itzmeslink
Oct 3, 2013
Graduate / GPA's a not good indicator of my intellectual capacity; Low GPA /Grad school App [3]
This is a updated version of the essay
I ask that you not decide to deny me admission to your graduate program due to my low GPA. While attending CSUN I did not understand the long lasting effects of what a low GPA would do to me in the future. I was a young man with little academic guidance as I was the first of my family to attend a four-year university. During my four and a half year adventure, I was very much overwhelmed at times, though I understand that this is no excuse for my lack of focus in the classroom. At the time I felt as long as I was passing courses I was achieving my goal of becoming the first of my family to walk across that stage.
While in college I held a full time job (40 hrs a week) as a school bus driver, which required me to work very strenuous hours. Growing up in a single-parent household meant I was the man of the house at a very young age, and therefore, in addition to putting myself through college, I was moved as well as obligated to help provide for my family. On top of this, despite my employment obligations and time constraints, I held numerous positions in Tau Kappa Epsilon, which is an international social fraternity where I held such positions as social chair, athletic chair, and vice-president. I was also, and continue to be, passionate about sports and involvement in my community, which is why I was also a volunteer with Big Brothers of America for three years during this time as well. I can even say at times these responsibilities were more important to me than earning accolades in the classroom.
Looking back on that time, I realized that although it is beneficial to have passion in life; it is even more important to have balance. Since graduating from CSUN I have been able to prove through my work history and professional development that I can balance a full time work load while raising a family, coaching a basketball team, and working in Africa through the course of a year. I have received numerous awards in my career such as, the 2007 and 2008 "Certificate of Excellence" award among Retail Banking for being among the top 2% of sales managers in the U.S. More recently I changed career fields to the oil and gas industry. I came in with no previous experience or education, and within two years I have advanced in this field and have been called on to train others. Attaining such honors, I believe, is proof that I have the work ethic and determination to excel.
For these reasons, I believe that my undergraduate GPA should not be the focal point of my intellectual ability and educational drive, and I respectfully ask that the admission committee consider this when reviewing my application.
This is a updated version of the essay
I ask that you not decide to deny me admission to your graduate program due to my low GPA. While attending CSUN I did not understand the long lasting effects of what a low GPA would do to me in the future. I was a young man with little academic guidance as I was the first of my family to attend a four-year university. During my four and a half year adventure, I was very much overwhelmed at times, though I understand that this is no excuse for my lack of focus in the classroom. At the time I felt as long as I was passing courses I was achieving my goal of becoming the first of my family to walk across that stage.
While in college I held a full time job (40 hrs a week) as a school bus driver, which required me to work very strenuous hours. Growing up in a single-parent household meant I was the man of the house at a very young age, and therefore, in addition to putting myself through college, I was moved as well as obligated to help provide for my family. On top of this, despite my employment obligations and time constraints, I held numerous positions in Tau Kappa Epsilon, which is an international social fraternity where I held such positions as social chair, athletic chair, and vice-president. I was also, and continue to be, passionate about sports and involvement in my community, which is why I was also a volunteer with Big Brothers of America for three years during this time as well. I can even say at times these responsibilities were more important to me than earning accolades in the classroom.
Looking back on that time, I realized that although it is beneficial to have passion in life; it is even more important to have balance. Since graduating from CSUN I have been able to prove through my work history and professional development that I can balance a full time work load while raising a family, coaching a basketball team, and working in Africa through the course of a year. I have received numerous awards in my career such as, the 2007 and 2008 "Certificate of Excellence" award among Retail Banking for being among the top 2% of sales managers in the U.S. More recently I changed career fields to the oil and gas industry. I came in with no previous experience or education, and within two years I have advanced in this field and have been called on to train others. Attaining such honors, I believe, is proof that I have the work ethic and determination to excel.
For these reasons, I believe that my undergraduate GPA should not be the focal point of my intellectual ability and educational drive, and I respectfully ask that the admission committee consider this when reviewing my application.
