Optional Essay, Should I Tell?

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

by onlyexternaluse » Fri Oct 15, 2010 12:38 am

Hi, now I'm thinking hard how should I explain my undergrad GPA.

I had a depression during my college. I ended up 2.6 in Business Admin.

I would like to explain and to cite that I'm totally fine now after proper medication.
My GMAT score is 690. My job is quantitative based. My TOEFL is 100+.
These three should prove that "I'm fine."

But I am very very afraid of

Committee A: "let's not admit this guy, he had depression"
Committee B: "yeah, he already had once, he may have it again here"
Committee A: stamp "rejected"

If that's the case, I would rather tell nothing.

Will they take this depression against me?

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Stacy Blackman | Fri Oct 15, 2010 12:38 am

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 » Fri Oct 15, 2010 9:54 am

Dear onlyexternaluse,

Depression is not a reason to reject an applicant. I do think you should write the optional essay, but realize that the focus of the essay is not to provide an explanation or excuse for your performance. The focus of the essay is to provide evidence that you will excel in the classroom in business school. In writing the essay, you will want to note any mitigating circumstances for your undergraduate performance, like battling depression, but it will not be the focus of the essay. If you do not feel comfortable disclosing you had depression, then you could state that you struggled with a medical condition that has since been diagnosed and resolved. Then, point out how you have succeeded since in your career as evidence of the commitment and motivation you will bring to business school.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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

by onlyexternaluse » Mon Oct 18, 2010 8:04 am

Thank You

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