Should I explain a poor grade?

[Frostwurm]

Hi guys, would really appreciate it if you all could give me some advice.

When doing the applications, should I explain the reason for getting a poor grade in statistics? I got a B- because it was my first semester and I was not entirely used to the pace of university yet. In fact, my first semester had generally lousy grades for most modules, but subsequent semesters did a lot better.

Is it necessary to explain the shitty grades for my first semester, especially in stats? Or should I just leave out any mention of it? Not sure what the AdCom would think.

 

[mhy]

A B- is fine.

 

[Eduardo Mineo]

Hi frost. Have you got better grades on stats afterwards? You may use it as a won battle and explain how you recovered from that poor grade. Otherwise, I think "not being entirely used to the pace of university yet" is not a good reason for a poor grade, if that's the reason you want to give.

 

[Frostwurm]

Ok thank you for your replies!

 

[yatici]

As Eduardo said try using it as a battle won? I got a D+ at my intro to probability course in undergrad because I had a personal dispute with the professor. I got A's in all junior/senior level stat courses later on. I explained it as a battle won with hard work and determination and got in to a few programs. At the same time B- is not so bad. Everybody messes up a test, project or something every now and then. As long as it is not a series of B-'s you should be good.