<p>If you were held back during your high school years by any sort of disadvantage or unfortunate circumstances, how do you convey this in the application? For example, what if you received poor grades in your freshman year because of severe depression? Also, how do you convey this information without sounding like you are making excuses for yourself? In my case, living in a suburb in a family with no car and serious financial issues has severely limited my ability to participate in ECs.</p>
<p>I would think in the “Additional Information” section. You could also ask your GC to mention it in his/her letter.</p>