<p>I am applying to my number one choice ED, and because of my grades last year, I am writing a special circumstances portion to submit suplementally to this college through the common app. Basically I had a lot to deal with last year. My father has been terminally ill for the past eight years with Kidney Failure and he survives by dialysis home treatments every day for four hours after work. I have a genetic disease of Polycystic Kidney Disease. My mother is sick as well, and she has suffered from severe clinical depression and anxiety issues almost her entire life. She has been institiutionalized three times since I was born. A few years ago she was institutionalized for twor months. Last year, my father was in the hospital from time to time, and nearly passed away. My stepmother also was hospitalized last year as well with pnemoneia ( i know i spelt that wrong), and she nearly passed away as well. So it has definitely been a tough experience for me, with trying to focus on my school work and not have to worry about the situations outside of school. It was also hard last year, because my mother had constant death threats that she was going to kill my father and stepmother (I know this sounds exaggerated or unrealistic, however I am completley telling the truth). Last year my grades suffered dramatically. I went from getting A's and B's in honors classes, to getting a C in AP World History Last year, and also a "D" in honors chemistry and "D" in British Literature (I had that course for a half a year). So clearly I need to explain myself from last year. Basically everything came to a boil and I was so stressed out that I nearly gave up. Now, however, although my parents are still sick, and I still have things to deal with, I have grown so much from last year. I am taking all honors (No AP's this year do to scheduling conflicts which I am explaining to the colege as wekk), and I have A's, A's and my lowest grade is B+. I am trying to prove that I am capable of suceeding and that I have grown so much from last year. My GPA from 9th to 11th grade is 3.5 out of 5.0 and my class rank is 190 out of 349. (This is an AWFUL rank, however I go to the 25th best public high school in my state, and 117 kids have over a 4.0, so my grade is full of overachievers). I am also one of the only african american students at my high school. My extra-curricular list throughout high school is very very involved (especially more in 9th and 10th grade, and this year). Do you think that my grades will be looked down upon from last year if I explain my situation to college? My grades have improved DRAMATICALLY since last year. My guidance counselor is also explaining my situation, and so is my teacher who is writing my rec. I am applying to a top 15 school ED.</p>
<p>I also want to point out that everyone who has read my personal statement including my current english teacher has said it was fantastic.</p>
<p>I think you have a good chance given your difficulties. And I think you don’t need to emphasize too much on how your family and you deal with sickness, as they will see that in your recommendations. What about your scores? If they are in the range, you will be fine. Yes, explain your situation, but not too much (or it seems like you are finding excuses)</p>
<p>Best luck! You are very strong.</p>
<p>My test scores were not that great the first time. I got a 1720 in May. I retook them in oct, and I assume I did much better, but I have yet to recieve the scores yet, but will soon. How long do you think my special circumstances section should be? I am planning on a page and a half double spaced. maybe less</p>
<p>I think you need at least 1900 SAT, hopefully. Are you applying to Brown (just guess)? The length depends, but don’t simply list their illness and how difficult it is…don’t sound too negative and sad, because you don’t want sympathy, but understanding and appreciation. talk about how you deal with it and how you are mature now :)</p>
<p>Oh, I’m sure my SAT will be a 1900 or above. I am not applying to Brown, I am applying to Northwestern Early Decision. I am focusing (in my special circumstances part), about how much I have grown from last year, and also how I’ve been proud of my ability to succeed (except of course from last year), in light of a challenging situation. I am not going to make it whiny or complaining, just a heads up and explanation for last year, and how much I have improved and my determinaton to succeed.</p>
<p>That’s good, and best Luck !</p>
<p>Thank you so much! :)</p>
<p>I suffered from some serious anxiety in my junior year, which caused my grades to shoot down. I’ll be writing down how I have improved in my senior year and gap year. Hopefully this will be enough to make up for my grades.</p>
<p>bump 10char</p>