When Application Asks Me to Explain Grades Below B

<p>On my transcript I have C's in 4 courses (French 2, Chemistry Honors, US History 2AP, American Lit.) Should I opt to explain these grades, and if so, what would be the best way of going about it?</p>

<p>It depends on why you got those "C's" and when you got them. Did you have a bad year, a bad semester, or an injury, illness, or family circumstance that affected your ability to perform? I would not explain them if the explanation would be "I was partying all of the time and my grades went down." I would explain them if I felt there was some temporary circumstance or state of mind that contributed to the "C's" that I could point to, along with proof of how that problem/circumstance is unlikely to reoccur. I would also, as part of the explanation, show how I overcame said circumstances and how that would make me a better college student. If you do explain, do so in the section of the application that is called "Additional Information" or something like that. Make it short and sweet: stick to the facts, no pity party stuff, and end on a positive.</p>

<p>would something like the (math) class was very early in the morning, a time when I am not able to concentrate at all be a legit explanation for a C freshman year?</p>

<p>not really, no.</p>

<p>If your Cs are in your early years, and your grades have shown steady improvement, yes I would point out that you buckled down and got more serious.</p>

<p>if the application ASKs for an explanation, give one.</p>

<p>If my memory serves me correctly, the Univ of Delaware application asks for an explanation of any grades below "B"....</p>

<p>^ Is it just me or does that scream GRADE INFLATION?</p>

<p>Yea, but my guess is that the majority of students who apply to UDel come from schools that generally do have grade inflation....great point though...My younger D goes to a school where the average GPA is probably 2.8-3.0...I guess lots of those kids will be giving UDel explanations if they apply.</p>

<p>My school deffinatly has it. It's horrible. Everyone is average, because A is what everyone earns and that's the best you can earn.</p>