<p>If you had some sort of extenuating circumstance should you explain that in your essay (my counselor already knows about this and is writing it in her recommendation) but would a personal explanation, in addition to the counselor rec be better? Also, should I submit any medical records that would help validate my situation (although in my case I'm not the patient so I'm not sure if they would release the medical records) or would it already be reflected when I submit my financial aid information? </p>
<p>Do not write about this. Let the GC handle it. Write about you - what you want, what makes you go.</p>
<p>Do not provide anyone’s medical records, TMI. Let your GC handle it. Focus your essays on something else that makes them want you as an interesting addition to their campus.</p>
<p>Mostly agree. Adcoms want to know you are ready for their college, likely to thrive and manage challenges there. The GC can mention the family issues and then woop a little about your successes and relevant great qualities. Adcoms need evidence you are the right candidate for them. The essay is supposed to let those qualities come through. Some kids can write about a family problem and turn it into a show of strengths. You have to be cautious.</p>
<p>I am wondering the exact same thing! :D</p>
<p>I plan on doing what everyone else suggested here (have my counselor write about the “special circumstance”, and possibly have teachers mention it too in their letters of rec.). For my common app essay, I think I will write about something else-- something that shows my character, but is otherwise completely irrelevant to my “special circumstance”, and hope for the best.</p>
<p>I think in your essay you should leave out your special circumstances and let your GC talk about that. Instead tlak about something that makes you unique, maybe mention a passion you have and how you can bring that passion to their community and take part in their community with that passion. As an example, for my first choice school I did a lot of research before I applied and knew a lot about their clubs and programs, so in my essay I mentioned what clubs and programs I would take part in, and now I’m a very happy 4th year student at my first choice university and I’ve done everything I said I would in my essay and more. So I would suggest trying to do something like that. Good luck!</p>
<p>My CA essay is about external circumstances, but my GC is explaining other things about me in her recommendation. Either write about it in your essay and tell your GC not to worry, or have him/her mention it and not write your essay on it.</p>
<p>@lang92 @lookingforward @intparent @ErinsDad @lbad96 Thanks everyone! I will do as suggested. One last question, when you apply for financial aid, should I submit the external circumstances information to them again or will they automatically make the connection between the student’s application? Sorry if this is confusing because someone told me that when you apply for aid, they look at the previous year’s income so I think for class of 2019 they would look Jan-Dec 2013 right? However, my “circumstances” cover a timeline from the year of 2013 to June 2014 so I’m afraid they will only designate the amount of aid according to 2013 and not 2014. </p>
<p>I would mention it again. There are separate offices for financial aid and admissions.</p>
<p>On the CSS Profile, there is space for some explanation. Otherwise, sure, get them the info you think they need to see- not too much, not too little, just right. </p>