My freshman year wasn’t the best year of high school. Though I had A+, A in Math, Science or Social Sciences, I got a couple of Cs and Bs in languages. But after that I was valedictorian for consecutive 10th and 11th grades. But, my freshman grades might create some problem especially at top-tier institutions were excellent grades are pretty much a must.
But the thing is that I have a legitimate reason behind these low grades. I just don’t know how it will be interpreted by the admission committee. The reason is:
I have been excelling in math since a very young age. In 9th grade, I was selected as one of the 40 students for International Math Olympiad Training in my city. As I was studying in a foreign country and as a US citizen in a foreign country, I wasn’t eligible to give the selection test for the Olympiad team, but as I had a deep passion for mathematics, I decided to sign up for it. The math taught was very rigorous but I enjoyed it. However, the class was form 7pm to 12am from Monday to Saturday!! There was some resistance form my parents but I convinced them that this is a very rare opportunity for me to elevate my math skills. But due to this, i got only one and half an hour at home to study for school. And consequently my grades dropped in freshman year.
What do you think? This is real and I am not lying.
You’re not “valedictorian” for a particular grade, you’re valedictorian for your class when you graduate.
Also, don’t try to make excuses for sub-par grades. Sometimes, the explanation makes it worse.
I think it will appear to schools that you chose an EC over academics. I don’t believe that will help your application.
Agree with not making excuses. You show an upward trend and that you learned to balance your workload. Top tier schools are not looking for kids who make excuses. If your test scores and ECs are good a few grades freshmen year aren’t going to hold you back. The attitude of saying the grades weren’t my fault will hold you back.
Even if it is real, it isn’t a legitimate excuse for poor grades. Part of being a student is balancing your academics, social life, and extracurriculars. You failed to manage your time and schedule properly. That is entirely your fault and not an excuse. Many students are busy with sports, music, etc. and therefore their grades slip. If admissions accepted this as an excuse, then everyone with poor grades would have a valid excuse.
But follow your passion.
Top colleges are admitting people, not perfect academic records.
Don’t fret about what is past or make excuses for it. Shine brightly and control what you can control.
I think you should mention your involvement in the rigorous math program, but without describing it as the cause of your poor grades.
It is absolutely an excuse for poor grades. Don’t mention it yourself though, but perhaps have your counselor mention your whole Olympiad story. Counselor’s often ask for a brag sheet. You can include it there.
By the way, I think you made a good decision to take the fantastic opportunity and didn’t let school get in the way of your education!
A rapid improvement is OK, especially during the 9th grade transition year