<p>How do schools treat unusual circumstances in a person's life, such as divorce, violence, etc.? These kind of things are often overlooked but they can and do have big impacts on one's life.</p>
<p>If the circumstances have not adversely affected your gpa, then there is no reason to mention them. If they have, then it would be good to include an extra essay on why you had trouble during one semester/year. In the essay, be matter of fact. A person migh also ask their GC to mention the difficulties in his/her rec.</p>
<p>All of my applications ask if my parents are married and, if not, the date of divorce and whether any parent is re-married.</p>
<p>But, look, these aren't unusual circumstances. Probably half the kids applying to colleges have divorced parents. If there was very significant violence that severely impacted your high school years (i.e. long term hospitalization, homelessness, etc.), write a statement or ask your GC to write one.</p>