Hi everyone, so I'm in the process of applying to colleges, and I have a bit of a problem. I had a really rough sophomore year, both academically and personally. This resulted in lower than average grades. How do I explain this to colleges when I apply? Is there a proper way to address it in my application? Any guidance would be appreciated!
Hey there! It's great that you're being proactive about addressing the concerns you have about your sophomore year. Admissions officers are human too, and they understand that students go through challenges that might impact their academic performance.
The best way to explain this situation is through the 'Additional Information' section on your application. You can briefly discuss what struggles you faced during that time (no need to go into too much detail, as this section is intended to be more factual and concise, not a second personal statement) and explain how you've grown and bounced back from those obstacles. Focus on demonstrating your resilience and how you learned from that experience, rather than justifying your grades.
You could also ask one of your recommenders, such as a teacher or a counselor, to mention those circumstances in their letter if they're aware of your situation. That way, admissions officers receive additional context about your situation from a third party.
Good luck with your applications, and remember, your overall body of work and character matter more than one rough year!
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