Current Events > ce, i need your help

(+) Yeah! (+)

Okay so college admissions are coming up and I need a plan. I have to explain why my GPA is so low, (and why it should be disregarded) and why my SAT score is well above average

Basically, I want to explain my situation without sounding whiny. Here are some things that happened and that I may or may not include in the essay:

- Mom went from normal to herion addict/prostitute in a span of a month
- Often watched over her while she shot up to make sure she didnt overdose and die
- I often had to force (by threatening to call 911) out random men from our house, as they would try to harass me and my sisters
- She was gone for weeks at a time, not coming back even to supply food or toiletries
- I, the oldest (13 years old) of four, one of which being severely autistic, had to then care for my younger siblings for five-six months
- Had to ration ketchup packets and biscuits that I stole from school
- When father came back into the picture he became an abusive alcoholic, and I would take the blame for my sisters resulting in me being the most hated and the most beat
- Protected sisters from my 400lb brother who mimicked our dad
- Developed severe anxiety and was unabl to leave my room, I would only go to the bathroom once everyone was asleep and would be panicking the whole time
- Dropped out of school for about a year total, last half of freshman and sophmore year. Also last quarter of junior year due to anxiety

And yeah, that's the most of it.

How the fuck do I not come across as someone who's like "woe is me cry for me pls"

Would spinning it into a "it built me up to who I am today and I'm stronger because of it" work?

I've been stressing about it so much

My GPA is less than one I have to say something. My SAT score is well above average so I can prove I'm smart enough to get into university.

TLDR: How do I not sound whiny when explaining the circumstances behind my 0.8 GPA and my extremely high SAT score
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Did I not read that correctly or did you say your GPA is under 1.0?
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MabusIncarnate posted...

Did I not read that correctly or did you say your GPA is under 1.0?

That's correct :/
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Shut up hi_polymer/Brutal/whoever
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idk do they still make you write essays to apply for college? if so write about your experience, and how it has prepared you for success in college, even tho on paper you might have been "successful" in school

Did they let you graduate with that? I feel like if you were able to graduate it shouldn't be a major issue. As long as you aren't going to a prestigious university.
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I would look into community college first and go from there, idk what you can do with that GPA as most require a minimum that is much higher.
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RebelElite791 posted...

Shut up hi_polymer/Brutal/whoever

I actually lol'd

TheDarkCircle posted...

idk do they still make you write essays to apply for college? if so write about your experience, and how it has prepared you for success in college, even tho on paper you might have been "successful" in school

Yes. There's also an optional section where you can explain your circumstances so I plan on putting this there.

How many paragraghs should I limit it to?
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Harpie posted...

Would spinning it into a "it built me up to who I am today and I'm stronger because of it" work?

yes
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KainWind posted...

Did they let you graduate with that? I feel like if you were able to graduate it shouldn't be a major issue. As long as you aren't going to a prestigious university.

Yeah they will. I just have to take after school classes and such.

The thing is though I want to go to a prestigious university. My SAT score is good enough to attend, but does my GPA and poor attendance make it impossible?

MabusIncarnate posted...

I would look into community college first and go from there, idk what you can do with that GPA as most require a minimum that is much higher.

Like I just said above, I want more than a CC
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Harpie posted...

TheDarkCircle posted...

idk do they still make you write essays to apply for college? if so write about your experience, and how it has prepared you for success in college, even tho on paper you might have been "successful" in school

Yes. There's also an optional section where you can explain your circumstances so I plan on putting this there.

How many paragraghs should I limit it to?

idk, just write it out and see how many it takes you. If it feels too long, then go back and cut some of it out. Probably best not to give a play by play, but give a general overview to explain , but mostly focus on underscoring how it has made you a "better" person

Kaname_Madoka posted...

Harpie posted...

Would spinning it into a "it built me up to who I am today and I'm stronger because of it" work?

yes

That's reassuring, but you're also 15

I will do this though
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I'd apply to a community college first then transfer into the university you want >_>
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Harpie posted...

MabusIncarnate posted...

I would look into community college first and go from there, idk what you can do with that GPA as most require a minimum that is much higher.

Like I just said above, I want more than a CC

so in other words, you just want to attend a prestigious university so you could get the chance to meet a smart/rich guy to date
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JMP09 posted...

I'd apply to a community college first then transfer into the university you want >_>

this.

TheDarkCircle posted...

idk, just write it out and see how many it takes you. If it feels too long, then go back and cut some of it out. Probably best not to give a play by play, but give a general overview to explain , but mostly focus on underscoring how it has made you a "better" person

Okay, thank you. I needed someone to say this because I'm overthinking it. Maybe I'll post a rough draft here for a general consensus

JMP09 posted...

I'd apply to a community college first then transfer into the university you want >_>

Hmm. Maybe. Would one year of good grades be enough to transfer to a semi elite school though?

BlackHorse6969 posted...

so in other words, you just want to attend a prestigious university so you could get the chance to meet a smart/rich guy to date

lol
Why do only guys get to be smart
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what major do you want to study?
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BlackHorse6969 posted...

what major do you want to study?

Computer science, software engineering, etc
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One of your younger brothers is 400lbs?
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emblem boy posted...

One of your younger brothers is 400lbs?

Yes, my only brother. He is severely obese
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I'm going to agree with community college option. Your GPA is going to kill you, especially if this university is as prestigious as you say, because of the competition. I would look for community colleges that have a partnership with the school you're looking to attend. Use the two years at the community college to show your academic ability and finish your general ed courses for a lot cheaper than you would at the four-year university, then apply to transfer with a stronger case.

Harpie posted...

Would one year of good grades be enough to transfer to a semi elite school though?

Do the two years at CC and make sure your credits will transfer over.
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RebelElite791 posted...

Shut up hi_polymer/Brutal/whoever

harpie has no alts.... 100% real user.
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Just list that, and tell them you don't want to discuss about your issues with them.

also, holy shit harpie. You had to deal with some serious shit.
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Harpie posted...

BlackHorse6969 posted...

what major do you want to study?

Computer science, software engineering, etc

Do you like to code? Have you tried it?

EzeMode posted...

JMP09 posted...

I'd apply to a community college first then transfer into the university you want >_>

this.

Pretty much what I was saying also. It's fine that you want better, but your GPA says otherwise, and therefore you are going to have to start low, commit, and work your way up.
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RebelElite791 posted...

Shut up hi_polymer/Brutal/whoever

I mean she did post pics. And I'd like to think that polymer would let me know first but the last I heard from him was like a year ago when he said he was going to some remote island to find himself or some shit
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you're 13 and applying to colleges?
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BillyKidd posted...

you're 13 and applying to colleges?

always have to start early. to get accepted when 17-18.
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College admissions generally allow for you to explain any extenuating circumstances through essay format. If your SAT scores are good enough, I can imagine them overlooking your GPA and reading your essay.

You can also try going to a community college first and then transferring to your university of choice after you get an associate's degree. That way they wouldn't give a shit about your highschool GPA and you'd pay less money overall. Just be sure to keep in mind the degree requirements needed for the other school as well, as it's very easy to take classes that aren't necessary.

Edit: Also, some top tier community colleges have guaranteed admissions for specific universities with the appropriate degree/major. See if there are any that matches your choice.