<p>Without going through a long drawn out story, suffice to say my son had a really bad year academically, but thankfully improved quite a bit with each year following, need nicely on the SAT's and overall besides that ninth grade, is pretty solid. That 9th grade really brings down his GPA,so many of the schools to which he is applying, his SAT scores are at the least in the middle 50% but his GPA is below........so he composed a very nice hearlfelt letter, explaining a little of 9th grade, and a few of the problems that impacted his performance, etc......but was quick to say there were still no excuse. I think its a nice letter and its sincere. He wants to send it to some of the schools to which he applied, since I don't have any real experience with this, I am hoping all you veterans out there can help and tell me what you think, if he should send it to the admissions office. Thank you!!</p>
<p>My son sent a similar letter related to his Chem SAT II which he did not do as well in since he took the course as a sophomore. We sent the letter to every Admissions dean or director that he applied to. Even the schools where they don't need the SAT II. He only needed the chem SAT II for one school. I would go ahead and send it to all the admissions officers. You have nothing to lose. You can get their names and addresses from the collegeboard website. Good luck.</p>
<p>Instead of a separate letter, consider putting the explanation in one of the extra boxes regarding "additional info" or "is there anything you want to elaborate on". Most applications I've looked at have space for that. Depending on the school, they might prefer not to have the extra letter separately in the file. Remember the old addage: "The thicker the file, the thicker the kid." Plus, he would avoid calling too much attention to "the flaw" if he simply works it into the regular application.</p>
<p>Sending the letter could be a helpful demonstration of interest.</p>
<p>Its too late, he sent out all his apps. For the ones that he used the common app. he did write something to that effect but for the four whose own app. he used, he wants to send the letter. I don't think its a matter of "calling attention to it" I think it shows someone who has come to terms with an obvious weakness, and wants to explain. I think it shows maturity, a genuine desire to show that he has learned from it, and that he is taking responsibility. I think he will send it, I know as an adult to get something in the kids own words, would mean something, albeit possibly something small, it shows that he cares. Thanks.........</p>
<p>I am in a somewhat similar position, and I didn't know if I should send an explanation. You gave me hope, thanks :)</p>
<p>At D's school, the counselor did ask for an explanation for a student's grades. It's in the parent's brag sheet and the student's brag sheet. I read it here, some moms said the student should not write about it because it sounds like that student is making an excuse.</p>
<p>I think this is one of the situations in which the kid should follow his gut. If he wants to send it, let him. Would you rather he think, "OK, they knew the facts, and didn't take me anyway. And it was my decision to send the letter"? Or would you prefer, "My mother wouldn't let me explain, so they rejected me. Maybe I would have gotten in if I sent the letter"?</p>
<p>We can only guess about what the reaction would be. Let him own the process and decide.</p>
<p>I agree completely with Chedva. They already have the transcript, how could it hurt to know why it looks the way it does. It sounds like your S has composed a sincere explanation of particular circumstances, not a "litany of excuses." And it will allow him to own the process. Good luck.</p>
<p>Well said, thank you!!</p>