Should you explain bad grades on the College Application?

Common Application and the application for University of California offer an opportunity to explain anything you did not get to in the application or essay(s). It is usually additional information section of the application.

But you should only be explaining your bad grade(s) if you have good reasons such as extended illness/injury, push yourself to take a challenging class(es), helping support family with younger siblings or ill parents, part time job to help family financially, etc. Be brief in your explanation.

Do not use this opportunity to say the teacher is a hard grader, unfair or just bad...they do not want to hear complaining even if you believe it to be true. If you use an essay to explain a poor grade and how you overcame the challenge, it is still good to put a brief statement in the additional information section if it is offered.

Good Luck!