Explaining poor grades in college essay?

College Essays
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<p>Right now I'm applying to colleges (mostly UC's) and I was wondering about explaining poor grades from early on in high school. I had a 2.0 for the whole of freshman year and a 2.5 for the first semester of soph, after that is 3.5 or above unweighted, all on an upward incline (and in mostly IB classes), and a 2100 on the sat. I don't have a particularly great story about why my grades were so poor, if i were to write my essay explaining my poor grades it would be about not feeling challenged by the classes i took freshman year (i was in fairly low level classes) or about being distracted with smoking too much weed during that time period (which i was a little unsure of as a topic but it was what the college counselor at my school suggested). Should I just ignore my bad grades in the essay or is it important to address them?</p>

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<p>bump</p>

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<p>bump</p>

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<p>bump</p>

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<p>bump</p>

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<p>bump</p>

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<p>Well… excluding the obvious probability that you are a ■■■■■ (or your GC is a nut case), do not do this. Pick a topic that might make a college want you in spite of your grades, not one that will make them run in the other direction. And bumping 15 minutes after you post is in poor form. </p>

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<p>That is a horrible explanation. Definitely do NOT waste your essay on that. That is something that would get you flat out rejected at some schools (drug use, especially).</p>

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<p>Do not use this essay to explain away bad grades. This essay is an opportunity to show an admissions committee your accomplishments, talents, and perspective. Here’s a YouTube series that focuses on each of the prompts. <a href=“Common App Essay Help: Prompt No. 1 - YouTube”>Common App Essay Help: Prompt No. 1 - YouTube;