<p>UCI deferred my admission because of (to the best of my knowledge) two failed classes in my junior year. I plan on appealing my admission, but I’d like to validate my “substantially new and compelling information.”</p>
<p>My dermatologist recommended I take Accutane to combat a rapidly progressing case of cystic acne. He put me on a near-maximum dosage to prevent further scarring. In order to save an already terrible complexion, I risked the harmful effects (most of which are listed here: <a href=“http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/isotret_ad.htm)%5B/url%5D”>http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/isotret_ad.htm)</a>.</p>
<p>Basically, I noticed a significant decline in my academic focus after taking Accutane. I probably experienced some of the more serious side effects of the drug. In fact, my doctor pulled me off Accutane a month early.</p>
<p>My SAT was 1980 (670 Math, 650 Reading, 660 Writing). My un-weighted GPA is now a 3.4, and my most notable EC was preparation and participation in the Orange County Academic Decathlon (at which I earned 8 medals).</p>
<p>I think acne medication is too much of a stretch for failing two classes… Lots of people took cystic acne medication (with various side effects) in high school and were able to get into UCB/UCLA, let alone UCI. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>“Lots of people took cystic acne medication…”
Perhaps, but I had a very severe case and Accutane is typically used as a last result. I find it hard to believe that “lots of people” had such a severe case of acne.</p>
<p>However, I figured as much. I’m just surprised that UCI declined my application. I recall reading essays that attribute a slip in performance to a broken arm or extended absences. I guess from my viewpoint, the acne I had carried comparable obstructions to my performance.</p>
<p>It’s unfortunate that I might have to resort to transferring from another school to my dream school :)</p>
<p>(I forgot to mention, the classes I failed were AP Calculus AB and AP Physics. I’m retaking them this year and I’ve been very successful so far.</p>
<p>The fact that you are doing well in those courses now is a big plus. Also, those are tough courses. You have nothing to lose by appealing, do you? Who knows, it may work. If a lot of people unexpectedly decline admission, you may be in.</p>
<p>Actually, Accutane is a serious drug with harmful effects. This isn’t some over-the-counter medication, the acne condition has to be so severe that it is the last resort for the dermatologist to prescribe. Some who take it might not experience the side-effects soon after taking the drug, but years from now. Very harmful indeed but the last resort to cystic, severe, acne.</p>
<p>Can you explain how exactly taking Accutane CAUSED you to fail TWO classes in HS? I’m missing the logical leap here. Thanks. Oh, and you’re gonna have an absolute blast at UCR.</p>
<p>“Accutane has been known to have serious effects. Even suicide.”</p>
<p>Ya know, I don’t think the package insert lists “failing your classes in high school” as one of the adverse drug reactions. Someone please correct me if I’m wrong here.</p>
<p>I think a lot of people are missing the point. Side effects don’t happen to everyone who takes a given drug so an isolated example of someone who took Accutane and didn’t have any problems with it proves nothing. </p>
<p>Nor is UCRiverbed’s argument that it doesn’t list failing high school classes as a side effect really fair. From <a href=“http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/isotret_wcp.htm[/url]”>http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/isotret_wcp.htm</a>, “Accutane may cause depression, psychosis and, rarely, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, suicide, and aggressive and/or violent behaviors.” Anything that can cause psychosis can, potentially, affect schoolwork. Whether it did in the OP’s case, of course, we cannot really tell, but if he has reasonable evidence suggesting that it have some severe side effects on him, I think it should be a very reasonable excuse for a semesterof bad grades.</p>
<p>I think anything is legitimate so long as you make it compelling… show how it emotionally affected you and how you’re moving on, that’s what’s important. Who are we to judge if an acne med caused psychosis in someone?</p>
<p>"I think a lot of people are missing the point. Side effects don’t happen to everyone who takes a given drug so an isolated example of someone who took Accutane and didn’t have any problems with it proves nothing. "</p>
<p>I don’t think anyone is making such a stupid argument, but thanks anyway.</p>
<p>“Nor is UCRiverbed’s argument that it doesn’t list failing high school classes as a side effect really fair. From <a href=“http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/isotret_wcp.htm[/url]”>http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/isotret_wcp.htm</a>, “Accutane may cause depression, psychosis and, rarely, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, suicide, and aggressive and/or violent behaviors.” Anything that can cause psychosis can, potentially, affect schoolwork. Whether it did in the OP’s case, of course, we cannot really tell, but if he has reasonable evidence suggesting that it have some severe side effects on him, I think it should be a very reasonable excuse for a semesterof bad grades.”</p>
<p>You completely missed the boat on my argument, sorry to say. The original poster stated that he took accutane, which has certain side effects, and he failed classes. I pointed out the logical leap that since failing classes wasn’t a side effect, he’d have to explain how the accutane actually caused his failures. i.e. what side effects did he experience that robbed him of the ability to pass his classes. …and I’m still waiting for him to explain…</p>
<p>I was careful not to say I failed “as a result of” or “because of” Accutane. I don’t think I made it clear in my last post, but the reason I’m not appealing is because I really don’t have a reason for failing. I’m typically a strong-willed person, and some side-effects shouldn’t be a reason for failure.</p>
<p>I’d like to defend my personal experience with Accutane, because I feel that people are confused on the issue.</p>
<p>My acne was severe. I had existing self-esteem issues before I took Accutane (you know, the whole acne thing). I opted for Accutane after I realized that I already had significant scarring. If you read extensively about Accutane, you’ll discover that it is known to cause depression. I think my existing depression juxtaposed that caused by Accutane (perhaps I was one of the unlucky ones to endure serious side effects). I have no way to verify this, except by relating accounts from my teachers of my performance. They notice a significant decline in my performance during the months of my Accutane treatment.</p>
<p>This is why I was pulled off the medicine.</p>
<p>To UCRiverbed- I failed AP Calculus and AP Physics, and I was taking a full AP schedule. Perhaps I could only motivate myself enough to pass my other classes.</p>
<p>I hope my side is clear. Again, I don’t want to make this an excuse for my poor performance. I figured that, coupled with proof of success in my senior year, an appeal along these lines would be reasonable.</p>
<p>And I’d like to reinforce that I’m a lot happier now than I was when I had acne. I’m getting treatment for my scarring and I like the results.</p>
<p>My dermatologist recommended Accutane like three times, but I’m still not taking it for the very reason that it may cause depression and hormone imabalance. Definitely tell UCI about it.</p>