate education.

Unfortunately, these issues continued up until one year ago. Now, my doctors have stated I am healthy and on the mend.

Is this a good reason to state why the GPA was not 100% perfect (I graduated with a 3.4 and a 3.8 in my major GPA). Also, is this something that can be utilized in the explanation as to why I am applying now at the age of 30?

Thanks,
A

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