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Low GPA optional essay

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Low GPA optional essay

by adsman87 » Fri Feb 03, 2012 11:53 am
I did my undergrad in music performance where grades didn't matter at all. The only thing that mattered was playing great and not letting your GPA dip low enough to lose scholarship from the university. My GPA isn't THAT bad, a 3.07. Would this be a good idea to show my actual accomplishments and show that my grades are irrelevant. Or might that sound like I'm merely making excuses for poor grades? Should I talk about my accomplishments and ignore my poor grades?

Any advice would be greatly appreciative.
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by snflwer3 » Sat Feb 04, 2012 5:34 pm
Hi adsman87,

I faced a similar problem when I was applying for MS programs. I was told not to explicitly mention the low GPA in my essays, but focus instead on other positives in my resume.

However, I think the strategy is a bit different for MBA schools - from what I've heard it is good to directly address this issue in optional essays.

I'm in a similar situation as well, and would also be interested in hearing some expert opinions.

Good luck on your apps!
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by money9111 » Sun Feb 05, 2012 11:21 pm
The same strategy still applies where you want to address the issue but not explicitly state it. It's definitely tricky but it can be done. Trust me! It can be done. When I wrote mine, I didn't mention what my GPA was in that essay because I didn't want to call any more attention to it. They knew what it was from my transcript. I did however explain what my undergrad experience was like and why I didn't perform to the best of my abilities.
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by vaibhavgupta » Tue Feb 07, 2012 7:03 am
adsman87 wrote:I did my undergrad in music performance where grades didn't matter at all. The only thing that mattered was playing great and not letting your GPA dip low enough to lose scholarship from the university. My GPA isn't THAT bad, a 3.07. Would this be a good idea to show my actual accomplishments and show that my grades are irrelevant. Or might that sound like I'm merely making excuses for poor grades? Should I talk about my accomplishments and ignore my poor grades?

Any advice would be greatly appreciative.
What i tried to do was explain why such a scenario was present. Mine was a bad comprehensive marks (my college does not have a GPA system) and i explained about it. although i ensured that it didnt seem like i was making an excuse!!
If OA is A, IMO B
If OA is B, IMO C
If OA is C, IMO D
If OA is D, IMO E
If OA is E, IMO A

FML!! :/
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by bgbaron » Tue Feb 07, 2012 2:45 pm
adsman, the basic rule of MBA admissions is to highlight your strengths and inoculate against your weaknesses. As schools review your application, they will be assessing whether they feel you can succeed academically. If your grades are mediocre or worse, you'll have to convince them of your horsepower through one or more of the above: 1) GMAT score 2) a well written set of essays 3) work experience that demonstrates how smart you are. Good luck!
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by Jon@Admissionado » Wed Feb 08, 2012 1:20 am
Well you can do a LOT of things actually. As bgbaron wrote, focusing on your strengths esp. anything that will show how SMART you are is a very good idea. So high GMAT, passing any other standardized test, passing a bar, winning academic awards/scholarships.

Secondly you can also write a good story about why if you have some good reasons. For example are you working a full time job plus a part time job while you are in university? Have some personal disaster that didn't allow you to perform? You can definitely let them know!
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by myEssayReview » Wed Feb 08, 2012 10:47 am
Definitely, it's a good idea to let the Ad Com know what your actual accomplishments were during your undergraduate course .List any awards you received or any theatrical performance that you participated in... NO, it will not sound like you are making any excuses; it will only mean that you are familiarizing them with the facts.
An optional essay is an opportunity for you to give the Ad Com relevant information that you could not give in other essays or other parts of your application.So grab that opportunity to position your candidacy well.
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