lexi418

I am beginning to write college essays and I am unsure how to explain my grade trend to colleges. I had a 4.0 unweighted GPA freshman year, and a 3.95 for the first half of sophomore year. The second half of sophomore year, I developed a severe case of depression that proved to be resistant to all medication and affected my attendance for that semester and throughout my entire junior year. As a result, my GPA is currently a 3.4. I have overcome my depression and I currently have A's in all of my senior year classes.

I know that depression is a red flag subject, and I do not plan on directly basing my essays on it. However, I need to address why my grades tanked for half of high school. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to go about this?

cc123sb

Avoid mentioning anything about your grades dropping. If you want colleges to know, have your GC attach a note on her recommendation. Otherwise, you can mention it in the additional information section on the common app.

lexi418

Thank you for your advice.
I am applying to a state school as a reach that has an additional information section. What would be a good way to explain my grades dropping? Should I be general and cite personal hardships, or should I go into more detail?

lookingforward

The personal statement essay isn't where you explain a problem- it's a nice tale that shows off the personal strengths those colleges are looking for.

One problem with grades tanking is that adcoms can worry this will also happen in college. Just saying, well here's the reason, may not be reassuring. If you have a legit explanation, I agree, you go to the GC and ask if he/she is willing to explain for you and willing to highlight how you turned things around.

lexi418

What is a GC? Sorry, I am new to this site.

M's Mom

GC is your Guidance Counselor. They are one of the three people who are required to submit letters of rec for you. If you look at the Common Application, you will see the form that the GC is asked to complete on your behalf.

Rather than citing depression, you may prefer your GC to cite a 'medical issue' that impacted your grades during this period and that has now been successfully treated. You are under no obligation to reveal details of your medical history as part of the admissions process. But your GC may want proof of this medical condition and your treatment before he/she is willing to include that information in your application. Go have a conversation with him or her - you will not be the first student they have encountered who as faced depression if they have been in their positions for any length of time.