<p>Hi,
I have sort of a unique circumstance. I generally have a strong application (2300+, good ECs, okay GPA) besides the fact that junior year I failed (F) one really hard class that completely tanked my GPA. Before this, I had never gotten less than a B in a class, and I really want to give a good explanation about why I failed this class. However, I don't know whether I can put this into a narrative and also explain why I failed and what i took away from the class in the 650 word common app essay. I was just wondering whether it would be recommended that I gave a straight explanation in the common app essay, make it a story for the common app essay, or use the 650 word end portion of the application to explain the circumstance?
Thanks a lot.</p>
<p>Since it was so long ago, I’d recommend a different topic for your main common app essay. </p>
<p>You can give a straight answer on the additional information section of the Common App</p>
<p>Thrownaway, what do you mean by “so long ago”? It was junior year… </p>
<p>Here is how I would think about it: the common app is your opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are. You really don’t want this F to be in the front of their minds when they are reading it. Pick a different topic.</p>
<p>You haven’t said what your explanation for the F is. Do you have a good excuse? Illness, family problems that semester, for example? If that is the case, you could ask your guidance counselor to put something in their recommendation about it, and you would not address it at all. Honestly, if you do not have a good excuse (it was just a hard class and/or you slacked and gave up, or the teacher was completely unfair), I would stay away from it altogether. It is what it is, but I can’t think of anything you can say if you don’t have a good excuse that improves your chances.</p>
<p>If you MUST put something in your application, use the extra information section and make it VERY concise. A paragraph at most. You don’t want to sound like you are just making excuses or dwelling on this. Use your application to highlight what you have done well at, and don’t do a lot to draw attention to the F.</p>
<p>@intparent. Thank you very much for your input. If I put an explanation in the additional information section, should I also write about what I have learned from my experience in the class?</p>
<p>Your “Addtl Info” section should include a BRIEF discussion of your F grade. Yes you can explain what you learned but it needs to be brief and concise. Why and what you learned. Do not make excuses, they don’t like that.</p>