Admit in essay I slacked off... TOO RISKY?

Applying to College
1

<p>Well, heres my situation.</p>

<p>My sophomore year first semester GPA is 3.8 and second semester dropped to 3.0. My junior year first semester went up a little to 3.1 and second semseeter soared again to 3.8.</p>

<p>I REALLY think i should at least write something about such a huge drop from 3.8 - 3.0 in my essay. I have no excuses really... I don't think I should ignore a near ONE POINT GPA drop.</p>

<p>So I'm planning on writing how I slacked off because I lost hope or something like that and how I had a chat with my dad and changed my life or something like that.</p>

<p>Any suggestions? Should I just ignore the drop in my essay?</p>

<p>There are 3 prompts and the last one is open-ended (used to explain drops in grades.)</p>

2

<p>I think it's okay to mention that you slacked off but I wouldn't make up some chat w/ your dad that somehow turned you around. What really caused you to concentrate on grades again? Talk about that because they'll probably be able to smell BS if you make up some cliche conversation with a family member.</p>

3

<p>Ooh I see... lol even u recognized it was bs huh?</p>

<p>Well, it was just self-realization that if I don't step up... my dream would be shattered.</p>

4

<p>Lol yeah because I almost did that too. :D</p>

<p>Just be honest...say that you realized yourself how important your grades were and thought seriously about your future. That, in my opinion, is much more impressive than having someone else turn your life around for you.</p>

5

<p>I see. Thanks a lot brand.</p>

<p>BTW, did u already get into a college, or are you just starting your essays like me?</p>

6

<p>Just startin :( :( :( :(</p>

<p>That deserves four sad faces...</p>

7

<p>Haha, I'm on the same boat bro.</p>

<p>Haven't you had hesitation to write about slacking off tho? I've been reading a lot of the posts and people are saying that admitting you're slacking off is like a kiss of death to the adcomms.</p>

<p>Is it true?</p>

8

<p>Generally, you don't speak too much of a grade drop, unless there is a reason (besides slacking-off).</p>

<p>Perhaps, in the "additional info" section you can talk about it briefly (still would not tell them it was because you were slacking-off), and how you got back on track. Don't do it for the main personal statement/essay.</p>

<p>I'd be careful...about such an admission. Concentrate on how you developed a new perspective, etc....</p>

<p>It can be a kiss of death.</p>

9

<p>God that really scares me. Now I don't know what to do...</p>

<p>Should I just ignore the 3.8-3.0 drop than?</p>

<p>It wouldn't be my "main" part of the essay. There are 3 prompts, 200/200/600 words I choose which one. I'd probably make ti my 200 word essay.</p>

10

<p>If you had a major illness, transferred schools or had some other reason for the drop in grades, you might mention it in the additional info section. It sounds like you really don't have a good reason so don't call attention to a weakness. Especially don't waste your essays on this. Write about positives.</p>

11

<p>I always think I've heard it all and then I read another thread. Gosh, guess they never heard that one. Why don't you just accept that the stats you have will either support your application to a school or not.</p>