<p>Should I even bother to mention this?</p>
<p>1st Semester of Sophomore year my grades dipped (notably my math grade, I got a C)
Me and my grandfather were really close, his death took a toll on me during first semester, I could not eat, study, and I got sick.And since I couldn't go to his funeral (in another country) due to finances I took it really badly. 2nd semester I improved my grades and ever since I've been doing pretty well.
My family is really tight-knit so I don't know if admissions feel the same way. Coming from a culture that values family ties so much, I don't expect this culture to feel the same way.</p>
<p>Anyway, my mom wrote a letter to my GC explaining this outlier.</p>
<p>Thank you guys! :)
Have a nice day</p>
<p>I’m really sorry to hear about your grandfather, and it is rather common for a grade or two to drop after something like losing a family member. And yes, colleges do understand this. That is why they usually have a text box in the application for anything that you would like to add about your academics; they give you the opportunity to tell them about any outliers in your transcript and why they are present. If you got your grade back up, and kept your other grades in good shape, your colleges will see that and know you are still worth admitting!</p>
<p>I am a senior now, I recovered enough 2nd semester of sophomore year and did well junior year. I was really hurt when my mother would not let me go to my grandfather’s funeral. It felt like I was betraying him. However, time heals everything. </p>
<p>I am applying to a private school ED.</p>
<p>Thank you for your advise! Much appreciated
:)</p>