How To Explain A "Mess Up" Year?

Applying to College
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<p>Freshmen year of high school my GPA suffered greatly due to big life changes and various family issues beyond my control. </p>

<p>I am now a rising senior and have a GPA of 3.67 UW. I would have a 3.85 UW without freshman year. This does make a rather significant difference (for the top schools I am looking at) so I would like to point it out; however, I've been hearing mixed views on how to go about it, such as:</p>

<p>-have my counselor explain it
-write about it in the extra info. section
-don't mention it because it's only freshman year; they don't want to be bothered with more to read. </p>

<p>The thing is though that my counselor did not seem on board about mentioning it (I could ask again though)... so I think it's up to me. Would the extra info section be the best approach? I know I need to keep it brief, but how do I write it without it seeming like I am just listing out excuses for my 3.3? About how long/how many words should it be?</p>

<p>Thanks for any help! :)</p>

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<p>Only mention it in the extra info session if you have really, really legitimate excuse. </p>

<p>Be careful with wording. You shouldn’t blame it entirely on your circumstances; no matter what was going on, you were in control of your performance. Explain why/how it affected your performance (this is where you should be able to judge if if it’s legitimate), and how you adjusted/matured/grew from it. </p>

<p>Everyone goes through tough times, and just saying “my grades suffer when times are tough” is going to do more harm than good. You really don’t want it to come off as just trying to cover up some bad grades. At the end of the day, it is just freshman year.</p>

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<p>Thanks Pancaked, that’s great advice. ~How many words do you think I should cap it at?</p>

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<p>^^ It’s often better to have your guidance counselor write about it in your Secondary School Report (SSR), which they fill out on your behalf. No matter how great a writer you are, if you try to explain it yourself, your words will come across as unsubstantiated and excuse-laden. Talk to your GC again! Page 2 of the SSR is where your GC needs to address these issues: <a href=“https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Docs/DownloadForms/2013/2013SchoolReport_download.pdf[/url]”>https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Docs/DownloadForms/2013/2013SchoolReport_download.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>MIT has some great advice about this on their website: [Writing</a> Recommendations | MIT Admissions](<a href=“http://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/writingrecs]Writing”>How to write good letters of recommendation | MIT Admissions)</p>

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<p>Thanks, Gibby! I’ll chat with her again. Any idea how to approach her because last time I talked about it with her she said I need to not be so wrapped up in the past and things I can’t control. I can’t remember, but think she also said I shouldn’t mention it at all. However, especially after reading that on MIT website, I want it to mentioned. (I had a situation similar to “Jane” although a bit worse and different).</p>

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<p>Maybe it would be helpful if you brought a printout of the MIT handout when you went to talk with her as well as a bulleted list of your challenges in 9th grade and how you’ve overcome them and/or things have improved and stabilized. </p>

<p>Our S had his GC write about the adversity he’s overcome (chronic health issues), which S also mentioned in passing. D wrote about the chronic health issues and challenges she overcame. Both got into their dream Us, S with significant merit awards. </p>

<p>The upward trend will also help you.</p>

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<p>good idea HImom. thanks :)</p>