<p>Posted this under College Admissions. Thought I would try my luck here!</p>
<p>I have read other posts where posters were ridiculed for being upset about a B+ and others that said any deviation from grades should be explained. </p>
<p>My daughter is a senior and her grades are pretty high. Her grades are in the A range (minus, plus or just plain A). Until senior year, she has only had two or three B+s for three prior years. Senior year she became ill and received three B+s in major courses, one B+ in an elective and 2 As in the rest of her majors. Second quarter she has 2 Bs, 2 As and 1 A+ in major courses and an A in the elective. Since she has applied to some very competitive schools, and is looking for merit at others, does this deviation require a letter to the admissions officers to explain what happened? </p>
<p>If she had a serious, documented illness that affected her coursework, she should list that on her application in the “more information” section or have her guidance counselor make note of it in her counselor recommendation (preferably both).</p>
<p>I agree. If it were just one B+, that would be unlikely to make a difference, but it sounds like it’s several. It can’t hurt in any event to explain the grades. If possible do get the GC to address this too.</p>
<p>My daughter asked the guidance counselor her thoughts and she thought it was a great idea to send a message to the schools. She just told my daughter to do it, which I guess she will do this weekend.</p>
<p>She should also indicate that she has FULLY RECOVERED from her excellent health (if true), so Us won’t be concerned about her need for on-going care.</p>
<p>Why isnt her GC taking the lead on this? Seems to me that her semester report could have included an addendum from he counselor about the fluke in the grades to give is legitimacy. Otherwise, at least to me, it just sounds like a weak excuse for senioritis. Just saying… appearances are not always fact whereas a GC statement validates the truth of the situation.</p>
<p>Yes, our S’s GC did include a note to all his Us about his health and how that made his grades lower, explaining the discrepency in very high test scores with lower grades. S also mentioned it in some manner in his apps.</p>
<p>Modadunn - that was my concern as well. Don’t want it to look as if my daughter is looking for an excuse. As for why the GC does not take the lead - I am guessing it is because she is new, does not know my daughter well, etc. My daughter is the one that contacted her regarding the note and when my daughter asked her to include the statement, her only response was “do you want midyear grades sent to all your schools”? Seems like she did not even know grades were supposed to be sent and she completely ignored the request. My daughter does not like to make waves and just let it go. Not wanting to be the overbearing mom, I did not call either … but I just did and left a message to have her call me tomorrow morning. Don’t know if she will - when I called her in September, she did not call me back because she did not check her voice mail. I had to call again.</p>
<p>You could make a suggestion to the GC as to how to word the letter, such as “Despite having a serious illness from which she has now recovered, this outstanding candidate managed to attain excellent grades.”</p>
<p>Erin’s Dad. High School. My major, I mean AP English, Calc, etc. Minor is gym. Might not be using correct terminology. Just got off phone with GC. An aide sends out all the mid-years. I don’t think they write anything on it - or maybe just write “no change”. GC is e-mailing the schools. Of course I am still worried - since she is new, don’t know how she will phrase this.</p>
<p>Hey Newyorkpost - I know what you are saying. However, when you are looking for merit aid and you worked your butt off for three years and then get sick in the 4th, a drop in grades can be a big deal. Glad you decided to hide your identity.</p>