Should I bother explaining my quarter 1 grades to Cornell?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

In my school, quarter 1 has ended and we have the option to send grades from this quarter to Cornell. My grades were:

AP Lit: A-
Honors World History (dual enrollment): A
AP Calc AB: A
Finance and Investing (elective): A
Programming II (elective): A+
Honors Bio II (dual enrollment): B-

Should I bother to attach a supplemental note that explains my performance in Biology (I had a rough start in the quarter, but other than the first two assessments, I have performed very well in that class and I’m confident that it will go up as the year goes on)?

And on Cornell’s admissions portal, it says, “We recommend that you submit supplemental materials by November 15.” Is it a bad idea to submit the note explaining my performance in biology, since it is already November 18th (as of today)? And could it hurt my application?

2

I would not explain. It will only put emphasis on the grade which isn’t that horrible anyway. If you get deferred it won’t be because of one grade.

3

No

Yes.

I have yet to see a 17/18 year old try to “explain” something without coming across as whining/making excuses, and that includes the original post. These are not qualities that Cornell is looking for.

4

Thank you so much!

5

As a stem wannabe and with that B, consider letting your GC let them know how much better you’re doing and expected to reach an A soon. If she/he says no, then let it be. Presumably, you’ve got a solid math or sci LoR.

And it’s only one B.