<p>If you have a couple grades from a specific semester or class that are like a blemish on your transcript, and they are the only grades that are diminishing your GPA, would you write an apology/excuse statement to excuse them, or not write anything at all (in a hope of drawing less attention to them)?</p>
<p>THANKS!</p>
<p>I might write a statement to <em>explain</em> them. I would not write a statement to <em>excuse</em> them. It comes off as not taking responsibility for one's own (relative) failings.</p>
<p>If the explanation is something people are likely to think might happen again, I would either not offer the explanation or offer the explanation and also explain what steps I'd taken to prevent a recurrence.</p>
<p>Its not the issue of drawing less attention; any adcom is going to notice them. The issue is that few kids are able to write a statement about them without attempting to evade responsibility. The teacher was mean, they had too many other committments that semester, whatever. These things may be true in varying degrees, but they aren't what an adcom wants to see.</p>
<p>nontraditional has it right, but few kids can write a letter than plainly says "the problem was my fault. Here is what I've been doing to make sure it doesn't happen again." Mostly because they can't agree/admit the responsibility was their's.</p>
<p>so you would recommend an "I take full responsibility, this is what ive done to make sure it wont happen again" letter ?</p>
<p>I personally don't. I had to deal with that issue when I got a D+ on a AP Gov midterm that brought down my semester grade. My teacher, GC, and I discussed the possiblity. Then I was talked out of it because such a letter can draw attention from other important aspects of your application.</p>
<p>For grad schools for my low GRE... it was also a tricky situation and I discussed it with my current professor and my potential advisors (how much does GRE factor in?). We decided it would be a good idea if they do factor in the GRE. I went over to career services and worked with a counselor there to craft a honest, self-apraisal letter highlighing my abilities and that the GRE is not a reflection on me. It was hard to write it and admit responsbility and I've talked with those potential advisors after I got the decision for ther feedback- NONE of them mentioned my low GRE scores.</p>
<p>So honestly, it has to be a very, very good letter that highlights your true abilities, accepts personal responsiblity, and shows confidence.</p>
<p>It's a tricky situation, but in general I'd say it's not a good idea. Everyone has things they'd like to do over again if they could, that's just a fact of life. You have to stand on the record you have... not on the record you might have had if you could have a redo on some things. </p>
<p>It might work with some folks, but I think a lot of people would read such a letter and think "this is a person who can't take responsibly for their actions and results and wants to blame it on someone or something else." I think in 95% of the cases it's better to just leave it as is. If it comes up in an interview situation then you can give the "here's what I did wrong and what I learned from my mistakes" line but otherwise probably best to focus the application materials on what's good and not on what's bad.</p>
<p>The above all seems like good advice, but I do think that this needs to be handled on a case-by-case basis. What caused the low grades? Extended illness, death of a loved one, parents' divorce, or some other type of trauma? Write an addendum and/or make sure that your GC addresses the issue. But as mikemac says...mean teacher, overcommitment, laziness? Unless you're sure that you can frame things in an acceptable way, I don't think there's any need.</p>
<p>I recommend speaking with your GC and hearing his/her thoughts. (S)he'll be able to give you some perspective (two B+'s do not need to be explained away), assess your rationale, and let you know whether or not you should include an explanation (and how you might frame one, if necessary).</p>