How does my course rigor look?

gibby
Mon, 15 Jul 2013 16:25:20 +0000

https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Docs/DownloadForms/2013/2013SchoolReport_download.pdf

That is something your guidance counselor should definitely mention in their Secondary School Report (SSR – see above, page 2), as it needs some sort of substantiation from your high school. You, of course could write an essay about it, or mention it in the “Other Information” section of the Common Application, but it’s more helpful when your GC mentions it. See: [Writing Recommendations | MIT Admissions](How to write good letters of recommendation | MIT Admissions)



Guidance Counselor Recommendation for Jane:
Jane is an outstanding young woman whose academic record may not fully reflect her ability. Her parents were divorced during her junior year, and, for several years before that, her home situation had been in turmoil with a great deal of fighting between her parents. Her father has an alcohol problem and Jane certainly endured a great deal of emotional distress. The fact that she has been able to do as well as she has done given the circumstances says a lot for her. Now that the home situation has stabilized, her performance has improved. I believe her senior year grades are a much better reflection of her ability.

Critique: You may wonder whether or not the above information is appropriate in a letter of evaluation. It is! We appreciate anything that gives us insight and perspective into a student’s performance and environment. Comments about problems that a student has experienced will help us understand the context in which they have accomplished whatever they have achieved. The extent to which they have dealt with these problems is useful to know as well.