Will explaining a grade drop because of a course ruin my chances?

Applying to College
1

<p>I already applied to my colleges, and in the additional information section of common app i included a short explanation of my immense grade drop in junior year. Despite maintaining a majority of As, I received Cs and even a D in junior year because of an especially difficult course and an extremely strict teacher. Also, I chose the toughest course load possible for my grade. It was a schedule that was very hard to balance, and my GPA suffered. In my additional information section, I explained that my grade dropped due to my inability to balance my schedule especially because of the extremely tough course I took. I mentioned how strict my teacher was for that course. I am worried that I made it look like I was blaming my teacher, even though that was not my intention. At the end of my short explanation, however, I explained how my experience in the class helped me develop in a positive way. Will colleges view me as blaming my teacher, and will it ruin my chances?</p>

<p>I am afraid that I was too naiive and honest with my thoughts when I was writing this....I really did not think they would see my explanation this way until my mother pointed it out recently....</p>

2

<p>This is why you should have an outside person such as a trusted teacher or your counselor review your essays. Your “honesty” more than likely came off as an attempt to shirk responsibility by shifting it to the teacher (she demanded too much). To be honest, though, getting C’s and a D your junior year is going to raise a lot of flags at any selective college. Your essay just adds to the doubt, but its possible nothing you could have written would have rescued you from your record. Or, perhaps, your overall app is enough to outweigh that bad year and you’re in. You’ll know in a few weeks…</p>