Is it wise or unwise to explain a bad grade?

[Anonymous]

Kid earned a C in a key subject one semester. The following semester, they met with the new teacher frequently to get extra help and earned an A. The final grade was a B or B-.

When kid received a C, other high-performing students (probably also top 10% of class) were also struggling and received lower than normal grades. The teacher had been good and supportive the previous year but turned into an unhelpful teacher. It’s like she became a different person and told the honors class they could not do retakes or any extra credit because they were in honors. She let the regular class do test retakes to learn from mistakes and earn extra credit.

Eventually, the teacher was likely fired and the new teacher arrived. New teacher was really helpful.

Basically the story is: had bad grade, sought help and practiced, earned A second semester, teacher and GC delighted. Math teacher is writing a recommendation letter.

Is it wise to share a narrative about the grade and show what was done to learn and improve? It was a hard but good lesson! Kid saw there was a space to do on the Common App.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes but your teacher blaming may turn people off. I think the improvement in grade is explanation in itself.

And FYI if retakes and extra credit are not common in college so your kid needs to get used to it.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t mention how the class didn’t allow retakes or extra credit and anything about the teacher. It comes off as negative, not as an explanation.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't explain it to excuse a B. But, the story of persistence in working through the challenge could be a good essay topic, either for the main essay or for a supplement that asks for something like that.

The student could also discuss the issue with their GC. If a bad teacher really was a factor, the GC would be the right person to address it (in their recommendation letter) along with how they saw the student working to do their best with a challenging situation..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the improvement in grade is explanation in itself.

Agree

[Anonymous]

Depends upon the explanation. In the case noted by the OP, complaining about deprivation of retake and extra credit opportunities might raise doubts about all grades from that school.

[Anonymous]

Oh, yeah, kid would not mention the teacher situation at all. I only mentioned to provide background here.

[Anonymous]

Stop micromanaging.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depends upon the explanation. In the case noted by the OP, complaining about deprivation of retake and extra credit opportunities might raise doubts about all grades from that school.

Omg. Kid would not complain about that in the explanation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stop micromanaging.

Right. I'm sure you never asked a question about the application process. LOL

[Anonymous]

I would make it one of the essay/short answer responses. I would NOT make it about the "bad" teacher. Rather, I'd make it about perseverance and learning from one's mistakes, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Depends upon the explanation. In the case noted by the OP, complaining about deprivation of retake and extra credit opportunities might raise doubts about all grades from that school.

Omg. Kid would not complain about that in the explanation.

From OP's explanation, she may not think it's so obvious. I agree I would not mention anything about extra credit, retakes, or teacher blame.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't explain it to excuse a B. But, the story of persistence in working through the challenge could be a good essay topic, either for the main essay or for a supplement that asks for something like that.

The student could also discuss the issue with their GC. If a bad teacher really was a factor, the GC would be the right person to address it (in their recommendation letter) along with how they saw the student working to do their best with a challenging situation..

Thank you. The new math teacher is delighted with the student, and the GC suggested kid get a rec letter from that teacher. That is happening.

Okay, I'll suggest kid let the LORs do the work here.

Thanks!

OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop micromanaging.

Right. I'm sure you never asked a question about the application process. LOL

Some questions are more valid than others. LOL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Depends upon the explanation. In the case noted by the OP, complaining about deprivation of retake and extra credit opportunities might raise doubts about all grades from that school.

Omg. Kid would not complain about that in the explanation.

From OP's explanation, she may not think it's so obvious. I agree I would not mention anything about extra credit, retakes, or teacher blame.

Thank you for your help!

Kid will not blame anyone. Never did I say kid would do that.

I have my answer and appreciate your time.


OP