Spring grades dilemma...what should I do?

Transfer Students
1

<p>I posted here a little while back describing some crappy circumstances that caused my grades to completely plummet this semester and what I could do to save my GPA. Now I have a new problem. I applied to several private schools to transfer and was accepted into several. I passed everything (barely, and with a few W's). I'm not worried about this because I've been told as long as I pass I should be okay and that my acceptances won't be rescinded. I told the schools about my withdrawals as soon as I withdrew from the classes, so that isn't an issue either. At least, I hope it isn't...someone please correct me if I'm wrong here.</p>

<p>A few weeks ago I got a letter in the mail from USC (my top choice school) asking for my spring grades in order to make a decision. I was going in as an Anthro major with about a 3.4 GPA, so right off the bat I knew my GPA was not as strong as it should have been. But instead of giving them the glittering straight A report card I imagined this semester, I'm going to hand them one filled with C's and W's. If it matters, I got one of the two W's changed to a medical W. I am working on getting the other one either removed or changed to a medical W as well (the classes were taken at different schools).</p>

<p>But since I was depressed (with pretty valid reasons, as well as documentation for being so), would the admissions committee even care? I was planning on sending my grades with an explanation letter, but I'm wondering how this will affect my chances. Is it more like they'll see me as a liability/think I should be able to deal with my issues or would they be more sympathetic? I just want to know what I'm in for. Any advice about how to approach the letter I'm including would also be very appreciated.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for any information/advice!</p>

2

<p>I can’t offer any advice as to how to go about writing the letter, since I’ve never been in a similar situation, but I can say for sure that I would think sending the letter is essential. No school (hopefully) would use your personal problems to mark you as a “liability”. I would definitely let them know your specific circumstances and hope for the best!</p>

3

<p>I would say to definitely write the letter. USC will appreciate the explanation instead of just getting a puzzling transcript.<br>
Best of luck!</p>

4

<p>normally if they were a little lower i wood say just leave it, but since these grades will for sure raise a flag i would say write a letter explaining the circumstances and what your doing to fix it. If you just send it in without any explanation that would look really bad.</p>