Reapplicant dilemma

[salb]

I'm reapplying to Stern. I didn't explain my low undergrad gpa last time, even though I did have a valid reason. In fact, I didn't really put too much effort last time. My question is if I should explain it this time around? Will the school wonder why I failed to mention it last time? Will it raise any doubts? I don't want it to weigh down my current application.

Thanks

[Marc@AcceptU]

It sounds like you believe your rejection last year was based on your undergraduate performance - if that is indeed the case, it would make sense to offer an explanation in optional essay #4. Of course, there may have been other factors that led to your ding, in which case bringing unneeded attention to your GPA may be detrimental to your reapplication.