Anyone take extra years to grad? Forum

[appind]

What does TLS think about this?

Took 4 years to finish masters in engineering instead of typical 2 years. I was accepted to the program as a direct PhD student. Changed my mind within the 1st year although officially opted to leave with MS only in the last semester at the college.
My transcript during the last 2 years looks like a series of meaningless MS thesis credits.
It seems like I should explain why it took me 4 years, low MS gpa, and why i loaded up on thesis credits but I don't think I have a good explanation other than what I posted above.

Can this be explained? Should I include addendum?


1st yr: 4 courses (12 credits)
2nd yr: 4 courses (11 credits)
3/4 yr: 18 credits of MS thesis (Pass/fail)
MS required only 6 credits of thesis but I had to load up on thesis credits to maintain my FT student status. I was also either a Research assistant or intern/Co-op (20 hr/wk) all semesters during those 4 years. MS gpa: 3.4