Let’s keep this short and simple. I slacked off after getting my ED acceptance due to a number of reasons: family problems, overloading on courses, depression, lack of motivation and the list continues. I only had 3 Bs on my transcript when Hopkins accepted me. These are my senior year grades:
1st Semester:
B-AP Chem
B-AP Bio
B-AP Calc BC
B-AP Lit
B- AP Computer science
B-AP Euro
A-AP Stats
A-Film Studies
A-Macro
2nd semester:
C-AP Calc BC
C-AP Computer Science
B-AP Bio
B-AP Lit
B-AP Euro
A-AP Chem
A-Film Studies
A-Macro
If anyone has experience with getting rescinded or has had to write a letter explaining their grades to the admissions committee please let me know about your experience. I know I won’t get rescinded but I really do not want to have to write a letter explaining my academic performance.
Did your grades in previous years look similar to your first semester grades? If you got accepted with a similar GPA, I don’t think the drop to two Cs will be a problem. However, if you’ve been getting straight As before, it might be a little more concerning. Still, I think it’s pretty unlikely that you’ll get rescinded.
If they do ask for an explanation, you don’t have to mention everything. At the very least, just tell them that you took on an extremely heavy courseload and underestimated your abilities to manage everything. That will definitely be believable, because your courseload does look very rigorous. Mention family problems too, if you’d like–you don’t really have to elaborate more than that–but stay away from mentioning any type of mental illness.
I haven’t had any experience with getting rescinded or writing explanation letters, but I don’t think you should stress out too much if you end up having to write one. Just express remorse (“I am very disappointed in my performance these past two semesters, because it does not reflect how much I value my academics,” blah blah blah), clearly state the extenuating circumstances, and tell them what you’ll do differently when you get to Hopkins (“Receiving these grades has definitely shown me that as much as I’d like to do everything, I have my limitations. If I still have the privilege of attending Hopkins, I will be sure to exercise more wisdom in choosing my courses and extracurricular activities so that I can be the student you accepted and more,” blah blah blah). Doesn’t have to be too long or melodramatic.
An “FYI,” though, if you mean “depression” as in the medical condition and not just being sad about your circumstances. Going off to college is a big and sometimes stressful transition that can trigger anxiety and depression. And Hopkins academics are very “you-based”; if you can’t find the motivation to go to class, take notes, and study for the two exams and final that might make up your entire course grade, that’s it.
I’m not saying that to scare you or make you think that Hopkins will steal your joy or anything like that. But if you need to get counseling or medication, start it now if you can. And have a plan in place for what you’ll do if you find yourself in a depressive state. Hopkins has a free counseling center with free psychiatric consultations that many students use and find helpful.