Optional Essay, Should I Tell?

Expert replies

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

Learn more about me

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

Featured schoolRound 2 closes Jan 7, 2027 63 days left

Chicago Booth

Since 1982, 10 Booth faculty members have received the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, more than any other business school.

#3
U.S. News rank: $175,000
Median base salary: 670
Average GMAT Focus: 635
Students in the class

Apply to Booth Visit chicagobooth.edu See the full profile

Photo: Warren LeMay, CC BY-SA 2.0

GMAT Course Reviews

563 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (563 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review