GPA Addendum Critique Forum

[swimfash]

During my first 2 years of college I was a biological Engineer major, the caliber of these classes contributed to my lower GPA. Starting the fall of my sophomore year until graduation, I worked 20-30 hours per week to put myself through college. Once I switched into the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences I received grades that are more representative of my ability as a student. However, during my final year: Spring and Fall 2011 I was put under a great deal of stress and pressure from my family. As I was requested to drive the 140 miles home to help my family with my father who is terminally ill with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. This has taken a physical, mental, financial and emotional toll on me. As a student it has been difficult to make all ends meet including: balancing all my family, school, and work responsibilities. I believe this circumstance contributed to my GPA.
Overall, I do not think that my GPA adequately demonstrates my ability to pursue a successful graduate degree. It may be evident from my CV and reference letters that I am a hard worker and have a significant amount of experience, and I feel that is what will get me through a rigorous graduate course load.

[cinephile]

Make this much shorter. Basically just leave in working 20-30 hr/wk from sophomore year on. And then mention your father having Lou Gehrig's disease (don't tell them the scientific name, just keep it simple).

Also, the idea that your GPA was low when you pursued a rigorous major and higher when you pursued an easier major isn't the kind of thing you want to tell them. If anything, let them come to that conclusion themselves.

[swimfash]

Thank you for the input!!!!

[Liquox]

simplify. drop the "i believe". the law admins know engineering is harder than an english or philosophy major.

jw, what do you consider a "low" gpa?

[bernaldiaz]

Make this much shorter. Basically just leave in working 20-30 hr/wk from sophomore year on. And then mention your father having Lou Gehrig's disease (don't tell them the scientific name, just keep it simple).

Also, the idea that your GPA was low when you pursued a rigorous major and higher when you pursued an easier major isn't the kind of thing you want to tell them. If anything, let them come to that conclusion themselves.

Seriously, leave this out. Focus on the other stuff. It's more than adequate for an addendum.