How can i explain the sudden change in my grades?

Question

i'm going into my senior year of high school, and i'm starting to apply to colleges. my transcript is something like this: all A's and B's for my freshman and sophomore year. i was always a good student. but during junior year i went through a severe near life-ending depression, and my grades suffered throughout the whole year. my junior year grades are Bs and Cs for the most part, with one D+ (in precalculus). compared to my earlier grades, i fear it will jeopardize my changes of getting into colleges

i have plenty of extracurriculars and community service, but i'm wondering: is there an opportunity for me to make this known to the college administration, and for me to explain the sudden drop in my grades?

Answer 1

You will definitely get into colleges, perhaps not the most exclusive colleges.

Every college application has some way for you to tell them about difficult circumstances. They want to hear why your grades dipped, but more importantly, that you overcame your difficulties. So along with explaining your depression, explain how you overcame it (seeking help, making peace with your past, etc.)

Answer 2

Include it in your essays. Don't try to make them feel sorry for you though, make it sound like you're taking full responsibility for what happened, etc. They DO read these essays. ;)

You might not get into like an Ivy League (not sure if you were interested in that anyway!) but you will still get into a good college. I know they say that junior year is the most important, but it is still only one year. It will affect your GPA, but not that much to completely destroy it. Good luck!

Answer 3

just say your going through emotional difficulties