GPA discrepancy addendum

[laurenlnw]

Hello,

I'm struggling with wording my GPA addendum. I graduated high school a year early and overcommitted myself at my local community college (jobs, extracurriculars, community service, etc.), earning a 3.62 GPA. However, I really hit my stride after transferring and pretty much got straight A's, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 3.92 University GPA. I know I should emphasize the upward trend, but I'm trying to avoid painting any sort of negative picture or present excuses. Do you have any advice on how I can walk this fine line? Thank you in advance!

[Dave Killoran]

Hello,

I'm struggling with wording my GPA addendum. I graduated high school a year early and overcommitted myself at my local community college (jobs, extracurriculars, community service, etc.), earning a 3.62 GPA. However, I really hit my stride after transferring and pretty much got straight A's, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 3.92 University GPA. I know I should emphasize the upward trend, but I'm trying to avoid painting any sort of negative picture or present excuses. Do you have any advice on how I can walk this fine line? Thank you in advance!

Hi Lauren,

I actually think you did a fine job in explaining it here! I'd expand what you say a bit, of course, but the gist—you were young and overcommitted—makes perfect sense and will certainly allow any adcom to understand why that first year is lower than the rest. Emphasize the idea that it was a youthful error and that you learned from it, as evidenced by your later grades. That will cover all your bases and not sound like an excuse

Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!

[laurenlnw]

Hi Dave,

Thank you so much, that certainly helps!

[MikeT]

I'm agree! it's really helps!