How bad is a bad quarter and how should I explain it?

[Bendir-UCSB]

This is one of those problems that might not really be a problem. Some people would be happy to be in my position. But I'm considering the top twenty so I don't want to leave anything to chance.

This quarter went poorly. Four classes, two econ theory classes, one lower division math and one upper division.

econ1: A-
econ2: A-
LDmath: A
UDmath: B

It's a 3.6, and my GPA to this point was 3.95. I don't like seeing A-'s in any econ class a B in upper division math really really bothers me. The good news is the math class wasn't real analysis and I still have that ahead of me.

Now here's my story. I had a recurring infection and I was sick for at least ~5 of the 10 weeks and several exams went poorly. So when finals came around I was playing catch-up in every class and I couldn't win the battle. I have a consultation with a specialist soon and hopefully my illness will be fixed.

Is this worth mentioning briefly when I apply? None of these are C's and I don't want it to look like I'm making excuses.

[OneMoreEcon]

Went back and looked to see if you mentioned classes in one of your old posts... found this:

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Thank you for all the replies.

I just figured out a route that would greatly improve my chances.

Spring:

Intermediate Micro B (w/ honors)
Intermediate Macro (w/ honors)
Multivariable Calculus
Upper Division Linear Algebra A

Summer (6 weeks):

UD Linear Algebra B
Differential Equations and the Fourier Series

But that would free up my entire senior year for the senior honors thesis with the approval of faculty. The best feature of the senior thesis, access to any masters level course I qualify for. And I qualify for most.

Now if I can just avoid imploding under the pressure of two core econ classes with honors and two math classes in the same quarter. They'll be hardest 10 weeks of my life.

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So, I'm guessing we're talking A- in intermediate macro & micro, A in multivariable calc, and B in linear algebra I.

My advice is to make sure you do well in linear algebra II and real analysis. Take the most advanced micro course you can (master's or PhD, but go for PhD if you think you can handle it). The A- in intermediate macro means less than the A- in intermediate micro.

I think those three courses will offset this quarter, which really didn't go all that bad for you... though I do understand the paranoia. I don't think it's worth explaining in your application. If you're really stressed about it, I saw that you mentioned in another post that one of your econ profs knows you and your work well... if he's writing a recommendation letter, it may be useful for him to mention the sickness and why he gave you an A-, even though you have amazing potential. Even then, I don't think it's worth it, but I'll leave that decision up to you.

[notacolour]

I agree with OME. Make sure you excel in those math summer courses, and take and do well in advanced courses in the fall, and you've more or less made up for the slight dip in your grades. I wouldn't bother to bring it up in your app, except perhaps as he mentioned above. But really, those grades aren't that bad, especially in the context of A's before and after.

That said, are you planning to take any more math in the fall? In particular, real analysis...

[Bendir-UCSB]

I don't think I'll have time for a graduate course in micro but I'm signing up for the masters series in econometrics. And yes I'm taking real analysis.

The A- in micro bugs me. I flat out failed the midterm in that class but only because I thought I could fight my way through a terrible fever. I was barely conscious for that exam. A perfect score on the final only carried so much weight even with a little nudge from the professor. And yes I hope he'll write one of my letters of recommendation and he can explain the A- in a flattering way.