<p>the best way to bring this up is to have a counselor mention it in their letter. While adcoms do make allowances for family circumstances, I’d say the majority of HS kids are unable to write an essay (or supplemental letter) explaining their circumstances without it sounding like “I’m not responsible” instead of “I’ve done the best I can in difficult circumstances”. Hence its probably better to have a counselor who knows you and the situation explain it.</p>