<p>I know this may seem like a weird question, but I had a terrible freshman year and one of the reasons (aside from my own laziness and tendency to carouse of course) was that my mother never really enforced strict discipline or pressured to do well academically. I included that in my personal statement and talked about how I later realized how hard my parents worked for me and how I’ve since studied hard etc, but I don’t know if the admission officers will think badly of it… like if I was blaming my mother or something? My mom gave me hell after she read it but I honestly think that it could strengthen my point so … any suggestions? Do i really have to take it out? Any help would be appreciated, thanks!!! :)</p>
<p>After I read what you wrote here, I summarized it to myself this way: “I got bad grades freshman year, but it’s kind of my mom’s fault because she wasn’t a hard ass.”</p>
<p>I don’t think that’s a formula that’s going to work well for you.</p>
<p>Perhaps what you meant to say is that your parents gave you the opportunity to take responsibility for your own schedule, schoolwork, and success, and that initially, you found that very challenging, but eventually you rose to the challenge.</p>
<p>Maybe you could talk about what caused you to become more motivated and how you’ve personally matured and grown.</p>
<p>I really think that’s going to hurt you, not help you. To blame your mother for your own laziness/work ethic is going to look very bad. My mom doesn’t mention school to me at all, and my dad (divorced) barely talks to me otherwise, and I’m proud to say I’ve motivated myself. Parents are no excuse for less-than-satisfactory grades.</p>