"Have there been significant fluctuations in your grades...

Applying to College
1

<p>....at any point during grades 9-12 (up or down)?"</p>

<p>This is one of the questions asked in Macalester's supplement, and I'm unsure of how to answer it.</p>

<p>Last year, my grades did decline (from like all A's and one C or B to, in my lowest trimester, 3 A's, 2 C's and 1 B) because of mental health issues, missing school a lot due to actual physical illnesses, and spending too much time on activities.</p>

<p>This year, I came back to school more stable, healthy and focused and earned all A's first term. </p>

<p>How much of this should I explain? Or should I leave the box blank? Any ideas?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

2

<p>I know Sophomore year I had a big slump as well, all A’s to 3 A’s 2 B’s and a C+ also due to some personal stuff (and 28 missed days of school due to sinus infections)…I used my essays to indirectly explain it, you don’t want to outright say it and make excuses but I implied it through talking about some things I learned…definitely say it happened, and then write about what it taught you etc</p>

3

<p>I would just honestly explain what happened. I am also applying to Mac and I think the reason they ask that question is so that they can see if grade fluctuations can be “explained.” They are giving you an oppurtunity to give the best excuse you can. I would say definitely just briefly explain whatever issues you had. Clearly, they want to know and it sounds like you had good reasons for the slight drop in grades.</p>

4

<p>Okay, I’ll come up with a brief explanation for the drop in grades, one that’s not whiny or full of excuses.</p>

<p>Also, it wouldn’t be a good to bring up mental health issues, like anxiety, would it?</p>

5

<p>No, it would not.</p>

6

<p>I missed a few weeks of school because I was in the loonybin.
Telling them about it would have explained a lot of things on my transcript, but I didn’t want them to think I was a nutcase and reject me. So l left it out.</p>

7

<p>I was having some difficulties with my dad’s remarriage and a little depression which led to my grade drops sophomore year, but I explained my path to recovery through one or two great essays (depending on the school) that focused more on what I got out of the experience, while implying that it led to a 3.5 (and 28 missed days of school due to sinus/ear infections didn’t help the GPA, which I was able to mention with an “in addition to” sentence)…and it helps that my grades have mirrored the improvements that I spoke of, if done correctly I don’t think it’s terrible to talk about some minor mental health difficulties, especially if they’re overcome efficiently.</p>