Dear Roadie,
While in high school, my daughter was involved in a tragic accident that nearly killed her. Her best friend died in the accident. As expected, school was the last thing she was focused on and her grades plummeted. Now as a senior, she is applying to schools; however, her GPA is pretty low. Her letters of recommendation are from a teacher and a counselor who both know her potential and think highly of her. She is the president of a school club and a leader in an extracurricular sport, so she’s got a couple of things working in her favor. Can all this make a difference to get into a school when grades aren’t great?
— My Daughter Was Down, But She’s Not Out
Dear My Daughter Was Down, But She’s Not Out,
Yes, her achievements, resilience, and character can absolutely make a difference. The accident does not need to define her. Many colleges look beyond grades and recognize the strength it takes to overcome adversity. The recommendation letters from teachers who understand her potential and the story behind her lower GPA can powerfully support her application.
Additionally, her leadership roles show dedication and maturity, which colleges value. Consider adding a brief statement in her application or in her counselor’s letter to explain how the accident impacted her academically, emphasizing her growth and determination. This context can help admissions committees see her in a fuller light, making her story—and her application—more compelling.
I’d also suggest addressing the incident in a supplemental essay or an “additional information” section, focusing on her resilience and personal growth rather than on the details of the accident itself. Here’s a suggested approach:
- Be Concise and Honest: Briefly mention the accident and its impact on her grades, then focus on her journey forward. Avoid going into too much detail about the tragedy itself; instead, keep the tone reflective and mature.
- Emphasize Growth and Resilience: Share how she worked through grief and gradually re-engaged with her academics and activities. Admissions officers appreciate applicants who demonstrate strength, maturity, and perseverance.
- Highlight Achievements Despite Challenges: Point out her leadership roles, extracurricular achievements, and the support she has from her teachers and counselor. This demonstrates her determination and that others believe in her potential.
This approach not only explains the drop in GPA but also emphasizes her qualities and accomplishments, helping admissions teams see her as a well-rounded and resilient candidate.
Whatever happens, remind your daughter that many schools today take great pride in approaching potential students holistically, which means they evaluate the entire person, not just academic metrics like GPA and test scores. This is where extracurricular involvement, essays, personal statements, and letters of recommendation can truly make a difference. Admissions committees take note of any significant life events or hardships that may have impacted an applicant’s academic journey, looking for resilience and growth.
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