Question about essays

[Gmater730]

Some schools like UCLA have an optional essay, other such as Wharton do not. I have a very low UG GPA 0f 2.8 and attribute it to dealing with a learning disorder. I understand then if i am to talk about this on an optional essay i have to show how i have addressed my problem so that the adcoms will see that it will no longer effect my performance. My question is, some schools ask questions such as... what is a difficult experiences in your life and how did it effect you?....or what led to the development of your character?

Are these type questions an acceptable format for me to broach the subject of my learning disability? Or should i reserve it for the optional essay? what about schools like Wharton that don't seem to have an optional essay?

My gmat is a 730 and i have 2.5 years of wok experience as an aerospace engineer.

Thanks

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Gmater730,

I think you could write about overcoming your learning disorder for a difficult experience or character development essay if you feel it is the best topic for the question. If you have another topic you would rather use, and there is an optional essay, then write about your learning disorder in the optional essay. For schools without the optional essay, it is up to you on how and if you convey your learning disorder in your application. It could be that you will get asked in the interview about your undergraduate academic performance or the schools will be looking for evidence in your application of your level of motivation and commitment now.

Good luck,
Lisa