Grades Affected Due to Health

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
1

<p>Hello, all! I'm new to College Confidential, and I'm concerned about my grades.</p>

<p>Before my junior year, I had a 3.8 UW GPA. Junior year, I got sick, and my GPA suffered. I had to drop my schedule from seven classes to three classes, as well. </p>

<p>The first quarter, I was absent quite a bit, so my grades were as follows:
AP English- Medical
GT Physics- Medical
AP US History- B</p>

<p>The second quarter, I was trying to get transferred to Home and Hospital, but my doctor and the administration took the entire quarter going back and forth with paperwork, so I had no grades.</p>

<p>The third quarter, I was officially in Home and Hospital, still sick, but able to not miss school because I was able to attend school at home over the phone and on the computer. My grades went back to normal.
AP English-A
GT Physics-A
AP US History-A</p>

<p>I was unable to take the AP exams because of my illness.</p>

<p>Fourth quarter and final exam grades were also A's.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, because of my first and second quarter grades, my final grades are:
AP English: B
GT Physics: C
AP US History: B</p>

<p>Being out-of-state, I don't think I have a chance at UVA anymore. I know there's more than just grades, but this was a big drop. I only took three classes, and this was the first time I didn't get all A's and one B on a report card. This is also the first time I got a C on a report card.</p>

<p>Is there anyway to explain my situation on my application? My friends all say to write my essay on my illness, but I don't want to do that. My essay is supposed to tell about me, and this doesn't define me. I don't want to spend my essay explaining my grades when I could spend it really portraying my passions in life. They tell me I could portray it as overcoming obstacles, but I really don't want to do that. Is there any other way?</p>

<p>Thanks to anyone who read that! Thanks in advance for your responses!!!! :)</p>

2

<p>I think it is best your guidance counselor includes this information in your recommendation.</p>

<p>Best Wishes and Good Luck</p>

3

<p>

I would agree with this and applaud you for wanting to use your essay portion to focus on something positive! That’s not to say every essay has to be a happy story, but your personal instinct is to focus on your passion. I would go with your gut. Your GC should including information pertaining to your illness and the steps taken in home schooling and change in classes in their report. There will also be a place on the Common App for you to add any additional information:</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>You can write a short statement and include it here. Your essay should focus on you and what you can offer the university community.</p>

<p>Good Luck!!</p>

4

<p>Please follow the advice above. Do not use the application essays for this topic. Do two things…
~Have your guidance counselor explain this on his/her narrative report.
~Use the “Additional Information” section on the application to explain this special circumstance. You can make this into a longer statement or extra essay (attachment) that is explanatory in nature.</p>

<p>Use your essays to show about you like any other applicant should do.</p>