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  • GPA
    From: captain  Jun 29, 2012 Posts 1

    Hello,

    I have an overall GPA of about 3.5. My year on year GPA was fairly stable around 3.7 until it dropped to about 3.2 in my last year. Is it necessary to use my optional essay to address this or 3.2 is not low enough for me to give it that level of attention? Thank you.

  • Re: GPA
    From: victormlee  Jun 29, 2012 Posts 2,555
    In reply to

    Hi, captain,

    Use your discretion based on the full details in your transcript. The issue is more about the story than the specific numbers; a drop of that nature might be worth explaining (depending on the real reason for the drop). 

    Here is Wharton's guidance re: the optional essay: 

    "The optional essay is truly optional, and may be presented in one paragraph of 250 words or less. It should be used to highlight any inconsistencies your application may need to address, or you can use it to explain your choice of recommenders, if you believe they are not a traditional choice. We recommend that you don't skip over any issue that may present a concern to an evaluator.

    If there is a potential issue (e.g., one poor semester/term at university within an otherwise impressive academic experience, a year out of your career to explore), explain its context, what you learned from the experience, as well as how it may affect your time at Wharton. If you do not explain the context, the Admissions Committee may make uninformed assumptions." (http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/mba/admissions/preparing-successful-application.cfm#essay)

    Good luck,

    Victor

    WG '11 

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