Hey folks,
I am a current sophomore with average credentials, gpa- 3.5. My SAT score on practice was 2176. I am sure I can raise it by the time taking the real test. I am from India and on a dependent visa( basically, I stay as long as my mom does). My GPA is low since I was unsure when I might have to move back and thus, I kept my Indian studying active which really messed up my GPA. Now, mid 10 grade, I am sure I can complete my college here and hence, stopped my India schooling. If I want to state this reason for my poor grades in 9 and early 10 grades, should I put it in my essay or personal statement. Also, do I need provide a lengthy explanation on how it affected me or should it be brief? Also, If I decide it to put in my essay, should the entire essay be on the same? I really need to show my other traits in my essay as well, therefore I asking for guidance. Thanks
Well you don’t have to decide that right now. But you can go different ways. I would include the Indian studies as extracurricular activity or co-curricular if it is formal, and say that you were spread thin because of preparing for two different school systems. I would prefer not to make the essay about it, but to include it in the ‘additional information’ section. And if your guidance counsellor knows about it, then it is even better coming from him as it sounds less like excuses. I prefer to make the essay about something positive that you bring to the college. Now that can be something completely different, but if you think the studies you did provide a better perspective than other students have then you can certainly make it about that.
Why don’t you see how your grades are looking when it is time to apply first. It is best not to have to make excuses, rather present the Indian preparation as additional things you did.
Incidentally, there is an Essay section of the forum too.
Thanks a lot! Your point really cleared my doubts