<p>I'm a decent student for the most part, got straight As until my Junior year. Junior year I was in 5 AP classes and got mostly B+/A- on my transcript. However, Senior Year my grades dropped considerably, I got a few B-s and a C+ on my report card. </p>
<p>My SATs are ok, 1510, and mid 700s on SAT IIs. Of course I have reasons for my falling grades, but I'm not entirely sure what I'm supposed to say. I'm Bipolar, and I was hospitalized for about a month during senior year, and it was an especially difficult time for me. I'm loads better now that I'm on the right meds and all, so these issues won't affect my performance at all in college (I'm taking courses and working 2 volunteer jobs, as well as teaching right now, and doing well in all of that), but it seems to me that people look at mental health issues with a lot of suspicion, even though it was completely biological for me... </p>
<p>Anyways, is this something that I should be explaining? Or should I just leave it as it is?</p>
<p>Thanks to anyone who can help, and sorry for the strange ramble.</p>
<p>I am glad to know that you are feeling better. If the GC/administrator is aware of the difficulties you have been having in addition to the reason for these difficulties, it would be better if they wrote the letter. You are correct in assuming that disclosing that you are bipolar could be a 2-edged sword become some admission committees may think that you are not resilient enough to deal with the stresses that come with attending college (especially attending school and living on campus).</p>
<p>Whatever you decide to do make sure that whereever you go, that there are resources available so that you can continue to remain healthy.</p>
<p>To add to Sybbie's advice, if you do inform the school, I would suggest a letter from a doctor stating your recovery/progress. It doesn't matter whether a problem is biological or not; if a college doubts your ability to handle going away to school and do well in classes, then they have a substantial reason not to accept you.</p>
<p>Thank you both for your thoughtful responses.</p>
<p>I do believe that my college counselor will be including this information, I was just wondering if I needed to say anything as many applications ask specifically if anything has affected your academic performance.</p>
<p>I guess it is best left for the school administration to take care of, as they know better how to handle things like this.</p>