I’m a straight-A student with 8 APs under my belt and really great spiked EC’s leading into Senior year, my father had health problems that kept me in the hospital with him after school and on the weekends, so my academic performance dropped first trimester to one C (AP physics), a B, and three A’s. I am applying to HYPS as a non-physics major. Would an honest explanation on the additional info section and through my counselor on the midyear report make up for this bad performance or am I down for the count?
You are better off asking your Gc to explain this circumstance in his or her letter of rec, which makes it more credible. Sorry to say, but this won’t help your chances. But no one has a good chance anyway.
Stop bumping. What else do you need to hear? You said you are going to talk to your GC, so do it. Are you waiting for someone to say “no problem, you will definitely get into HYPSM.”? No one is going to tell you that.
Generally when there is a lack of response it is because no one has anything to say different from the first responses. Your guidance counselor can explain the drop in your grades. There really isn’t anything else that can be done.
Be aware that many high school kids face hardships so the colleges may or may not be sympathetic. Also be aware that your chance of acceptance was low to begin with due to the small percentage of applicants who are admitted. So your father’s illness may not be to blame if you are rejected.
I hope you have less selective colleges on your list.