<p>I’m thinking about appealing to some UC Decisions. But basically, I’m wondering if it’s worth it. I was clinically diagnosed with depression, and my grades fell Junior Year.</p>
<p>Anyways, what I’m really asking is if UC’s take much consideration of appeals based on depression? I do know depression is a common illness, so I am unsure as to my chances if I do appeal on this basis. I feel as if many others have better transcript scores and such, and have the same story. Is it worth appealing if I explain my depression, or would I need more than just that? (by more, I mean other information as well… True, of course)</p>
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<p>Well, here’s what UC Berkeley says about appeals:
“Can I appeal my admission decision?
We strongly discourage letters of appeal unless you can provide significant new information for us to consider. Our freshman selection process involves a careful, individual reading of each application and it is very unlikely that we will choose to reverse our original decision. If you do have significant new information to present and decide to appeal our admissions decision, please submit your request in writing, postmarked by April 13, 2012. Include your UC application ID number in your letter and submit it with all accompanying materials (i.e. seventh semester grades or a letter of recommendation) in a single envelope. We do not accept appeals by telephone, fax or email. Log onto myBerkeleyApplication for your appeal decision. Decisions on appeals may not be issued until after May 1. Advise us of any change in your email address in case we need to contact you during the appeal process. Even if you choose to appeal, we recommend that you do not delay accepting an admission offer from another college or university.”</p>
<p>The critical point will be to show that it is SIGNIFICANT NEW information, ideally information that was not available when you applied and that has since been discovered. It may, however, be hard to make the case retroactively because presumably you were aware of your clinical depression and its impact on junior grades when you applied. Could your counselor or principal send a letter on your behalf? And you’d have to include a letter from your physician or whoever diagnosed you. What were your grades like before and after?</p>
<p>No, it will not be worth the time. The UCs will not repeal for much, and I can’t see them doing it for depression. If you had something like a family member dying, etc., you may have a shot, but the schools are going to see your use of depression as an excuse, not a legitimate issue that degraded your academics. I’m not saying your story is false; I’m just saying they won’t repeal your rejection for it. All sorts of students have depression and do great in school. Sorry about the rejections. Focus on what’s going on at a school that you can attend instead of worrying about an appeal.</p>
<p>I’m trying to go for UCI, though I haven’t heard back yet. My grandmother also died around that time as well… Though I do understand what you mean when the UC’s might see it as an excuse. Thanks for the help! :)</p>
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<p>I didn’t know I was depressed (or rather, I refused to admit I was) for a very long time. It was only after I looked at my Junior grades that I sought for help… But again, I do understand how the odds are against me for an appeal.</p>
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