<p>I just found out that I will almost certainly make a C in biochemistry. I have a good track record of being really hard working (3.88 GPA), but I had an endocrine problem that was undiagnosed and then incorrectly treated at the beginning of the semester, causing severe cognitive problems. I made terrible grades on the first two exams, and won't be able to pull it to a B unless I make a 59/60 (unlikely) on the final. I am applying to a number of relatively competitive neurobiology Ph.D programs and I am worried that this could lead to an offer being revoked. Does anyone know anything about this?? Thanks.</p>
<p>Can’t be rescinded if you haven’t been accepted yet. Write an addendum explaining your situation.</p>
<p>You mean just write a note and email it to the admissions committee? Should I send this only to programs that will ask for an official transcript after acceptance? Should I include documentation from my physician? I also made a mediocre GRE quant score during that same period, but I have a pretty big name advisor and he suggested that I apply around anyway and see what happens. I know my letters/research/awards are strong, but was pretty debilitated at a pretty crucial point in the process, and now I’m really worried with the C. I really appreciate the advice.</p>
<p>An academic addendum due to a medical condition will be more convincing if it includes documentation from your doctor.</p>
<p>Do not write a note. Even in the unlikely case that you’ve already been accepted to programs, one C is very, very unlikely to affect your acceptance.</p>
<p>And just as a general note, you don’t ever have to include a note from your doctor if you are writing about how medical conditions affected your grades. Applications typically work on the honor system as far as that goes. In fact, I would go so far to say as it would look like you didn’t understand professional standards if you did ask for a doctor’s note and sent it in your application. If you must say something about it I would just write a quick note, but honestly I would not say anything. One C is not going to kill you.</p>
<p>at least until you are accepted, and then you can respond if they question your C, but I doubt that they will. For now relax, breathe, calm down and wait.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t say anything either.</p>
<p>If a program wants to have an updated transcript after your first semester, submit that. Otherwise they simply don’t care and it makes no sense to draw attention to a negative aspect of your application. </p>
<p>FWIW, the condition of a graduate offer of admission is usually that you graduate from college before you enroll. Some universities mandate a minimum GPA of 3.0. That’s it. Graduate schools don’t play the game that colleges play with high school applicants where they scrutinize every single grade on your transcript.</p>
<p>For a C? Don’t do a darn thing but coast into that average grade. No one will care. Really.</p>