<p>I have a really messed up transcript. I had failing grades freshman year, switched in May to a special education school for autism, stayed at that school till the end of my sophomore year, and switched into yet another school (this one therapeutic) for my junior year. Then I switched into yet ANOTHER school (this school normal) and repeated my junior year. I am graduating from this school. I left these schools all on my own volition; I was attempting to find the right fit due to then-psychiatric issues, which are not a problem now.</p>
<p>I initially wrote up a long explanation detailing my situation, my impetus for changing schools, and how this affected my extracurricular and academic transcript. However, my college counselor shot it down, saying it was too depressing and contrived.</p>
<p>I eventually wrote the following:
"In order for my high school transcript to be fully understandable, I feel it is necessary to explain the context surrounding my grades, extracurricular activities and school changes. As addressed in my Common App essay, I had difficulties with Asperger Syndrome-like traits and depression. To best address these issues, I went to several schools in hopes of finding a good fit. Due to the nature of the schools, extracurriculars and differing levels of classes were not offered. Because of this (as well as the frequent switching of schools) I decided at the end of my junior year that it would be most advantageous to repeat and spend two years at a more academically rigorous high school. It has been an upward trajectory from there on."</p>
<p>She liked this response better, but I feel that this is too short and does not explain my situation well. I'm trying to get into some tough schools, so I'm afraid that if I don't explain this correctly, it'll really kill my application. Any help would be appreciated!</p>