Is this a "good reason" for low GPA?

College Essays
1

<p>Okay I've seen so many times people tell other people (including me) that I could make up for a low GPA if I had a good reason and wrote it in the essay. I am just wondering what are some examples of a "good reason"?</p>

<p>I have a reason but I don't know if it is a "good reason". and I don't know how to write an essay like that. Os this a good reason:</p>

<p>*
Brother moves back in that tired to kill me and my mother when I was young. He caused alot of drama at my house as no one liked him, and during the second year he got into multiple fights with my father than almost resulted in death. And also my grandpa died during the second year, that really messed up my whole family.
*</p>

2

<p>If you write an essay that’s more eloquent then the paragraph that you just wrote, then it should be a very striking story.
As to if it will make up for a low GPA? It probably depends where you are applying.</p>

3

<p>^What about Johns Hopkins…?</p>

4

<p>how low of a gpa are we talking about?</p>

5

<p>Like 3.14 at end of Junior…</p>

6

<p>Oh… i would rather put that on the additional information or get your councilor to write it for you… I would focus my essay on how I tried my best no matter what!
as of you story, hang on there… dont look at the shadow you cast look toward the light!</p>

7

<p>I guess…uhh…do you think I even have a chance though?</p>

8

<p>What are your other stats?</p>

9

<p>I’m about to be a junior so I really don’t have any stats…What stats should I try for that you think would give me a chance at Johns Hopkins? (Please be realistic)</p>

10

<p>Try not to make your essay sound like “I’ve been through so much, so please let me in…”. Get your counselor to mention it as well, and write a striking essay that DOES NOT sound whiny. There are no guarantees, but this is the way to maximize your chances.</p>

11

<p>most of the "chance me"s in the john Hopkins treads are good examples of stats…</p>

12

<p>good luck with john hopkins then. just curious what are ur ECs? if there private could u pm me them?</p>

13

<p>

So it should be like “how I realized that life isn’t easy and that I need to work” or something?</p>

<p>

What?</p>

<p>

Idk how to take that…and Debate, Archery, Newspaper, and Tennis</p>

14

<p>did u have like any time of leadership roles?</p>

15

<p>That is really, really badly written.</p>

16

<p>

Newspaper: Design Editor, Tennis: 1st singles (idk if those count). </p>

<p>

Yeah it was like a super rant where I didn’t even want to think about what I was saying, reread it, or pay attention to what I am writing. I just wanted to put it out in the world.</p>

17

<p>Ok, here goes: If you’re trying to illicit some kind of sympathy due to your domestic troubles, IMHO that is going to probably backfire on you. You need to tie in your domestic issues with your family with something positive. i.e. It helped you develop better strength of character.</p>

18

<p>^Yeah that’s what I was going to do. Like it would explain my major upward tend (all A’s)</p>