<p>Prior to sophomore year, I had a baby brother being born. Due to my parents having overtime and a schedule that forced them to work the afternoon-night shift, I had to become a second parent to him. This did restrict my ECs greatly sophomore year and did lead to a GPA dip from freshmen. I now have a steady upward trend from sophomore year. I just wanted your guys opinions on whether I should put this circumstance on the additional information or ask a teacher to include it in their rec.</p>
<p>Teacher, no, you, maybe, but your college advisor/GC may be the best bet. Ask them how they want to handle it, and make sure it’s only mentioned one place. No sense piling on.</p>
<p>Problem is, for recommendations, we have to fill out a form, and it says “were there any outside circumstances”, so I am not sure whether my teacher will put it on.</p>
<p>You would list the hours you spent doing this in your EC’s, for each year 9 to 12. And it is entirely appropriate to mention that you were expected to help you family because of the addition to the family and … (no availability of childcare for an infant except for a 14yo, ***?) Don’t say this is why you don’t have any other EC’s, though. </p>
<p>Usually the school GC puts extenuating circumstance in the rec, not the teacher, but if that’s how your school handles the info then give it.</p>
<p>I actually do have quite a few ECs, its just that its lacking in sophomore year. </p>
<p>I have immigrant parents, and considering we are very poor, we really couldn’t find anyone or any daycare that would take care of the baby other than me (free vs expensive). </p>
<p>I will talk to my GC about it. Thanks guys</p>