Reasons why transcript is not an accurate reflection....

[Guest starry234]

Okay I have a dilemma...

 

I know there is a place on the OMSAS application where we can state why our transcript might not be that great for personal reasons.

 

However, I don't want it to be seen as a poor excuse or a red flag by the adcoms, so I don't know if I should bother stating it...

 

My father passed away in summer 2004 and I was super stressed out with taking care of my family, so I had really average marks in my third year (GPA around 3.43). My first 2 years were decent (3.71 and 3.68) although they are just barely good enough to meet the cutoffs of most schools. My lackluster year has pushed me below the cutoffs, especially for Ottawa U who weighs third year the heaviest.

 

I'm debating whether I should bother applying to med school now.

 

What do you folks think? Has anyone been in this situation before? How did you handle it and what was the result? How do adcoms look at this "excuse" part of the application?

 

PS I wrote the MCAT this summer and did okay (not brilliant) on my practice tests.

 

Thanks in advance for your help!!

[Guest peachy]

Sorry to hear about your loss - I think it's pretty brave to have gone on with the year at all. About your question, I haven't been in that situation myself, but what do you have to lose by trying? I'd give it a shot if I were you!