<p>Hi everyone </p>
<p>I have run into a small obstacle applying for a graduate program and I need an outside opinion. I recently graduated with Biochemistry degree, I accomplished this in three years and now I would like to go onto a doctorate program. The first year and a half I carried a solid GPA then all hell broke lose on my family. We lost my best friend and older brother in Afghanistan during my Jr year on top of that my mom was diagnosed with cancer and my baby sister under went intense chemo for a blood disorder. To me school was the only thing keeping me sane so I finished up, but my GPA took a hit ( I never failed anything) I finished out with a 2.78. I knew I was not going to get in based on my GRE and GPA so I did two years working in an analytical chemistry lab. While there I was awarded grants and was able to purse some of my own research. However, I have nothing published yet. I was wondering if I should explain how I dropped from a 3.85 to a 2.78 within two years or do I have enough extracurricular that my GPA maybe over looked. If I should include the events how would you suggest I present them, I dont want to come off like I am trying to receive their pity on my grades. I just want them to understand what happend and that I am not a slacker and I am dedicated to my studies.</p>