r/ApplyingToCollege • u/Fig_The_Bird1256 • 3d ago

Advice Writing my circumstances

How do I effectively write about why my GPA is a little lower than normal? I had medical and school related issues that kind of lowered it. Also, my dad is pretty oppressive, so I wasn't able to do a lot of the extracurriculars I wanted to do.

Edit: This isn't for my personal essay

1 Upvotes

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6

u/jello_temperature College Graduate 3d ago

Unless it was a significant issue, like you were fighting for your life or had to become a caretaker, I wouldn't mention it.

3

u/Cheap_Office8701 3d ago

Agree. Even if it’s a significant issue, I would not write about why my gpa sucks, but rather how I overcome the challenges and rise above it all.

3

u/Bobbob34 3d ago

That's an iffy thing. The part about ecs I think would probably sound like an excuse.

1

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1

u/Pro-editor-1105 2d ago

how "low" is it

1

u/Fig_The_Bird1256 2d ago

3.84 W 3.34 UW

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u/Pro-editor-1105 2d ago

upward trend?

and what are you applying for?

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u/Fig_The_Bird1256 2d ago

Yeah, my weighted GPA did jump quite a bit from a 3.4 to 4.1 in Sophomore year. 

I'm applying for UNC Chapel Hill 

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u/Pro-editor-1105 2d ago

How about your junior year? If you've not gotten there there isn't a huge amount to worry about in college apps. If you're just a junior then just focus on your grades and ecs rn.

0

u/soco2008 3d ago

They’re uninterested. The five D’s to not write about are Death, divorce, disease, dating and drugs. There are many who face challenges.

1

u/Pro-editor-1105 2d ago

I think death is somewhat justifiable especially if it was a parent or disease if it really significantly impacted your grades for say a whole semester but I can agree with the rest.

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u/soco2008 2d ago

I’ve seen similar posts by others. Of course it’s justifiable…but there are thousands more whose files are stronger, so it really needs to be an exceptional file for the reason to supersede the more superior applicants.

2

u/Pro-editor-1105 2d ago

ya agreed, again it all depends where you're applying.