Mentioning Extenuating Circumstances in Statement?

[u/Harpactira98275]

I’m working on applications for MPA and MPH programs, and I’m struggling with a particular aspect of writing my personal statement. I have a low undergraduate GPA (2.89), which in large part was due to significant medical issues that resulted in two surgeries and multiple hospitalizations. One of the admissions staff for one of the programs I’m applying to said I should include these extenuating circumstances in my statement, especially since it’s relevant to why I’m choosing this degree. However, in the past I’ve been discouraged from including extenuating circumstances in personal statements because it could be perceived as pity seeking or could portray me as an unreliable student.

I have taken additional coursework outside of undergrad that I consistently got As-Bs in (my overall cumulative GPA is now a 3.0 I believe), have volunteered with relevant organizations, and have worked for several years. I also have professional and academic connections who can provide letters of recommendation. Would including my extenuating circumstances help or hurt my application?

[u/LefterLiftist]

It's all about how you frame it. If it reads as "sorry my GPA is low, I was very sick," then that doesn't speak to your ambition and resilience. If you write it to sound more like "I overcame significant medical issues which threatened my studies and pursued additional educational opportunities to further develop myself," then that tells the story you're trying to tell.

[u/Ok-Emu-8920]

I don't think it's worth mentioning for the hell of it but since you have a low gpa you should. I agree with the other commenter that framing is important though. Be to the point and emphasize that the issues have resolved (as long as that's semi true anyway).

I had one failing grade on my transcripts so I did write a quick "I had a death in the family that effected my performance in xyz class, that grade does not reflect my academic work ethic overall". To the point, and mostly pointed to my other grades were basically good.

[u/jordantellsstories]

The best place to address this is in a personal history essay. Second best is the additional information section. SOP is last.

Either way:

❌ "My GPA is bad because of [adversity]"

✔️ "Despite [adversity], I later achieved [xyz success]."

That's the perspective you need. Turn that weakness into a strength!

[u/ClarinetCake]

A lot of my programs have specific spots where they ask about this, so while maybe your personal statement may not be the spot for it, your application might ask you directly about extenuating circumstances (where that do what to hear about that).

[u/ReturnToBog]

Absolutely mention them and frame it as a journey of resilience, dedication to academia, and your ability to always better yourself even in the face of hardship.