Extenuating circumstances?

<p>I have been reading a lot about how AA is used to judge an applicants eligibility.
Based off of this i have a couple of questions for anyone willing to answer (preferably NYU students):
Does NYU give special considertaion to applicants who have suffered extreme hardship/illness?
If so then the best way to let them know would be through the applicants essay right?</p>

<p>Any advice is appreciated.</p>