<p>Hello!
Over the last 6-7 months, I've been undergoing treatment for an illness that has made it very hard to function. I've had constant fevers, migraines, fatigue, nausea, etc that had an effect on both my 4th quarter grades and my SAT scores (example: I got in the high 700's in Critical Reading on my first SAT before the medication, and in the high 500's after I started treatment). I still did very well academically, but my scores and grades were definitely impacted and I was putting in twice as much effort.
I have a doctor's note explaining the situation that I was thinking of including in the "other" section of the CommonApp along with my doctor's contact information. In my guidance counselor's recommendation letter, he said he included that I was "resilient through illness," and I think having a doctor's elaboration would be helpful. That being said, I don't want to sound like I'm making excuses. Still, I don't want schools to think that my grades dropped slightly for no reason.
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you, and have a great night :)</p>
<p>I think that’s a good idea. I mean, if it was just you on your own saying you had this problem, that would look like excuses. But if you have both your doctor AND your guidance counselor write something about the illness, it probably looks really legit.</p>
<p>I think a doctor’s note would add a great amount of credibility to your claims. I can’t imagine that sending one would hurt you. It can only help you.</p>
<p>you could, but don’t make it sound like an excuse.</p>
<p>Wow, I don’t know that I would do that… instead I would show the note to your Guidance Counselor and ask if they can reference it in their recommendation.</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback everyone, I really appreciate it! I’m very conflicted…I have to decide by tomorrow.</p>
<p>I agree with intparent:</p>
<p>Show the note to your GC and ask him or her to explain your situation in the GC recommendation.</p>
<p>It is not appropriate to ask the admissions officers to read your personal medical history. Thats the GCs job - to understand any special circumstances and explain those circumstances to the colleges.</p>
<p>Its not a question of making your claim of illness sound legitimate. You just need someone to explain how your illness impacted your performance - and thats what the GC should do. He or she should be more than willing to help.</p>
<p>Wouldn’t my doctor give a better description than my GC though? My GC did mention it in their letter, but didn’t go into details. I figured a short paragraph from my doctor elaborating on it might make things more clear. I do see what you’re saying, though.</p>
<p>Medical information is private. It’s appropriate to share it with your GC. It is not appropriate to share it with a stranger . . . particularly one who didn’t ask for that info.</p>
<p>I understand that your GC mentioned your situation briefly in his/her letter, and in a very positive way. But it would be helpful if he or she either (a) adds a short paragraph explaining the extent of the problem and the impact on your performance for the past 6 months or (b) sends a short follow-up email to all your schools explaining the situation.</p>
<p>Do not send medical records (including a “note” from your doctor) to someone who didn’t ask for them. It’s just TMI (too much info).</p>
<p>In the unlikely event that your GC isn’t willing or able to do this, or you’re unable to reach him or her before you hit the “submit” button, put a short note in the “additional info” section stating that medical treatment you’ve been undergoing for the last 6-7 months has impacted both your 4th quarter grades and your SAT scores, but you are optimistic that you will soon be back to your old self. (I’m guessing here, and hoping this is, in fact, the case.) One sentence is plenty. Then add, “If you need any further information, please ask.” At that point, if they need anything further, they’ll ask. :)</p>
<p>Best of luck to you!!!</p>
<p>Thank you for your help! :)</p>
<p>It is all about how you frame anything in your app to make your app unique. If you do add it, you have the right idea already: Do not make it sound like an excuse. There are ways to frame the situation to bring out the positives of how you respond to the illness.</p>
<p>Here’s the problem with highlighting the medical problems: the admissions officer is going to be asking themselves if you are better now, and if you can handle college-level work.</p>
<p>Our kids both had/have chronic conditions which caused them to miss lots of school, ECs and lowered their grades. The GC mentioned it briefly in the letter of rec and each kid wrote a bit about overcoming adversity but did NOT include any MD notes. After admission, we spoke with disability offices at all schools about accommodations each was willing and able to offer and chose U accordingly. </p>
<p>TMI, especially when it’s medical and may cause the U to legitimately wonder if these issues will continue and may worsen in college is important to keep in mind. The GC should be experienced in striking the right balance. If you plan to write about overcoming adversity, you may wish to have GC look essay over before you submit as well. Our S did and D had her friends look it over.</p>