<p>I've been a straight A student for the past year and a half, until some relationship problems really stressed me out and my grades took a drastic turn. What sucks is that all this crap happened the semesters before I'm applying so there is barely any chance of redeeming myself. I hate it. I know there is an area in the application where I can add extra information...I'm still debating if I should indicate the reason why my grades dropped so low? I dont know if I should...would it still matter? do they really take those extra notes into account? I also feel like I shouldn't be sharing any of my personal baggage unto an application but i worked so hard for so long and I just wouldn't want them to think I purposely slacked off or anything....</p>
<p>please give me your thoughts on this...thanks =)</p>
<p>I would not put it in there. From an objective observer, I believe it would show an inability to maintain focus while dealing with common life stresses. I don’t know how the rest of your application is, but if you are borderline, I would not include your relationship struggles. However, if you are a long-shot anyways it may not hurt to take a shot in the dark. Maybe you’ll get a sympathetic vote from a recent divorcee, or someone who recently dealt with a difficult break-up as well.</p>
<p>Pointing out your weaknesses and flaws doesn’t really sound like a great idea…I don’t think it’s a good idea to elaborate on your lower grades and the reasons why you got them…BUT you should definitely put something in the extra information section and focus on the positive things about yourself rather than point out the negative!!</p>
<p>@ jvn> If you don’t address the reasons for your poor performance, then all the admissions committee will have to go on are your grades. Explain why you got the bad grades and how you will apply what you’ve learned to better your gpa in coming quarters/semesters. Turn it into a positive experience that has helped you grow. Ignoring it will only lead the app reader to assume that you slacked off.</p>
<p>well I was a straight A student…i’ve gotten As every single semester, except for the last 2 semesters where i’ve gotten ALL Bs. I don’t know…I just feel this strong need to explain myself, but at the same time I don’t want to put my personal business on the application.</p>
<p>CalBear, how do I explain it to them? on the additional information area of the application, or in my personal statement?</p>
<p>I was thinking of using it in my personal statement, but I already have something else I wanted to write about and the word limit won’t be enough.</p>
<p>For starters, A to B is NOT a drastic turn. Granted you went from straight A’s to straight B’s, I still don’t think that warrants an explanation unless it’s an extreme circumstance (loss of a parent or sibling, etc…) which yours is not. Go with what you originally intended to write about on your personal statement and do well this upcoming fall semester. Leave your relationship problems in the past and move forward.</p>