I did a diploma and master degree a couple of ys ago. Got quite good grades (over 70) on the 1st one but the second one was a different story. I got into a relationship with someone who suffered from clinical depression and whose episodes were exacerbated by particularly stressful situations (exams, for example). She was also a foreigner (just like me) and I was her closest person in the country. My academic performance suffered that 2nd yr (went to just over 60, with 2 courses with borderline marks). How should I address this situation in my statement of purpose? My undergraduate (and a second postgraduate) grades are pretty good, similar to those of the diploma.

Your posts give me hope. I also want to do a PhD although I'll apply to US programs. If anyone can provide some insight into their admissions or funding, that'd be just great.

I graduated with about 3.2 gpas -bachellor and master- and from the dozens website PhD programs I've reviewed, their incoming students have mostly 3.6+ gpas and 700+ gmats. Although the latter is workable, my uni grades worry me. They are reasonably good but a bit below what most programs require. What would you recommend to strengthen my applications?