How Should I Say This??

<p>Earlier this year I applied to transfer to Wesleyan University. Currently, I’m at another liberal arts college, where I am unhappy for a variety of reasons - not enough EC opportunities, a competitive student body, etc. - but mostly because there is a LOT of work. I went to a boarding school where there was a lot of work, so it’s not that I want to loaf around, it’s just that I want to go somewhere where everyone feels comfortable being in a play, and volunteering, and something else fun, as well as taking/doing well in their courses. </p>

<p>At any rate, I was put on the waiting list. It’s the only school I applied to transfer to because it’s the only one I wanted to go to. I sent in two extra recommendations, had the head of my local alumni association write me a rec, and the headmaster of my high school (a Wes alum) called as well (I didn’t ask him to, but he was the one who turned me on to Wes, and is as adamant as I that I go there). I sent in a creative writing sample as well.</p>

<p>I recently got my grades, however, and while I did well in three classes (a history and 2 English courses), I got a C+ in my Geology class. So here’s where I need advice: I was diagnosed with clinical depression about 2 years ago. Mostly, I get along fine, but I do have moments. This past spring, I was consistently so overwhelmed not necessarily by the work, but by the learning environment - the competition, the feeling that I just did not fit in, and the cattiness of the girls (it’s a women’s college). I had frequent anxiety attacks, particularly relating to when I got hit by a car at age 13 (that’s something that has never bothered me until this year. I usually use it as an amusing anecdote). Often, I had to leave a class or, as in the case of Geology, did not go to class because I was physically ill. (I spoke to the prof about this, and she wasn’t very sympathetic, as evidenced by my grade.)</p>

<p>I was planning to write Wes a letter saying, I REALLY want to come here, and this is why, etc etc. just to reinforce my interest. But now I feel like if I don’t say anything about this grade, I will not get in. But I don’t want to just say, “There was too much work,” because as Wes is a “bigger deal” school than mine, they might feel that I’d be unable to succeed there.</p>

<p>Sorry this was so long, but I wanted to give a sense of the whole situation…hopefully someone has had a similar experience and can let me know what they did, or someone is wonderfully diplomatic with words!</p>

<p>What did your GPA turn out to be for the term?</p>

<p>My tendency would be not to get into the depression thing, nor any explanation of the C+. I wouldn’t even bring it up. If your GPA was good/great, then write your letter reinforcing your interest without any mention of this grade at all and mention your nice finishing GPA. The C+ is outside your field of interest, right? One C+ in a gened course is not really an issue to worry about.</p>

<p>I agree with the above poster. On my midterm I reported a B in a community college course (which is probably equivalent to a C+ at a good LAC) and they did not mind it. I think the more important thing is to focus on reinforcing your desire to go there and not give them any reason to doubt your mental stability if you haven’t already mentioned it in your initial app. Good luck.</p>

<p>My cum. GPA is a 3.414.</p>

<p>^^ Mention it in your letter if you think it’s a strong point. Leave it out if you don’t. Then go ahead and write your planned letter. Good luck.</p>