<p>Deffered from the college
This semester I got sick, I had mono and epstein barr virus and apparently hyperthyroiditis.
My grades dropped and I’m going to get a b for midterm ap physics.
Do I mention my illness in the letter I write about how I’m still interested in penn or should I have my guidance counselor do it?</p>
<p>Also I was wondering if I have a chance, or what I should do if I can do anything.
9th in class
nationally ranked fencer for four years- Being recruited for fencing
double legacy (I had an on campus interview)
31 ACT’s - 1390 sat’s (710, 680)
I’ve never gotten a b and I don’t know whether I should tell them about the illness stuff, or if that’ll seem like I’m trying to make excuses.</p>
<p>Any tips on how to write the letter, is it okay to show how desperate I am to go there? Is there any standard length to these letters?</p>
<p>no, you should tell them or get your counselor to tell them. it should make a huge difference when they are reviewing your app. i think asking your counselor should be better. good luck!</p>
<p>Some things are in your control, some things aren't. Since you are 'in the mix' of applicants-- I suspect that Penn is waiting to see who else from your class applies who has better stats and such than you. This was what my son's GC was told when he was deferred ED as well... The note from the school had said he had about a 12% chance of getting in RD...and he did ultimately.</p>
<p>As to the illness, the grade and the letter-- sure, what do you have to lose by sending the letter and talking about how the challenge of being ill this semester was (maybe lets say for example) the first time you had ever confronted something like this, that you learned a lot about yourself and how hard you can work in the fact of challenge when you really want something....like going to Penn. I am putting words in your mouth, but this is the tone of letter that I would think would be meaningful.</p>
<p>Let them put 2+2 together regarding the grade. Unless you are planning to major in Physics or Engineering it might be a non issue anyways. </p>
<p>As to the length, use this as a chance to be to the point and succinct. Show them what a good writer you are and keep it shorter than a page....no one has the time for something longer- my guess.</p>