<p>My grades last semester sucked (got some B's and C's) and my interviewer might ask why. Starting January first I've quit video games and I can get all A's again like before, but that doesn't change the fact that I spent all of last semester playing MMOs and did slightly above average in some AP classes.
Would it necessarily be a bad thing to say that I was addicted to games so I slacked on grades last semester, but that I've changed and quit cold turkey for the new year...?</p>
<p>Your interviewer doesn’t know your grades. </p>
<p>But to be frank, your academic achievement – at the most crucial and predictive point of your HS career – probably make you an unlikely candidate at this point to a school as selective as Cornell. I believe you’ve squandered your chances. I hope you can curb your addictive predilictions b/c you’ll likely find people of similar bent at whatever college you attend. At least for one semester before they’re booted out.</p>
<p>T26E4 is spot on.</p>
<p>DO NOT mention video games in your interview. That is the worst possible reason for bad grades. Don’t say anything and leave them guessing. Almost anything they guess as the reason will be better than a video game addiction.</p>
<p>If you are asked why your grades dropped one semester, say that you didn’t apply yourself as much as you should have, and that you’ve worked hard to change the situation around. No need to mention games.</p>
<p>I hope you are off the games forever. These games are as addictive as any drug and I think we will see more treatment programs for this addiction in the future. When companies actually hire students with degrees in psychology to specialize in building an addiction into a game, it is frightening. Sounds like the tobacco industry all over again. They know once they have you, you can be a consumer for life, despite the warnings on the cigarette packages. Life is full of real excitement and video games are a poor substitute.</p>
<p>Your interviewer won’t see any of your grades, stats, etc. More important is that you end your addiction.</p>
<p>Just say someone close to you died and it was a traumatic experience for you. They might ask for evidence, so come in prepared, have an obituary cut out of a newspaper or something. You should be fine. This should only work once though, unless it’s a new employer!</p>
<p>why are you telling him to lie? I mean, someone that actually had a traumatic experience might be offended by that.</p>
<p>but yea back to the OP, whatever you do, don’t mention your game addiction and get rid of it forever! Just say that you didn’t try your hardest and that you are working harder now. If you mention your addiction, you just tossed your app into the garbage because there is no way such a high caliber school as Cornell will be okay with game addiction.</p>
<p>Okay, we’re not THAT easy to get into.</p>
<p>Cornell is tough. The work is extensive and the gray days can get to some people. My guess is that they’re not looking to accept people that are easily distracted. Suicide has been a past issue for them…just saying…it’s a very challenging environment and not for everyone.</p>