<p>Hello all,
In the common app, it asks for any additional information one would like to tell the admissions team, and I was hoping to answer why my freshman year was so horrible.... but how would I start off that essay?</p>
<p>"While I do not want to excuse my freshman year, I feet it important to explain factors.... etc"</p>
<p>or should I just start off the essay by not exactly saying that I'm trying to explain my freshman year?</p>
<p>ANY ideas??? please?</p>
<p>I don't think they want to hear excuses, but you have to have this attitude, "I'm not excusing myself, but just in case you're wondering why I didn't do all that well this year, here is why....". I think that would be the most appropriate. You could start off: Everyone makes mistakes. My freshman year was unfortunately one of mine and although I do not wish to excuse myself for my academic performance this year, I feel it important to explain certain factors that may help put my situation into perspective. etc etc." I'm no expert but this is just my 2 cents. Hope this helps and good luck!!</p>
<p>I think you're beginning is fine...; my only question is whether your Freshman year was actually so bad that it needs explaining.</p>
<p>Thanks for the tips guys.</p>
<p>and Andale, it wasn't completely horrible, but there is a big difference between my grades freshman year and my grades now. (C's and B's to A's and A-'s now) There was factors freshman year that I've learned to set aside now, that I feel require an explanation. Thought it might make my application just a tad bit better too....</p>