Hi! I'm a junior and I've realized that my grades aren't the best (GPA of 2.7). I struggled with some health problems last year, which seriously impacted my performance at school. How can I explain this situation to colleges when applying? I don't want these bad grades to completely ruin my chances. Thanks in advance for your help!
Hey there! First, don't be too hard on yourself. Remember that many colleges take a holistic approach when reviewing applications, meaning they'll consider factors beyond just your GPA, and not every school demands a 4.0 from its applicants. You can find a list of some schools that frequently accept students with a 2.7 GPA here: https://blog.collegevine.com/is-2-7-gpa-good-for-college.
It's important to address your health issues as a reason for your struggling grades. You can do this in a couple of ways. One option is to write about your experience in your personal statement, in one of the supplemental essays many colleges ask for, or even the "additional information" section of the Common App. Focus on how you faced these challenges and what you learned from the experience.
Another option is to have your school counselor mention your health struggles in their recommendation letter, and explain how they impacted your academic performance. This way, the college will hear it from a trusted source.
Lastly, remember that colleges also value improvement. If you can show that your grades started to improve after you addressed your health problems, it will work in your favor. Good luck!
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