Writing Application Essays to Overcome Academic Record Deficiencies

Explaining An Academic Blemish

Not everyone applying to college has a 4.0 GPA, top SAT or ACT test scores, or glowing teacher recommendations. Then what can students to do secure admission at the colleges of their dreams?

We advise students to submit well-written circumstance essays or letters that candidly explain the situation. Admissions officers know there is more to a student than the grade and test statistics, but it is up to the student to explain why their academic record does not adequately reflect their academic abilities. A concise, honest explanation of a blemished academic record gives the admissions officer the context they need to make an offer of admission. If the school counselor’s report corroborates the explanation, even better, so talk it over with your school counselor, too.