bad gpa- should i write a note about it on the common app?

Applying to College
21

<p>Hey, I'm going to ask the same question but with things more specific to me, sorry to the OP :)</p>

<p>My grades freshman, sophomore and semester 1 of Junior year are great, which they can see with the transcript, but second semester of junior year, I had major family problems (about an adoption), so second semester grades are terrible. I explained the whole thing in the 'optional essay' part, so do you think they will accept it, or, will they just disregard my whole app because of that one semester?</p>

22

<p>To OP and other people who feel the same way:</p>

<p>PEOPLE ARE READING YOUR APPLICATIONS NOT ROBOTS</p>

<p>These people know that people have tough times through life and it effects every facet of their life. It's one semester of your whole high school career. Stop worrying about it. And no college, ivy or not, will never disregard an app unless you've done something really bad, like committed a felony.</p>

23

<p>Donnag, in your situation it is better not to note such things. Since GPA is objective data, your subjectivity might not be so relevant.</p>

<p>However, I have a question that is similar to yours:</p>

<p>I'm applying to some top-tier colleges, but I have never taken calculus because it is neither offered at my school, nor offered in a community college forty miles from where I live. Should I write a note stating this situation? Or would it sound like I'm fabricating excuses?</p>

<p>My community lacks many resources and that sucks. Booo!</p>

24

<p>Write a note to because although they probably know its not offerred at your school, they probably dont know its also not offered at a local CC.</p>

25

<p>
[quote]
What would I need to put for a death in the family?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>i would also like to know.</p>

26

<p>Some illnesses affected my grades:</p>

<p>better for me to write a note or just hope that my counselor did a good enough job?</p>

27

<p>When in doubt write a note, especially if they have a special place reserved for it. It can't hurt to make sure they know.</p>

28

<p>Yeah I'm concerned about the illness thing too. I have a sleeping disorder that = major major fatigue. I was worried that having the disorder would make me even less of a candidate for admission than my slightly lower grades. Basically I didn't request a note. I have a 504 and everything and could get one, but how should I go about writing an explanation?</p>

<p>I have a draft if anyone wants to help....</p>