Ask Dr. Johnson: Can I exclude a problematic transcript / GPA?

Dear Dr. Johnson,

I’ve had a nontraditional academic journey. I initially enrolled at a 4-year university for undergrad but had to withdraw my sophomore year due to depression. I then attended community college, and after completing my CC program, I transferred to a different university, where I’m now graduating with a 3.8 GPA in a STEM field.

The issue is my GPA from the first university is very low—around 1.3. I asked if those records could be expunged, but they declined. When applying to my current school, I didn’t report this record and have had no issues so far.

Now, as I prepare to apply to graduate programs, I’m unsure if I should disclose it. It could raise concerns. A friend advised me to disclose it, noting that if it’s discovered later, I wouldn’t have the chance to explain myself as I could in application essays.

How should I approach this?

- Uncertain

From Dr. Vicki Johnson:

You should be very proud that you overcame your initial challenges and were able to complete your degree with a 3.8 GPA. This accomplishment demonstrates your resilience and academic drive.?

Having worked with many candidates with a similar challenge, I have a few ideas on how to address this in your applications and achieve success.

I am always in favor of honesty and agree with your friend. First, remind yourself that your story demonstrates a challenge overcome. You can - and should - discuss this as an achievement in your application. While it may result in some rejections by groups that view the first GPA as a red flag, I believe that you’ll be best served by entering a graduate program that recognizes your commitment to your goals and does not discriminate against you because of the outcome of a health challenge.?

Also, by disclosing your transcript now, you will not have any fears about being exposed later and the possible consequences. Some people regret not disclosing academic and professional blemishes solely because of the guilt and paranoia it created for them. Don’t put yourself in this position!

In your applications, there are several ways to address a low GPA:

1. Discuss the academic struggles you experienced briefly in your personal statement (aka, no more than 1-2 lines of text) and discuss the rise to completing a 4-year degree with a 3.8 GPA when discussing your trajectory. Your personal statement should primarily include information about your accomplishments, your motivations for graduate study, future career goals, and why the program interests you.?
2. Ask your recommendation letter writers to discuss the previous GPA and emphasize how your current GPA represents your true academic potential. Ask them to also mention your positive personality traits, commitment, and character.?
3. You can also use optional essays to explain your low GPA in more depth if that space is offered. Use this essay to acknowledge the situation and discuss how you were able to improve your academic record, whether that was through receiving a diagnosis and treatment, developing strong time management skills, or receiving tutoring from mentors. This is a great opportunity to highlight your resourcefulness.?

Finally, don’t be afraid to discuss your situation in your in-person conversations with Admissions representatives. Sometimes these conversations can help you gauge their position on a challenge like yours before applying. Making this gauge is much harder over email, so make an effort to meet representatives through an info session, school tour or Grad School fair.?

I hope this advice helps you feel more confident about disclosing your previous record.

Best wishes, the ProFellow community is rooting for your success!

Dr. Vicki Johnson is Founder and Director of ProFellow, the world’s leading online resource for professional and academic fellowships. She is a four-time fellow, an award-winning social entrepreneur, and a national speaker and trainer on how to stand out in the competitions of our careers.?

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