Illness and grade drop--explanation in UC essays?

Parents Forum
1

<p>I had an illness and since We didn’t find the possible cuase for a long time, I wasn’t able to manage it and so My grades went from A’s to b’s and C+'s. Is there any way I could explain in my UC essay? I talked about how if I could learn from that one year of misery, and if the things I learned could benefit all my other years, college, life, then it was worth it. </p>

<p>I’m really unsure about how to go about explaining this. I don’t want to sound like a bunch of excuses. </p>

<p>Are there any tips for writing this essay (short, open-ended 200 words) anyone can give me (who has gone through a similar situation?)</p>

<p>Thanks so much in advance.</p>

2

<p>You should most definitely explain your grade drop in the section which allows to tell them anything else. Do it very matter of factly–no need to be clever or poetic here. Explain the facts. Don’t worry about whether it sounds like an excuse or not—if you were truly sick and it took its tool on you academically, you should share it. This has been stated at all the UC conferences I have attended and is what I always advise my students.</p>

3

<p>I second mythreedd - there’s a section on the UC app where you can explain anything that might have affected your academics.</p>