Hey, so I do the IB Diploma and my Physics SL Predicted Grade got severely affected because of a serious health issue I had experienced on the day of the Physics exam. My college counsellor said that they would explain this extenuating circumstance in their counsellor’s recommendation so that college’s are aware of the reason behind the dip in my grades.
I just wanted to know if any of you have had any previous experience with explaining bad grades on your application and if it worked out well for you? I’m just nervous that this one grade might affect my college chances severely.
Generally speaking, it is best to let your GC do what he said he will do. Any explanation coming from you might sound like an excuse. Ask the GC exactly what he has said, and if it’s accurate, there is nothing more you need to do. It’s one grade and there is nothing more you can do about it anyway.
I wouldn’t use the additional information section to explain this further. If you had a chronic health condition that affected your high school performance for a length of time, maybe you could put that in the additional info section. But a one off illness that unfortunately affected you on the day of the test won’t make a difference I don’t think.
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Additionally, typically, it is not wise to focus on negatives (such as a low grade or temporary illness) in one’s college application essays.
While one low grade reveals your humanity, it will not derail your future in higher education.
Good that the GC is writing the note.
Just want to make sure that you know you can get accommodations for chronic health issues via a 504 plan, If this was a one-time event, I think you should have been able to postpone or retake.
I don’t live in the U.S. We don’t have a similar provision in my country.
Alright, thanks!
It is a chronic illness, but it just particularly acted up on the day of my Physics exam. I might mention it in a general context in my additional info section after consulting my GC.
I see. Yes, your GC should definitely mention this.
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So in your country, if you are ill during an exam, you are required to continue and try to finish?
The GC definitely needs to write about this. You can write about your chronic illness in a supplementary essay, straightforwardly and concisely.
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