Using Your College Essay to Explain Extenuating Circumstances
Applying to college is tough enough, but your anxiety about the application process can go through the roof when there are some problem areas on your academic record.
You’ve worked hard to get where you are today, but you had to overcome some unique challenges that many other students haven’t faced. Fortunately, the college essay and its “additional information” section give you an opportunity to explain the extenuating circumstances that have negatively affected your academic career.
Remember That Real People Review Your Application
Every college admissions board is made up of real people — and most of them have experienced a rough patch or two in life themselves. They understand that bad things can happen to good students, and they are interested in you as a whole person (not just a collection of classes, grades, test scores and extracurricular activities).
Because they’re real people, you can bet that the admissions board is going to wonder why you had fantastic grades except for that one semester in your sophomore year. They are going to want to know why you have phenomenal test scores on your AP tests, SAT and ACT — but only a ho-hum G.P.A.
When there’s a noticeable problem with your academic record, you really can’t afford not to offer some kind of explanation that will help the admissions board contextualize what they’re seeing in your application.
Be Honest and Open About What Happened
On one hand, you don’t want to come across like you’re making excuses, but you also need to be truthful and straightforward in your approach. It’s also incredibly important to take responsibility for whatever you could control in the situation, when that applies.
For example, the board is likely to be sympathetic and understanding about those problem grades in your sophomore year if you explain that your mother had been diagnosed with cancer and the disruption to your family life and emotional state eclipsed everything (including your studies) for a while.
But what if your GPA is very average (even though your test scores were great) because you simply didn’t like applying yourself to your schoolwork and didn’t start taking your education seriously until your Junior year? Don’t try to downplay your own responsibility for the problems with your GPA. Own your failings, and explain what has changed and how you’ve grown. Otherwise, your explanation will sound more like a rationalization.
Turn a Weakness Into a Strength
Finally, the most important thing of all is to focus on what you’ve gained as a person through your negative life experiences (whether they were self-inflicted or not). This will keep your explanation from sounding like a desperate plea for leniency, play up your strengths and tell the admissions board more about you as a person.
For example, did your mother’s illness make you more independent and resilient than the average teenager? Did your awakening to the power of a good education make you more mature and determined? Have the unexpected events in your life taught you flexibility and self-reliance?
Every compelling narrative comes with a satisfying conclusion. In this situation, you need to give the admissions board that “happy ending” that they want to see by showing them the silver lining that’s peeking out of the clouds in your past.
Whether you make your college application about your struggles (which could be a good idea if your story is exceptionally unique and powerful) or you address the problem area in the additional information section, it never hurts to have some experienced guidance along the way. One bad patch in the road of life at an early age shouldn’t damage your whole future — and it doesn’t have to stand in the way of your academic dreams.
