<p>My S has grades running the full range of the spectrum. Much of the academic trouble is due to ADD and psychological/emotional issues. Unsure how this can or should be addressed in applications. Any thoughts very welcome. thanks.</p>
<p>Didn’t you ask his guidance counselor to do this?</p>
<p>Yes–she emailed me that he should be prepared to “explain it without too many details if college officials asked.” But he won’t be talking to officials. I guess I need to ask her more directly for help. (his schools —art schools–don’t ask for a recommendation by her, but i think we could add it.)</p>
<p>thanks for your response.</p>
<p>You can address it in the “additional information” section of the Common Application.</p>
<p>Just make sure he makes it sound positive in the end!</p>
<p>Can’t your essay topic be about the struggles you have overcome? You could work in those things in their I would assume?</p>
<p>@drac313 It is best to not discuss those sorts of issues in the main common app essay. That’s why the additional info section is so great. You can write a short explanation or an entire essay about unusual circumstances (be sure to keep it kind of positive-- don’t use it as an excuse, but rather an explanation), without having to give up the chance to write an awesome main common app essay!</p>
<p>Some art schools don’t use the common application. the essay’s very directed to ideas about art.
Yes, I would expect to see a section for “additional comments”, but there isn’t always one.</p>
<p>thanks.</p>
<p>Call the schools and ask if you may send in an “additional info” page or two. Ask if you can mail or email it in. If you tell them it is truly important, chances are they will allow it.</p>
<p>leslier,</p>
<p>Have you asked about this specific issue in the Visual Arts/Film Majors sub-forum? Some of the parents there should have good advice for you. Here is the link: [Visual</a> Arts and Film Majors - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/]Visual”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/)</p>
<p>thanks to all of you.
I’lll check that link.</p>
<p>there’s also a section on this forum for ADD and other LD students . . . not tremendously encouraging. but better to be informed.</p>