Bad grade affecting the GPA

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I have a quick question. I am applying to some Ph.D. programs this semester. I had a high GPA 3.78, but last semester, I got two C's for the first time one of which wasn't even slightly related to my major whatsoever. Those were due some personal problems. When I exclude them, I get the old high GPA again. Right now, my overall GPA is 3.71. I don't want to mention anything about that, but the form requires me to fill in additional GPA scores such as last two years' GPA or upper division GPA. Those are making my GPA look worse (less than 3.70). So I don't wanna get disregarded just because of those few little boxes in the application box; on the other hand, I feel like I shouldn't tell them what to count and what to disregard. So what do you think I should do? Thanks a bunch!</p>

2

<p>Obviously, you have to follow directions and include the grades; however, if the personal problems were substantial (death in the family, severe illness, etc.), you can address them in your SOP as long as they are in the context of your success. For example, "When my mother passed away in my junior fall and I struggled with my coursework, I realized that . . . "</p>

3

<p>In my humanities field, a 3.71 cumulative GPA is more than good, it is quite competitive. It is the GPA in the major that matters, though. Since your major GPA remains unchanged, I don’t see what you are worrying about.</p>

4

<p>thank you again.</p>