<p>Thank you, everyone. I am bracing for rejection and hoping for the best. To answer Shrinkrap’s question, yes the story does explain my gpa and my straight A trend for the last 3 report cards should show them I can compete. Thebep, I agree with you, and no where in my essay do I tell them how to do their job. Although, in the “unusual circumstances” section, I go into greater detail of my unusual circumstance and then I say, “…because of this I encourage you to look at my trend.” I’m going to assume you would suggest I remove that line. Again, I appreciate everyone’s help and I’ll make sure to update come April.</p>