<p>OK so here's the deal, I have a 3.4 college GPA but the thing is that I have a serious physical illness/disability. I acquired it my junior year of high school and my grades tanked from a 3.9 to also a 3.4 overall. Obviously I've learned to deal with my problems better but it's still there and still holding me back somewhat.</p>
<p>I feel like the rest of my application is very strong. I can't see how my professor recommendations could be any better. I've written professionally so my essay is pretty good. I spend 10 hours a week working in a lab and soon will publish research on genetic developmental disorders in children. I also spend 10 hours a week leading group therapy and counseling teens in the inner city at a shelter for throwaways. My scores are pretty OK too; I have a 31 ACT.</p>
<p>I explained it all to them in the application but do you think there's any way they might overlook this? Obviously my grades aren't competitive for NU but I think my other credentials are.</p>
<p>If it helps (and I'm not sure if it does), I got into UW last week.</p>