LOR- grades and deadlines
Hello! I'm applying to Fall 2010 master programs in speech-language pathology. I already have my LOR writers set, so right now I'm just preparing all the forms, pre-addressed, stamped envelopes, SOP draft, resume, etc to include in my packet for them. I have a few questions before I mail off my packet to them soon.
1) My undergrad cumulative GPA is ~3.5 and my GPA in my major/last 2 years of undergrad is ~3.8
However, if you look just at my 2nd undergrad year, my average GPA is ~3.0
The thing is, that was not really due to any external factors, but due to the fact that I was a bit unmotivated in my courses (initially in a major that didn't fit me as well as I thought). I'm thinking I shouldn't mention this since it was my own fault that I didn't put forth more effort. Maybe instead I should focus more on the positive and ask my LOR writers to highlight my GPA in my major or in the last 2 years of undergrad?
2) I will include all the deadlines for my schools in the packet, but I plan to send all my apps in around the same time since most of my schools have rolling admissions. My earliest deadline is Jan. 15, but I am also thinking of giving them a deadline that I hope to submit all my application materials by so that they don't just do it all at the last minute. I'm not sure what would be a safe date that wouldn't be cutting it too close (without having to use express mail for paper forms). Any idea what's the longest time a school may take to receive and process your apps? There are 2 paper forms they need to mail back to me and 7 online ones they need to complete.
Thanks so much for any input! :)