I’m not going to go into much detail but basically something extremely tragic happened to both my parents and I felt practically alone in the world. It all basically happened this year and because of this my grades have taken a dip and I can’t study for any tests including standardized testing. How do I mention this in an app? Should I just put it in the additional info part or have my counseler say something? I don’t want them to think I’m fishing for pity as that’s far from the truth- honestly I haven’t really told anyone about what happened including my school/counseler because I don’t want to draw attention/pity on myself, but anyway I just want to explain my scores because I know in positive circumstances I am capable of SO much more. So should I tell the counseler about my parents or just write about it in the comments(probably more comfortable with the latter as I’m very private and feel like the counseler would have a heart attack if I told her)
Best bet is to have your counselor tell them.
I’m really sorry to hear that you have had to experience tragedy (whatever it may be) at such a young age. I think colleges will value your resilience during this tough part of your life…
Yes, this is just the sort of thing to ask the counselor to discuss in their recommendation.
You shouldn’t be afraid to discuss a tragedy with your counselor. There may be all sorts of ways he or she can support you. And yes, you must talk with your GC because this is important information that should be shared with a counselor. Your GC is a person that will have credibility with colleges. Much more so than if you take it on yourself to tell them of your circumstance. Otherwise how can a college trust that a kid’s grades didn’t take a nosedive becasue they were too caught up in a video game tournament? You must go to your counselor. Not going isn’t an option, unless you want to ruin your chances. Make an appointment right now please.
It may also be a good idea to take a gap year for college admissions if it’s affected you that much. Talk to your GC about that option, too.
@Lindagaf ok I will talk to her. This may be a stupid question but is this something I tell my general school counselor or tell my college counselor?
Your high school counselor.
@Lindagaf ok sorry I’m still confused. Maybe I didn’t say this right. I am assigned 2 counselors in my high school. One is to help you apply to college and all that stuff, while the other one focuses on fresh-junior yr. I’m assuming you are saying I should talk to the latter?
I think the one that helps you apply to college because you want to tell the counselor that will write your recommendation letter to colleges.
You should talk to whichever counselor is assisting you with the college process, if you are okay with it. If you have a supportive teacher, or maybe relative, who you would be more comfortable talking in front of, they can come too. If your other counselor knows you well, and you are most comfortable with him/her, then you can talk to them too, and they can liase with the college prep counselor. Good luck to you, and please don’t leave it too long. The important thing is to ensure someone is communicating the info to colleges.