@curioussgeorgee: I would have your school guidance counselor or principal call Admissions and explain the situation to an AO and see what they say. FWIW: The people who work in Admissions offices consider high school teachers, guidance counselors and principals their peers and will always take the word of “a responsible adult in the room.” As dropping half your classes is a VERY serious issue – and the reasons would need to be corroborated with your GC anyway – it would be better if an adult in a supervisory capacity at your high school raises the issue on your behalf.