Before I say anything, I hope that I don’t come off as a whinny brat. If so, then I apologize in advance (and sorry about the length!)
During my sophomore year, my 2, and only, uncles and grandmother died within the span of just one year (even the death of one of my uncles was reported on national news due to an extremely rare accident…). I’m not going to get into the emotions and feelings, but all I can is that I was just downright devastated. I ended up receiving 2 B’s first semester and 2 B’s second semester during my sophomore year. I know that most of you guys are going to say that this isn’t even that bad for the amount that I’ve gone through, but it was arguably the toughest academic year of my life (and still receiving four Bs).
During this year as a senior, my grandfather recently passed away 2 days ago. I’ve missed school for a total of about 7-10 days within the last 3 weeks in order to visit and be with my grandfather in the hospital. As of now, my grades aren’t that important of a factor in my mind. But still, as a student, I know that I need to take responsibility. I feel like my grades are going to end up as 2-3 B’s depending on how things go from here on out…
So, what I’m asking is, would sending a letter/note to colleges about this situation be worthy enough in my case? I don’t want to be perceived as someone who makes excuses, because as far as I know, the experiences that I have been through for the past 3 years have taught me the complete opposite. If so, how should I go about with this? Can my counselor write about this along with the mid year report?
Thank you for taking the time to read this, I greatly appreciate it!
This is something that your counselor can write about.
First, I wanted to say sorry for your loss.
However, do not send an explanation for Bs, as that will cast you in a negative light. Your grades would have to drop significantly (think multiple Cs or grades lower than that) to warrant an explanation.
Thanks for your opinions. Open to other opinions as well.
Absolutely explain. Dont justify, just explain the circumstances.
There are two interrelated situations here: your mental health, and your college applications. The most important thing for you to deal with is your mental health. You are carrying a boat-load of grief, and that will take time to work through. So, go meet with your counselor on Monday. Talk about accessing grief therapy services so if you determine that you need them, you will be able to take advantage of them. Talk about your sophomore year experience with the family deaths and the national publicity following your uncle’s accident. And, talk through the issue of how you will coordinate with your teachers to make up the classwork that you have missed so that you can end this semester with the best possible grades given your situation.
Then, discuss your college list. Is it realistic given your academic record? Find out whether or not your counselor believes that it is worth discussing the affects the deaths in your family have had on your academic performance in the counselor’s letter. For some colleges/universities on your list, it might not be. For others, it may make a difference.
Every student should have at least one dead-on safety where their grades guarantee admission, where they are guaranteed enough aid to make it affordable, and where they’d be happy to be a student. If you don’t have one or two in your list, ask your counselor to help you identify one.
Some students in your situation would consider taking a gap year between high school and college. Think about that too.
Wishing you all the best!