How To: Explain a Poor grade
SUCK IT UP AND GET OVER IT. IT'LL BE WORTH IT. PROMISE.
We all know that grades are super important for the making of a strong applicant that gets accepted into dental school. After all, when you really think about it, it makes sense: they want to make sure that you can not only learn the material, but also have the grit to keep going when there are other things that are more appealing than studying (which often times is literally anything. Suddenly during finals week, I'd rather be doing anything else than studying--running in the scorching sun, cleaning the entire house, washing the dogs and the cars simultaneously. Okay, you get it). Basically, dental schools want to make sure that you can handle the pressure of academics and the rest of life before they admit you as a dental student for one of those few and coveted spots. Seriously, the next time that you're cursing at your physics book (been there too, haven't we all), think about that thought for a second. Sure, you might never use that exact reaction from organic chemistry in dental school, but that's not really the point of why they require it. Yes, you do theoretically need to know OChem to understand biochemistry, and in turn biochemistry to understand the local anesthetics you're injecting into a patient's muscles to anesthetize them. When the going gets tough, think about it like this instead: you're proving that you've got what it takes and you're willing to suck it up, put in the work, and EARN those letters that you're dreaming of one day having behind your name. You're becoming a stronger student, which will in turn train you to be a better clinician for those patients you're dreaming of treating one day. That's a better way of thinking of it, am I right?
A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
I HATE(D) ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
I HATE(D) ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
As you (might) know, I actually failed Organic Chem I with a F. Like a literal F. Long story short, our class was underperforming in the 30% range, with the exception of like 2 people who managed a B. I felt cheated in taking the course since our professor could only speak a few words in English, was told by the administration to literally write the lecture on the board since students could not understand him, and refused to hold office hours because he was "researching chemistry". In short, he was a very bad professor; maybe he was a smart fella, but that doesn't mean that he's a good teacher. We had our first test the day AFTER the drop date, so I studied my behind off for that exam because I knew that this test would really count, and that there was no dropping the course if I underperformed. I ended up with a 38. Not the lowest in the class, but definitely not high to pass with something that I was proud of/ good enough for professional schools that I hoped were in my future. To make it worse, the professor refused to sign a drop form since it was after the deadline. So, I was stuck. I was stuck taking that course with other science and liberal art courses that I had already registered to take. I started to panic. Then my dad gave me some awesome advice. The way I handled the class isn't for everyone, but the underlying message definitely is.
He advised me to learn from this experience and move forward since there was nothing else that I could do now anyways. He advised me to work really hard and devote ALL of my energy to the other courses that I was taking, and to leave the OChem alone since there was no realistic way that I would pass the class. So I stopped studying for that course ENTIRELY. I ended up with A's in all of my other courses, and a F in that course. Finally it came time to take the final. The professor passed them out to a half empty class (I guess that some people didn't want to waste time even showing up since they knew they were going to fail too), and I just remember feeling this heavy emotion of dread and regret for even signing up for that course to begin with. I knew that I would have to take the course again in the future, forcing me to take more summer classes and re-learn those stupid reactions. So, I literally signed my name and handed it in without even opening the packet. Bold, I know.
I ended up retaking the course in the summer with a different professor and earned a B+. I actually took it with my little sister who was taking it for the first time (I mean really, I kinda was too, let's be honest). So, it worked out for me. I believe that my two grades were combined for a final grade since I was retaking the same course at the same school. I learned a lot about myself during that summer: how to take a class with your sibling and be only a little competitive; definitely some Organic Chemistry; and most importantly, how to face and swallow failure, and how it to motivate you to do better at the next opportunity.
He advised me to learn from this experience and move forward since there was nothing else that I could do now anyways. He advised me to work really hard and devote ALL of my energy to the other courses that I was taking, and to leave the OChem alone since there was no realistic way that I would pass the class. So I stopped studying for that course ENTIRELY. I ended up with A's in all of my other courses, and a F in that course. Finally it came time to take the final. The professor passed them out to a half empty class (I guess that some people didn't want to waste time even showing up since they knew they were going to fail too), and I just remember feeling this heavy emotion of dread and regret for even signing up for that course to begin with. I knew that I would have to take the course again in the future, forcing me to take more summer classes and re-learn those stupid reactions. So, I literally signed my name and handed it in without even opening the packet. Bold, I know.
I ended up retaking the course in the summer with a different professor and earned a B+. I actually took it with my little sister who was taking it for the first time (I mean really, I kinda was too, let's be honest). So, it worked out for me. I believe that my two grades were combined for a final grade since I was retaking the same course at the same school. I learned a lot about myself during that summer: how to take a class with your sibling and be only a little competitive; definitely some Organic Chemistry; and most importantly, how to face and swallow failure, and how it to motivate you to do better at the next opportunity.
WHAT YOU CAME HERE FOR:
HOW TO EXPLAIN A POOR GRADE IN AN INTERVIEW
HOW TO EXPLAIN A POOR GRADE IN AN INTERVIEW
So, you've underperformed on a course. Welcome to the club. We're all humans, and we all make mistakes. The good news? the admissions committee knows this because they are also humans capable of making mistakes (surprise surprise). Sure, would it be absolutely fabulous if you had a perfect 4.0 GPA and found the cure to dental caries (cavities)? Of course. For the rest of us, we might have some things to explain, especially when it comes to difficult college courses that have resulted in less-than-ideal grades. Since that grade is permanently marked on your transcript, it's important to learn how to overcome and explain it, turning that negative situation into a positive learning experience.
Since I experienced this situation firsthand, I'll just tell you exactly how it happened during my interview. Then we'll go over the important points in my answer. Remember to breathe. You've got this...
Interviewer: "So, Lindsey, I see that you did overall pretty well in college except for this really bad grade in Organic Chemistry. I'm confused because you didn't just barely fail the class. You got an F. You know that this is not acceptable in the eyes of a dental school. Can you explained what happened there?"
Me: "I indeed did fail that course during my junior year. I know that is something that stands out on my transcript since the rest of my grades are As and Bs, which is reflective of my overall academic performance. I took that course without any prior knowledge of the professor or his teaching style, and I took it simultaneously with other demanding academic courses. The way that the material was presented was difficult to understand as the teacher did not speak English well, and I really struggled because there was no outside help that I knew about at the time. The first exam was after the drop date, so by the time that I got my first exam back, it was too late to remove myself from the class. I knew that there was no way that I would be able to come back strong enough from my first exam grade, which was a 38, so I decided to focus on my other studies and perform the best I could in those at the expense of this chemistry course. Looking back, though my GPA suffered, I am ultimately pleased with my decision because I earned As in the rest of my courses that semester. I don't think that I would be able to do that while also simultaneously learning the chemistry material from this particular teacher and teaching style.
"That said, though, I do accept that that grade is a reflection on my own performance, and I take full responsibility for it. I wish that I would've sought the advice of upperclassmen on how to study for this teacher's exams, taken full advantage of the tutors provided by the university, and ultimately performed better on that first exam.
"I do believe that failing this course taught my an important lesson, though, that I was able to take beyond the realm of college academics. Before retaking the course the following summer with a different professor, I had to face the difficult challenge of accepting that I had failed this material the first time, and that now there was more pressure to perform better the second time around. In my mind, I was already starting behind the start line since I was the veteran in the classroom. I absolutely dreaded learning all of those chemistry reactions, and I feared failing again, and I feared letting people down who were rooting for me. My father challenged me to put those thoughts bouncing around into a mental box, to put that box onto a shelf, to close the door to that closet, and to throw away the key. He was trying to teach me that that chapter was done, and that there was nothing I could do about it now, so there was really no point in worrying about it. Worrying about it would only hinder me from performing to my fullest potential the second go around.
"I took his advice. On the first day of class, I allowed myself to open up to the possibility of learning organic chemistry again. I tried very hard to not go into the class each day with a negative attitude, remembering how I felt the first time. I studied every day, motivated by the thought that I was given a new chance to prove to myself that I could learn this material. I learned I was capable of both letting go of past failures and learning material that once defeated me and my confidence. At the end of the summer, I earned a significantly higher grade. More than that, I learned the valuable lesson of letting go of past failures so that I could become open to doing better in the future.
"While I wish that I hadn't failed that class, I do accept full responsibility for it, regardless of the other factors. I believe that failing this class both taught me and gave me the ability to overcome a past obstacles by locking it away and focusing on doing better. Through this failure, I learned how to stay motivated to conquer something that I feared: defeat. So, while I wish that it never happened, I do think that it taught me a very valuable lesson that goes beyond the lecture hall. I know that I will carry this lesson throughout my life, both if I am accepted into dental school and in my own personal life."
Since I experienced this situation firsthand, I'll just tell you exactly how it happened during my interview. Then we'll go over the important points in my answer. Remember to breathe. You've got this...
Interviewer: "So, Lindsey, I see that you did overall pretty well in college except for this really bad grade in Organic Chemistry. I'm confused because you didn't just barely fail the class. You got an F. You know that this is not acceptable in the eyes of a dental school. Can you explained what happened there?"
Me: "I indeed did fail that course during my junior year. I know that is something that stands out on my transcript since the rest of my grades are As and Bs, which is reflective of my overall academic performance. I took that course without any prior knowledge of the professor or his teaching style, and I took it simultaneously with other demanding academic courses. The way that the material was presented was difficult to understand as the teacher did not speak English well, and I really struggled because there was no outside help that I knew about at the time. The first exam was after the drop date, so by the time that I got my first exam back, it was too late to remove myself from the class. I knew that there was no way that I would be able to come back strong enough from my first exam grade, which was a 38, so I decided to focus on my other studies and perform the best I could in those at the expense of this chemistry course. Looking back, though my GPA suffered, I am ultimately pleased with my decision because I earned As in the rest of my courses that semester. I don't think that I would be able to do that while also simultaneously learning the chemistry material from this particular teacher and teaching style.
"That said, though, I do accept that that grade is a reflection on my own performance, and I take full responsibility for it. I wish that I would've sought the advice of upperclassmen on how to study for this teacher's exams, taken full advantage of the tutors provided by the university, and ultimately performed better on that first exam.
"I do believe that failing this course taught my an important lesson, though, that I was able to take beyond the realm of college academics. Before retaking the course the following summer with a different professor, I had to face the difficult challenge of accepting that I had failed this material the first time, and that now there was more pressure to perform better the second time around. In my mind, I was already starting behind the start line since I was the veteran in the classroom. I absolutely dreaded learning all of those chemistry reactions, and I feared failing again, and I feared letting people down who were rooting for me. My father challenged me to put those thoughts bouncing around into a mental box, to put that box onto a shelf, to close the door to that closet, and to throw away the key. He was trying to teach me that that chapter was done, and that there was nothing I could do about it now, so there was really no point in worrying about it. Worrying about it would only hinder me from performing to my fullest potential the second go around.
"I took his advice. On the first day of class, I allowed myself to open up to the possibility of learning organic chemistry again. I tried very hard to not go into the class each day with a negative attitude, remembering how I felt the first time. I studied every day, motivated by the thought that I was given a new chance to prove to myself that I could learn this material. I learned I was capable of both letting go of past failures and learning material that once defeated me and my confidence. At the end of the summer, I earned a significantly higher grade. More than that, I learned the valuable lesson of letting go of past failures so that I could become open to doing better in the future.
"While I wish that I hadn't failed that class, I do accept full responsibility for it, regardless of the other factors. I believe that failing this class both taught me and gave me the ability to overcome a past obstacles by locking it away and focusing on doing better. Through this failure, I learned how to stay motivated to conquer something that I feared: defeat. So, while I wish that it never happened, I do think that it taught me a very valuable lesson that goes beyond the lecture hall. I know that I will carry this lesson throughout my life, both if I am accepted into dental school and in my own personal life."
How did I form that strategic answer? What was the important take away here? Read on my friend.
KEY POINTS OF
"HOW TO EXPLAIN A BAD GRADE IN A COLLEGE COURSE"
"HOW TO EXPLAIN A BAD GRADE IN A COLLEGE COURSE"
...or really any other shortcoming that needs to be explained to the Admissions Committee
Remember, humans make mistakes all of the time. That's why pencils were created (okay maybe, not 100% sure about that, but it sounds right). Like you, the Admissions Committee also makes mistakes, so they understand if you didn't do stellar in a class or two. The key to acing this question is all in how you handle yourself.
A little warning about this question: This super awkward, yet efficient, question is just as much how you answer it as much as it is testing whether you are able to remain composed. It's efficient because it's testing your ability to explain something uncomfortable (like maybe a treatment that didn't go according to plan) in a professional manner (looking at you, you future dentist).
A little warning about this question: This super awkward, yet efficient, question is just as much how you answer it as much as it is testing whether you are able to remain composed. It's efficient because it's testing your ability to explain something uncomfortable (like maybe a treatment that didn't go according to plan) in a professional manner (looking at you, you future dentist).
To answer this question honestly, humbly, and holistically, here's what I suggest to incorporate into your response:
1. Accept responsibility for your mistakes.
We all know that person who always shifts the blame onto others, even when they themselves are responsible for it! So annoying, am I right? Bottom line: you were the one who enrolled in the class, you are the one with the bad grade on their transcript, and you are the one sitting here now to answer for it all. I know that there are some professors out there with thick accents, horrid teaching styles, and everything else. I understand that you really might think that if you had a better professor, you would've done better. I believe you. But the truth is that this isn't the time to blame others. Remember, as a dentist you are the one making the treatment plan and operating on that patient. You can't blame others. One of the most important things that honest and ethical dentists don't do is talk down about others in the field. So, you can say 1-2 things that might have hindered your learning, but ultimately end it with ACCEPTING THE RESPONSIBILITY!!
2. Tell them (truthfully) what happened.
Help them understand what happened, but keep it short. Tell them that you had a lot of other things on your plate and that you couldn't focus. Tell them there was a death in your family and that you were distracted. Tell them the truth, but again keep it simple. This isn't what the answer should be about. Interviews shouldn't leave the taste of negativity in the interview's mind, so keep this short and simple. Refer to Rule #1 as well. Admit that you were distracted due to obstacle X, and that you take responsibility for that.
3. Tell them what you did to turn things around.
Did you retake the class and do better? AWESOME YOU! Tell them this! Sure, they will have the transcript in front of them, but it's part of your story too, so include it! A good general rule when it comes to explaining negative/ failure/shortcoming questions: start with the bad news first, and then explain how the bad is actually a good because it was a learning experience. It leaves the interviewer in a better mindset because you showed that you did better and grew in that field and as a person.
4. Ultimately, tell them HOW and WHAT you learned from this past failure to be a better student/future dentist/ overall human in the future.
This is the MOST IMPORTANT part in the answer. Failures are only failures if we don't learn from them. So, tell them what you learned from this "failure" experience. Tell them how you gained more confidence, how you became more determined to succeed despite past failures, and how this entire struggle taught you how to let go of past defeats so that you can focus on the future. Remember, this story is about how you became a better person who can handle and let go of obstacles to move forward. So, tell them how this didn't kill you, but instead made you stronger.
We all know that person who always shifts the blame onto others, even when they themselves are responsible for it! So annoying, am I right? Bottom line: you were the one who enrolled in the class, you are the one with the bad grade on their transcript, and you are the one sitting here now to answer for it all. I know that there are some professors out there with thick accents, horrid teaching styles, and everything else. I understand that you really might think that if you had a better professor, you would've done better. I believe you. But the truth is that this isn't the time to blame others. Remember, as a dentist you are the one making the treatment plan and operating on that patient. You can't blame others. One of the most important things that honest and ethical dentists don't do is talk down about others in the field. So, you can say 1-2 things that might have hindered your learning, but ultimately end it with ACCEPTING THE RESPONSIBILITY!!
2. Tell them (truthfully) what happened.
Help them understand what happened, but keep it short. Tell them that you had a lot of other things on your plate and that you couldn't focus. Tell them there was a death in your family and that you were distracted. Tell them the truth, but again keep it simple. This isn't what the answer should be about. Interviews shouldn't leave the taste of negativity in the interview's mind, so keep this short and simple. Refer to Rule #1 as well. Admit that you were distracted due to obstacle X, and that you take responsibility for that.
3. Tell them what you did to turn things around.
Did you retake the class and do better? AWESOME YOU! Tell them this! Sure, they will have the transcript in front of them, but it's part of your story too, so include it! A good general rule when it comes to explaining negative/ failure/shortcoming questions: start with the bad news first, and then explain how the bad is actually a good because it was a learning experience. It leaves the interviewer in a better mindset because you showed that you did better and grew in that field and as a person.
4. Ultimately, tell them HOW and WHAT you learned from this past failure to be a better student/future dentist/ overall human in the future.
This is the MOST IMPORTANT part in the answer. Failures are only failures if we don't learn from them. So, tell them what you learned from this "failure" experience. Tell them how you gained more confidence, how you became more determined to succeed despite past failures, and how this entire struggle taught you how to let go of past defeats so that you can focus on the future. Remember, this story is about how you became a better person who can handle and let go of obstacles to move forward. So, tell them how this didn't kill you, but instead made you stronger.
IN CLOSING...
So, remember, we are all humans. We all make mistakes. The difference is how we are able to learn from them and explain them when asked. Take ownership of your failures, and explain what you learned from them. This will serve you well in your future life as a dentist and as a human!!
You've got this. Remain calm, non-defensive, and open to criticism. Everyone has gone through this, and you will, too.
You've got this. Remain calm, non-defensive, and open to criticism. Everyone has gone through this, and you will, too.