Should I bother applying to Highly Selective Schools?

emeraldpen
Sun, 09 Oct 2011 19:51:36 +0000

I know this may not help…but you’re not alone in having a hard time emotionally and having your grades slip, I’ve been there – and I was a top student too – so when I saw Cs and Ds on my report card it was like “WHAT just happened?” it’s hard when you now you’re capable and things happen in your life that you don’t understand. my situation was different because it happened in college and I’d basically finished my requirements for my first bachelors, but didn’t want to work in that field, so I was working toward my second bachelors…okay now don’t get jealous cuz I know you;re not even in college yet and don’t even have your bachelors, but if it makes you feel any better I was studying at some “lame” state school, haha really it’s not much to be proud of, trust me. I’d say the name of the school, but it’s one of the biggest schools in the nation and I know a lot of ppl on these boards want in…badly, but I realized even before I stepped foot on its soil it was not the school for me, just the convenient choice.

anyway, you’re VERY lucky!!! unlike me, who already has a bachelors from a no-name university, you’re still in high school, in your senior year and you have the WHOLE year ahead of you to pull up your grades. Now, my grades went down because I fell into a depression and it turned out to be good because I turned myself around spiritually, and much happier now. Plus, my father was very sick that year, hospitalized over and over, and I was taking over his business – so like me, I’m sure you have an excuse as to why your grades fell. I don’t know much about applying to the IVYs but could I suggest that you write in your essay what extenuating circumstances led to your emotional rough time. I would write it in a way that makes them feel compassion and empathy for your situation. If your situation was anything like mine, I don’t see how they could not consider you because that situation was out of your control. You could also mention that at the interview. If your grades improved in the year, I’m sure it’ll look good. Be sure to send your final transcript, as soon as you get it and/or update admissions as you get your semester grades – I don’t know if they do it through an email, or phone, or fax system, but find out and then keep updating them with your grades to show they’re improving. Plus you’ still have a chance to impress them with your SAT scores