Optional: If there is any important information that is relevant for your candidacy that you were unable to express elsewhere in the application, please share that information here.

Sample One

I would like to explain why my undergraduate GPA of 3.26 is not reflective of my academic capabilities. In my first semester, I did not anticipate the challenging workload and failed to manage my time effectively, resulting in a 2.9 GPA. I made up for this blemish in my record through dedication and time management, making the Dean's list for the next two semesters. I then faced my biggest personal challenge when my father suddenly remarried, and I had a new stepmother and stepbrothers. This was very overwhelming since my junior high and high school days were mired with my mother moving out, family therapy, and court appearances throughout years of custody battles. Feeling displaced and lacking family support, I turned to my friends as a surrogate family and focused more on socializing than my studies. However, as I matured, I learned that I cannot let every roadblock in life negatively affect my spirit, studies, and aspirations. Since then, I have consistently excelled in balancing both my professional life and extracurricular activities, along with achieving a 720 GMAT score. This has reinforced my belief that I am ready for the academic rigor and activities at Kellogg and I will truly engage myself in this experience.

Sample Two

Neither of my two chosen recommenders are my current supervisors. While I have a good rapport with my current employer, I believe that it will be surprised to learn of my plans to pursue an MBA. As a result, I believe my compensation and role in the firm could be materially affected by this decision. Both of my recommenders are former supervisors and mentors, and can attest to my performance, work ethic, and interpersonal skills.