I’m a sophomore finance major. I’m applying for transfers and UPenn is on my prospective list of transfer schools of where I would like to apply. I thought I would have no problem applying, as I met the curricular and credit requirements. However, I failed to read all of the eligibility guidelines. There, it is mentioned that “students’ records must be free of failing, conditional, and incomplete grades.” So, in the first semester of my freshman year, I failed Calculus I. This was mostly due to living undiagnosed with ADHD. Now knowing what the symptoms are, I had been living with it for years and it disallowed me from being able to concentrate. Also, I had a large issue with hyperactivity. I was advised to get tested after the semester ended and was diagnosed, but it was only after receiving the F. The course was retaken the next semester and I received an A. The college I go to replaces the failed GPA with the one of latest attempt, but the F still stands on the transcript. Does this eligibility requirement apply to me if I have retaken the course, or even in general? If so, would I be excused if the course failure was due to a medical issue?
P.S. Although I am not at all likely to get accepted, I have been able to maintain a GPA of 3.81.
I am looking at many other schools, too. Penn is just the most selective, so I don’t expect to get in. What do you mean to say in your last sentence, btw
@EnactB The BEST place to ask this question is to UPenn Admissions. There may be exceptions to written policy, particularly with documented evidence, but those exceptions won’t be listed with the published guidelines. Unless someone here works for UPenn Admissions or has been through the exact same situation, we’d only be guessing.
Thanks for the help, everyone. I’ve since emailed the admissions office to get a definitive answer. My dream is to go to Penn, even though I’d probably get struck by lighting first. I’d at least be happy by applying.
You should be able to apply but your odds of getting in a very slim. Try to find some realistic matches. Why are you not happy at current school if you are doing well?
So, I just got a responce from the admissions office and it reads: “You are correct that this language is unclear, and we will be updating the website to clarify our policies. You are absolutely able to apply with a failing grade on your transcript. However, if you are looking to get credit for that course, you would need to retake it and receive a C or higher in order for it to be eligible for transfer credit. If you want to share the circumstances around this grade, you are welcome to do so in the additional information section of the application.”
If anyone else is in the same situation, there you go.