Should I include this in my ED app?

Colleges & Universities Columbia University
1

<p>So, I’m applying early decision to SEAS. Here are my stats, just for reference:</p>

<p>Female, Middle Eastern/WASP
Religion: Jewish
SAT: Reading: 800 Math: 770
I attend a huge public high school in Arizona. It’s not very competitive- everyone goes to either ASU or community college. Much more effort is put into dealing with crime than funding AP courses.
I’m in the top 6% of my class.
National Merit Semifinalist
I’m president for the third year running of my FRC robotics team, which is a joint team between my school and a nearby charter school.
I’m also involved in Model UN, Key Club, Swim Team, and Book Club.
Last summer, I participated in a sister cities program and spent five weeks in rural Ireland.
AP Scores: 5 on Art History, 5 on US History, 4 on World History, 5 on Lang/Comp</p>

<p>Here’s my problem: my junior year grades basically decimate my chance at acceptance. My freshman and sophomore years, I got straight As. However, near the beginning of my junior year, my mother was arrested on drug related charges, and my younger brother was arrested for destruction of property two months later, and once more later in the year. My mom spent some time in jail, followed by two months in rehab. She’s still on probation. For essentially the entire year, my house and family were in a state of violent, unpredictable conflict. My grades weren’t exactly what I was most concerned about.</p>

<p>I got mostly Bs, a few As, and some Cs. I stayed in the most challenging courses my school offers in addition to my zero hour orchestra, but it still looks quite dismal. </p>

<p>I understand that many students have endured much worse in terms of trials and tribulations, and that my family problems are no excuse for my academic performance, but I can’t help but wonder if it would help the admissions committee understand my circumstances if I included an explanation in my application.</p>

<p>What do you think? As far as I can tell, if I were to include such an explanation, it would best fit under the section of the common app labeled “Additional Information: Please upload a document here if you wish to provide details of circumstances or qualifications not reflected in the application.”</p>

2

<p>Yeah, why not. I think that is exactly what the “Additional information” section is for. What are your GPAs uw and weighted? You have an impressive profile and that is an interesting story, are you sure your chances are decimated?</p>

3

<p>Unweighted, around 3.6. Weighted, I think it’s 4.2.
They just seem so very selective. Decimated or not, I’m really worried about it.
Also, I don’t want the committee to get the impression that I could potentially be a detriment to the school if I’m anything like the people who have the exact same genetics as me.
I think I probably will include it though…so thank you! =)</p>

4

<p>I would definitely say that you should include it (and, of course, do as well as you can throughout senior year). Essentially, you’re right to say that you could get written off for the strong dip in your grades. However, you do have a reason, and they can’t take that into consideration unless you tell them.</p>

<p>Best of luck.</p>