College Advice (Help needed PLEASE READ ALL!)?

[JJ]

I would take a more positive approach to the college essay. Nobody really cares what your grades were in grade 7, since you won't be submitting them to college. All that really matters is junior and senior years, so focus on discussing how you improved your grades over that time because of your drive and your enthusiasm for learning.
They don't want to hear about your mother crying; they want to hear proof of why you are a mature and responsible individual who is capable of success in college.