Extenuating Circumstances

Applying to College
1

<p>Almost a year ago exactly, my dad suffered from a heart attack and remained bedridden at the hospital for two weeks. His health is still poor, which resulted in his leaving his job earlier this month. Though this has affected me emotionally (obviously), my grades have remained perfectly fine, and I don't think one could see that anything even occurred from simply looking at my stats.</p>

<p>Hence, I was wondering if I should list this under "extenuating circumstances" on my application and explain that it did affect me emotionally but not academically or if I should just leave it out altogether. Also, an admissions officer told me not to mention anything about a need for financial aid in the "extenuating circumstances" part of the application, so should I just mention everything but leave out the leaving his job part?</p>

<p>Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. :]</p>

2

<p>Sorry to hear that. The college should know since it affects financial aid, so I'm not sure where that should go- with the financial aid paperwork, maybe. </p>

<p>I don't see a problem with putting it under extenuating circumstances (the ill health, I mean). I know two people who wrote about losing a parent, although their grades didn't really suffer. Maintaining high grades when a parent is very ill is extremely admirable, in my opinion.</p>

3

<p>I'd list it. The fact that you maintained your grades in such a stressful situation speaks volumes about you! Plus going through such an experience adds a lot of maturity and perspective to a young person.</p>