<p>I have a really abstract question here and not sure if anyone will know the answer. Basically, what happened is that my mom died this year, and consequentially, my grades suffered a little bit. Not much, but a little. I was just wondering how sensitive colleges are to the fact that there was a reason for the drop.</p>
<p>Generally, they will be open to hearing about it. This is something your counselor should probably address in their recommendation.</p>
<p>Sorry for your loss.</p>
<p>I am so sorry for your loss. </p>
<p>As for your question, if the grade drop is significant, you can address the issue in one of your college essays or you can ask your guidance counselor or teacher to address the issue in one of your recommendation letters.</p>
<p>The only issue is that at my school it is really uncommon for our counselors to write us recommendations, and both my recommendations are from teachers that I had last year.</p>
<p>I’d say if your grades fell a letter grade then try to have it explained. </p>
<p>I’m also very sorry for your loss; I lost my mother at a young age, so I know how you feel… Best of luck, be strong, my friend.</p>
<p>Sorry to hear about your mother. If your counselor doesn’t write a recommendation, you could probably write what you went through this year in an area on the application for additional information. Do your teacher’s know? They might be willing to write this in their recommendations even if they had you last year.</p>
<p>Please accept my condolences.</p>
<p>Short answer – yes this is something that Colleges will take into account. Admissions departments are looking for the best students they can admit. They are also staffed by human beings who understand how what you went through could impact your grades.</p>
<p>There are any number of ways of bring this to a college’s attention. GC can (and should write about this). A teacher can write about this. A religious leader can write a letter on your behalf. Your father can write a letter to colleges. If you interview, you can mention it. Or you can work it into your application as part of supplemental information. (Any one of these should be fine, it’s not necessary for all of them)</p>