How to Explain Bad Grades on a College Application

Short answer: Briefly and unapologetically.

Longer answer: Use the additional information section to briefly — literally, the fewest number of words possible — explain the extenuating circumstances. No excuses. Matter of fact. “I had a health issue and missed a month of school.”

Fun fact: For the overachieving perfectionists out there, a “B” is not a bad grade nor worth explaining.

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