When applying to higher education, how to explain past academic mishaps?

Question

Honestly, I've spent many years in philosophical depression and didn't care diddlysquat for life for many of the formative years of academic life (in college). How to explain this without making it sound like I am "justifying" or "making excuses"? Please, only sensitive replies, as this is a regetful topic for me.

Answer 1

Don't explain your reasons for poor performance unless asked, and if asked, just say that you had a lot of growing up to do. Then point out the things that demonstrate how you have changed. Trying to explain 'philosophical depression' is just going to sound weird.

It's not exactly unusual for people to grow up after college, and people aren't interested in the reasons you did poorly in the past - they want see how you handle yourself now. This avoids the whole excuse pitfall and probably makes you look like a normal person who grew up late. Med & grad schools like well-rounded people and grades are only a small part of the application - there's test scores, letters of recommendation, interviews, and other skills. Good Luck!

Answer 2

A lot depends on the school you are speaking to. The situation of a student being unmotivated (for whatever reason) and therefore underachieving is not so unusual. What you need to do is admit your missteps but focus on accomplishments, especially recent ones, which demonstrate you have changed and overcome whatever it was holding you back.

Also, you might want to aim at the proper level of schools. Usually the top rank, famous schools are less willing to devote a slot to someone with questions simply because they have so many bright people who are not as risky to choose from. On the other hand, some good second-level schools are on the lookout for bright underachievers, because those are the ones who can really help their reputation.

Finally, try to meet with professors you would be studying with, and let them see your new enthusiasm and potential. If a professor is on your side it will help a lot with the admissions people.

Good luck.

Answer 3

My wife ran into a similar problem, but it wasn't depression, she was just young and partying too hard, when she got older and decided to continue her education, these past transgressions( Bad grades) followed. She had to write an appeal to the dean and was put on an acedemic probationary period. When the college saw how serious she was by the grades she was keeping, everything was ok. You may have a hard time with financial aid at first though.

Answer 4

Whats higher education? Graduate school, Undergrad School?

When you explain your mishap dont try to make excuses. Instead, write how you learned from your mishap/mistake and how you used it in life/school to make you a better person.

Answer 5

They love to hear this: "I'm a life-long learner."