tofeeltherush

Hi, I figured that CC was the most practical place to seek advice on a question I have.

Ok so... I grew up in Brooklyn, NY my entire life and started highschool having trouble for being one of the only white students & gay. I couldn't pick myself up until my junior year and by then my high school transcript was too shameful for me to even look at. Meanwhile, my exam reports have always been well: 4's and 3's on AP's & 30 on the ACT. I know I'm not a genius, but I also know that I'd be near the top of my class if I hadn't been sent to such a school.

Anyway, getting to the point...

The colleges that I am in the process of applying to have admission requirements that match nearly everything on my application other than GPA requirements. Assuming that I even have the slightest chance of being accepted, would it make sense to include an explanation for my low GPA in my college essay and tie it to a larger theme about my experience in Brooklyn? Or would that just make me look like I'm making excuses?

As a side-note, I apologize if it seems like I want sympathy or anything. I honestly just want to know if I should bother mentioning my GPA or not.

a1sa1s

Yes, this would be a good idea as I got advice from my College Counselor at my High School to do exactly what you are asking.

Intotheblue4

Definitely include your story. Don't make it a sob story or a big excuse, though . If possible, try and turn it around and portray your getting out of that situation something that reflects positively on you.