<p>My GPA is moderately low (3.4 UW hopefully a 3.6 by grad UW) but highish SAT/ACT 2100 and 33 on a practice ACT. What i am wondering, is will more prestigious schools, (top 30 or under) look at my GPA as lazy and slacking? And if my assumption is true, i was thinking to write an essay about my circumstances (not feeling challenged, taking my own academic route, later realizing that i need to show my discipline to reach full potential and had several 4.0 semesters). What i am afraid of is i feel like even though this is true, it is a very common of a story and to me personally, sounds preachy and making excuses. however, are my assumptions and generalizations about admission true? My other idea for an essay was to write about the lessons of character and personal aspirations i learned through a summer job as a ranch hand. Opinions? Suggestions?</p>
<p>Depends on whether it was just a bad 9th grade year, or if it carried into 10th as well. I’ve heard from admissions officers that colleges are sometimes willing to forgive a poor freshman year performance, because they understand not every 14 year old is in the best of circumstances. </p>
<p>I am actually in the same situation (9th --2.9 10th --4.0) and was wondering about explaining my GPA for a summer program essay, but I guess that’s different than an admission essay. </p>
<p>I personally wouldn’t advise writing about it in your essay, simply because it is a waste. Schools can see you had a bad performance freshman year from your transcript, and it’s up to them to decide. Your essay should be reserved for something from your heart, something truly profound, not a reiteration or list of excuses regarding your transcript/GPA. </p>
<p>If possible, ask your counselor to base his recommendation on your trouble in 9th grade, and how you’ve improved since then. Or perhaps save it for a supplement question, if there is an appropriate one.</p>
<p>GL!</p>
<p>Thanks for the info! i decided to write about a much more personal experience which i think has shaped my character and personality today, ultimately making myself want to reach my full potential</p>