<p>Let’s say I got 5 Bs junior year, but As in all my first semester senior classes (6) As, will Cornell view me as a changed person? Because there was a reason I got those Bs junior year which I’ll explain (where exactly is the place to explain, by the way?)</p>
<p>I believe RD applicants have to send the report if they want to or not. But ED, i think it is an option…I sent mine. I am not sure if it was much of an impact or not, but…
Throughout HS, I had str8 A’s in 9th to 11th grade, but only 1 honors freshman class (rest regular), 2 APs sophomore, 3 APs junior year. Senior year, I had 4 APs (much harder courseload), but I got 1 B and 1 B+ 1st marking period (this was sent as the grade report), all the rest still A’s. I’m not sure if it helped me or hurt me. I do know that my essays were strong and my ECs fit my major/college VERY well. I got in.
So…take that for what it is worth…if anything.</p>
<p>As for the spot on the application, I think i recall there is a specific spot. Read it carefully…it shud be there somewhere. If not, I suggest that you don’t write that explanation, and that you suggest to you guidance counselor to write that note for you. It will hold more weight if the source is a staff/counselor.</p>
<p>If there is a good reason for the lower grades (that you explain in your essays) I would think that Cornell might be able to ‘get over it’ But also, they get soooo many people with straight a’s too.</p>
<p>and yeah the guidance counselor’s note is a good idea i think…more credible.</p>