Bad grades can spiral down your motivation. When it comes to mentioning bad grades in a college education program, a student can often feel overwhelmed. Bad grades can be anyone’s problem. For a high-achieving teen applying for a popularly recognized college program, a bad grade is A- or a B. Whereas, for an average high-school student, a bad grade can be something as low as D or an F. So this settles that bad grade isn’t just a problem for a particular type of student. Bad grades can be for anyone and everyone.
In simplest terms, the best definition for a bad grade can be a grade that you believe is unsatisfactory to get into your favorite university/college. It can be a grade typically lower than your academic performance. It can be a black dot on your achievement streak and the efforts you have exerted to achieve what you’ve achieved so far in high-school education. Have you accidentally scored a bad grade during your senior high-school years? Worry not, because today, we will educate you on how you can address low grades when submitting a letter for a college education.
Be Expressive in your Supplemental Essays
The supplemental essay is where you’re offered the chance to explain why you under-performed where you lacked in achieving good grades. You can choose this area to explain why you were unable to give your best during that examination. For instance, if you had ADHD or went through a trauma and suffered PTSD, now would be the time to shine a light on it to help address bad grades in college. No matter how odd the situation sounds, the assessment checkers understand that you’re a human.
In your short response, if you’re successful in explaining what you went through, the assessment may go well in your favor. Make this investment in your future self for your personal growth & progression.
Use the Strong Narrative Approach
If you didn’t perform well during your high school years, craft a strong narrative to convince the college why you’re the right fit. Is there a particular major subject that you’re fairly good at? For example, if you’re good at science, you can explain why you think your enrollment can significantly contribute to scientific discoveries. Discuss some of the projects which you’ve completed. If there are any achievements you can share, then make sure to highlight them in your narrative.
Amplify your importance during your career transitioning. If the area of study you wish to apply to has little to do with the subject where you have scored less, your application will get you through.
Ask Your Counselor for Recommendation
Most colleges understand that a student who is expected to outperform can often face rigorous challenges. Seeking a recommendation from a counselor who has been in a similar situation as the one you’re in can write you a recommendation so you can easily progress forward. Many colleges have strong expectations from students and want students who can progress through challenging environments. They understand that you will experience a similar setback in a course or two.
When you get recommendations from counselors who explain how you overcame adversity during your time at high-school, it can leave a strong impression on the academic department.
Accelerate by Scoring Good in AP & SAT Exams
If you can score well in AP English and AP U.S. History, then you can establish strong academic excellence for yourself. The good scores can easily suppress your bad grades. There are times when students have a bad patch with their teachers/counselors who grade them based on personal grudges. In case you find yourself in a similar situation, you can always ace another standardized test, such as an SAT program. By showing exceedingly remarkable results in the standard SAT program, you can prove your college assessment that your grading was unjust.
For example, if you scored a C- in mathematics at high-school, a score of 800 in SAT Mathematics will be convincing enough to prove your academic excellence.
Talk About Your Non-Academic Talents
One way to convince academic programs to take you onboard on their educational journey is by highlighting your non-academic talents. Start by demonstrating what you’re good at. Are you a great musician? Do you know how to dance? Are you good at theatre or drama, or you’re a great artist or an outstanding athlete? Find your strong suit and discuss it in detail & depth within your college application. Express how preoccupied you were in honing up your talent in a certain non-academic area of study. Have you earned awards, certificates, or medals? Feel free to share that information with the college.
When you discuss such points, your college will bring a high chance to consider.
Go for Institutes Which Allow Low-Grade Transcripts
Some renowned institutions do give you a chance even though you’ve under-performed in a subject or two. Universities such as Stanford University & Purdue University enroll students with GPAs that fall below 3.5. 27% of students who get into Purdue University have a GPA that falls under 3.5. Find out other universities that provide students with a low GPA a chance to become a part of their program. As a result, students with a relatively low GPA can still have a fair chance to apply to universities they desire. Who knows which school might accept you for one of your previous achievements.
Submit your transcripts and craft the best narrative, and let destiny help you achieve what you seek.
You may have skills and talents that may not always appear on the transcripts. Or you may have gone through a tough time in life because you were unable to focus. When applying for a higher education program, make sure you highlight everything impressively, leaving a substantial impact on the reader to overcome bad grades in your college. While most students often make the mistake of bragging, which leaves a wrong impression. Don’t fall for that trap. Take your time, and write a professional application. Show it to a counselor and see how they react. Most universities feel impressed when their students open up to them, so do take the chance.