<p>So the 1st semester of 9th grade I got 4 c's. Yeah I'm not kidding. Our classes are broken up in terms of 8 classes per year, 4 classes each semester (2 semesters a year). So in other words that 1st sem. of 9th grade I got straight C's. </p>
<p>But, at the end of the summer of 9th grade I had a major surgery which I was on hard pain meds after it and it was extremely stressful and honestly I think contributed to my lack of motivation and effort. The 2nd semester of that year (after I felt better) I had two A's and two B's. </p>
<p>My question is - do you think I should say something about the surgery and everything as a reason for my grades. I feel like I need to say something because those 4 C's have devastated my GPA. </p>
<p>get your guidance councilor to write the colleges about that. they really should know but you dont want it to seem as though your whining or making excuses. if you get a guidance councilor or doctor to write a letter about it and send it in with your app that will be allot better.</p>
<p>Yeah, the worst thing that could happen is that the colleges think I'm just making up some excuse for my bad grades. Which technically, that is an excuse, but a valid one. </p>
<p>I would probably get a doctor's note with the counselor letter as well, so that a professional can give their opinion of the side effects and such.</p>
<p>And you might already know but a couple schools don't calculate freshmen grades into GPA.</p>
<p>Yes I think your GC should mention that in the letter, and if your grades improved in 10th and 11th, then I highly doubt 9th grade grades count all that much. Schools will notice your potential in soph/junior year.</p>
<p>I have had a HUGE upward trend. But, as I have found out, it's difficult to overcome the 4 2.0's I got from that 1st semester of high school. It kind of sucks. I'm just hoping that they see that that's not who I am.</p>