Should I mention my improvement?

<p>Hi, let me introduce myself first. I am an international student who is currently attending community college, and I almost about to get my AA(72credits).</p>

<p>I'd say my performance in community college is pretty decent, I have almost straight 4.0 with impressive ECs. I have also received a number of awards(scholarship, honor program...etc). But here is the thing, my grade in high school was extremely terrible(about 2.0-2.5GPA). I was recruited by my high school as a basketball player; my high school was one of the top ranked school in terms of both academic or basketball, and athletes in my school attended fewer class compare to the other students because we often compete with several other best teams in the country so we had to use regular class time to practice. After the first year I had a serious injury in my knees so I decided to come to the U.S. as an exchange student. Still, I couldn't adjust to the class in the first year, then I skipped my senior year(not because I didn't do well, but because of the military service issue in my country) and come to my current college.</p>

<p>I know those weren't excuses for my bad grades and universities probably don't care. But I want to know, should I mention about my improvement over time in my personal statement? In the other term, should I talk about how horrible I was and how I have changed? or simply omit the facts and only talk about my achievement in college(this is what my advisor suggested me)?</p>

<p>Which one would universities like to see?</p>

<p>If you provided the university your High-School Transcript, then yes, I think you should mention it. They will certainly see the low grades, and perhaps low SAT scores. (?)</p>

<p>You should not make a big deal out of it, and certainly not make a lot of excuses. A simple statement that your priorities were incorrect during high school, and that your community college experience has allowed you to mature and grow should suffice. Your College grades should provide a good picture of the person you are now.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

<p>I’ve been thinking about this all day, and I want to revise my answer. I am not an admissions officer and have never worked in a college. I am answering using common sense, and could be completely wrong. That is the problem with CC, you are going to get answers from people (like me) that probably mean well, but might not have a clue in the world. I still think my advice is correct and reasonable, but I have to be straight with you and say you might want to hear from someone that is more qualified.</p>

<p>Thank you so much for your attention and responses. I am collecting suggestion from many advisors, some of them suggest yes but some of them don’t; I think I have to further discuss with someone else…</p>

<p>If you have to submit those materials then the universities will see it. All in all, improvements are better than excuses. Anyway, I may not be qualified as well.
Wish you good luck.</p>