<p>I was doing really well Freshman and Sophomore year (GPA UW 3.8, W 4.4), but then in junior year family problem pretty much destroyed my grades. So how do i tell them that in the college application? I think you're supposed to put it in the Additional Information place, but how? Do I write an essay about it, or do I simply say "My family underwent blahblahblahblah so I did poorly in junior year?"</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for helping me out! ^^</p>
<p>I think you will have to explain in an essay type thing. You can call first to see how to do it. The admin folks will usually give you good advice on how submit this sort of thing.</p>
<p>You are better off having your counselor give the story and you just maybe just touch on it or refer to it in your essays. Unless it is something truly over the top, and colleges hear it all, you are not going to be given much quarter for it from the most selective schools. If you did very well despite the problems, it is a feather in your cap, but usually not a good reason for not doing well.</p>
<p>My counselor can give the story? how so? o.o</p>
<p>cptofthehouse: what do you mean by "truly over the top?" </p>
<p>jacobe91: Yeah I think if your counselor knows about it, or if you tell your counselor, they can put it in their recommendation.</p>
<p>i think he means like...if they heard about it in their school...like it was in the newspaper or something. that doesnt apply to me though.</p>
<p>So put it in additional information AND tell my counselor? And i understand it's not a great excuse for my poor grades that year...but it really is the reason.</p>
<p>Ermmmmmm the question still hasnt been answered ( >.< ): what should i put in additional information part? an essay, or just lay it flat out (i had this this blahblah)?</p>