Life trauma's affecting college admissions?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hey, I was looking on the boards for a similar thread but I couldn't find it so I am wondering how colleges consider applicants who had a real rough year at school. This past year (Jr. Year) I was sick in the hospital for 2 months, they thought it was cancer but it turned out to be something a bit more minor. Also, my brother was in ER for a couple weeks too and I had two murders in my family (I know, it sounds crazy but it's true.) </p>

<p>This had made me miss quite a bit of school and in such, dropped my grades down. I had 2 B's in high school before the beginning of junior year (I've had taken about 15 academic credits) and I took AP Calc, AP Chem, AP US History, AP English Language, Spanish 4 Honors, and Anthropolgy Honors this year. I think I might end up with with either 3 A's and 3 B's or 2 A's and 4 B's.</p>

<p>I'm just wondering how to present these set backs to the colleges I am planning to apply TO. I do not want to make it sound like I am making an excuse for poor performance but I want make sure they know that I had serious things going outside the classroom. Any tips on how to approach this?</p>

2

<p>Get your GC to write about it in the GC report. Yes, colleges do take under consideration the kinds of things that you've experienced during this challenging year.</p>

3

<p>I notice in another thread that you say your passion is helping people. No need to start a nonprofit, which takes at least a year, and is not worth the effort since there more than likely are already existing organizations that you could volunteer with or help in other ways such as raising funds for them.</p>

<p>Perhaps you could assist an organization that helps people who've had some of the challenges you and your family experienced this year.</p>

4

<p>Sorry for the late reply. Well, what if I am applying to schools that do not generally want rec. letter, ie UF Honors and FSU Honors? I know I can always add the information at the end of my application but I would rather prefer a better method of telling them because it may come off as I was making an excuse for slacking off.</p>