<p>Freshman Year: I was caught in the middle of a messy family situation that only got worse as the year progressed. That same year I was also diagnosed with a chronic fainting condition, which had me in doctors' offices a lot. </p>
<p>Sophomore Year: Following the aftermath of my parents divorce, I was diagnosed with a pretty severe anxiety disorder. My medications eventually pushed me into clinical depression. That, along with my mom's drinking problems...it was a badddd year. </p>
<p>I'm fine now, but needless to say, my GPA isn't as high as it should be. My grades are still "good", but not great. They don't accurately portray my potential or my intelligence. My course load has been consistently rigorous, but I'm still afraid that with my GPA, I won't be good enough for the more selective colleges. </p>
<p>I'm working to bring my grades up this year (11), but I'm also planning on having my counselor write a note. How much will colleges take this into consideration? Assuming that I can do well on the SAT/ACT, would I still have a good shot at the more selective colleges, even if my GPA and EC involvement aren't quite at the average?</p>
<p>You should know that there will be scores of kids who probably go through troubles similar to yours and still come out doing well in the end. It is not just up to you alone whether you get into a very selective college or not, the competition is always tough. So, work as well as you can, just don't give up. Counselor's note is useful, but carries more of an impression if your grades in Junior and Senior year are great.</p>
<p>I think that if you explained your situation with one of your essays that would be perfect. You could do that and get your guidance couselor to explain your situation in their recommendation.</p>
<p>You sound like you will do great! Remember that colleges will be able to see grades from 11th and 12th grades (though you may not want to apply ED, so that they see more senior grades); standardized test scores (you may want to send AP or SAT scores, even if they're optional); letters from teachers; and your own essays. I think that they'll be able to construct a really good picture of what you are and how you've dealt with real difficulties. Good luck!</p>
<p>I am now in my junior year and am trying to make up for a bad sophomore year. My sophomore year was bad, like yours, and i plan on writing my essay on one specific incident involving my fathers alcaholism. I would suggest you do the same thing, rather than having tidbits about different events.</p>
<p>My counselor has told me that a note will help, but does not neccesarily put me with applicants who have had strong grades without other circumstances.</p>
<p>11th grade is the most important anyway. IF you can get straight As this year with challenging classes, you will be in the best position for college. As long as you are not depending on the circumstances to validate 11th and 12th grade Bs, you are OK. Remember, academic record is the most important factor for all the colleges--they all are unafraid to say this to us. They don't care about 9th and 10th grade as much. Get good grades in advanced classes to show you can succeed in college.</p>