<p>Hi All,</p>
<p>Just a quick question regarding mitigating circumstances and college admissions. </p>
<p>Beginning the second semester of my sophomore year, my grades began falling to a point that I've never experienced before (A's & B's --> B's & C's), but I assumed that it was because I just wasn't trying hard enough in school. During the summer after my sophomore year, I attended a summer research program at UCI's School of Medicine, and found myself experiencing uncommon occurrences--my hand began shaking, heart pounded, I was constantly lethargic, etc. I struggled through the program (as I was always tired or on the brink of falling asleep), but managed to get through the two months.</p>
<p>Junior year came and I found myself getting poor marks even during the beginning of the year (similar to my sophomore year performance). As the year went by, I worked even harder, but my symptoms got worse and worse and my GPA plummeted. I finally consulted a doctor after festering all my discomforts and was promptly diagnosed with Graves disease and severe hyperthyroidism.</p>
<p>This disease has really afflicted my personal life and academics and I just want colleges to know that. I know that I can explain my story but how much of an effect does it actually have on the admissions process?</p>
<p>Thanks for reading and the potential help!
Aaron</p>