<p>I told my counselor that I was a little disappointed in my grades sophomore and junior year because I took too many AP's and didn't do as well. She suggested that, if I wanted, I could write a short additional document explaining it. </p>
<p>I'm applying to some pretty competitive schools (but WashU first choice) so I was wondering if this is a smart move... Will they get the wrong idea? Is it worth explaining at all?</p>
<p>I don’t want to be mean, but what is there to explain? Taking alot of AP’s and not doing well…that is not an excuse for low grades, unless there are extenuating circumstances - someone died or you were seriously ill or something. If that were the case I would explain that. But saying your grades were too low because you took too many AP classes will not look good. There are many more students who did take alot of AP’s in their soph and junior years and pulled A’s, and that is who you will be up against.</p>