Hello all, a month ago my younger brother was diagnosed with a cancer relapse. Understandably, my grades have been declining since then and it’s been difficult to study for the SAT, subject tests, and AP exams so I wouldn’t be surprised if those scores end up lower than I would’ve liked.
What’s the best way to approach this? I have been told that a counselor should mention this in a letter, but is that all that should be done? Originally when I had thought of my application, cancer was going to be a major focus because of the way my brother’s cancer and the experience of giving bone marrow affected me—from career aspirations to the type of extracurriculars I do to even what awards I’ve received. Is it worth mentioning the relapse in my essay or should I stay focused on what I had planned originally? I don’t want to write a sob story, but cancer is an important piece of who I am and my story, but unfortunately the relapse kind of threw a wrench in my plans (for not just my essays or the college process, but basically everything).
And how understanding are colleges about things like these, especially since it’s such an important time in my high school career? I really do hope that the grade decline and having to back out of some of my summer plans won’t be held against me.
(Also apologies for posting this in numerous places. I’ve just been told that I should ask certain forums for more targeted advice on what I should do.)