Will bad second semester grades be excused for personal issues?

Hi, so I’ve done pretty well in high school up until now, and I know colleges will only see my final grade without a breakdown of how I did each quarter (averaging good first semester grades with probably bad second semester grades). My dad has been diagnosed w cancer very recently and will be undergoing treatment soon. The last thing I could care about right now are my second semester senior year grades. I’m doing terrible in AP Lit for some reason (I’ve been doing the same thing all year but I’m just getting worse grades). Will colleges (T20s) excuse poor grades for something like this? Should I let them know ahead of time? Thanks for any advice.

Sorry about your dad. I went through the same thing at your age. It’s tough.

The question you ask is really important. @Sally_Rubenstone is the dean and can help you. Very specifically. DM her.

I’m sure if you explain it and your extenuating circumstances. Is this an elite college?