University admissions and extenuating circumstances

[user1466449593]

Does anyone know if my suicidal depression can be taken into account by the university my daughter wants to go to if she doesn't get the required grades? I've been hospitalised ten times in the last fourteen months and my daughter has basically been taking care of me, her disabled brother, the house and the dog whilst trying to study. I spoke to her school about it but they said that it didn't count as an extenuating circumstance for her A levels. Should I contact University admissions. I'm much better now but it's come too late for her studies

[OddBoots]

Do you know which university? They will all have their own systems - for example this is Bristol.

[RedHelenB]

I would contact the university BEFORE A level results and explain all of this. Best case scenario is that she will get her required grades regardless, but if not they may be more willing to accept her if she drops her grades.

[boatashore]

Schools are not always the best source of information about universities. You should definitely contact each university where you DD applied.

There is no consistency in how universities respond to extenuating circumstances. Some of the most competitive universities are also some of the most accepting - don't assume that her first and second choices won't consider her until you've spoken with them.

And most universities will take calls from parents asking about extenuating circumstances, so don't feel that you have to push your DD to make the call herself unless she feels up to it.

A growing number of universities recognise that a student who is coping with difficult circumstances may not get the grades; and that maturity, and the ability to keep going under pressure, is probably a greater indicator of success than a string of A*s at this age.

Do you have a doctor who would be willing to write a note explaining what your DD has had to cope with?

I agree with RedHelen, that getting in touch now is better than waiting for the results.

[MarvinKMooney]

I work in uni admissions and boatashore gives very good advice.

Each uni is different so contact them separately. At the very least, your situation will be recorded on file but this MUST be done before the results come out.

A university won't make any promises at this stage, but if your daughter narrowly misses the conditions of her offer and has otherwise impressed the universities she has applied to, then the extenuating circumstances may be taken into account.

If you can, try and back it up with supporting letters from your GP and the school, showing how your illness is likely to have affected her studies over the past few months.

By the way, this may have to come from your daughter, as some universities may refuse to discuss her application with anyone else.

Good luck

[mouldycheesefan]

Reported.

[MarvinKMooney]

Why??

[SouthWestmom]

Why?

[chemenger]

Why has this been reported? The advice given is very good. This type of situation is not all that uncommon, there are many student carers in universities who deserve help and support to fulfil their potential.

[LizzieMacQueen]

Dear OP, I know it's not your question here but have you coping strategies in place for when your daughter leaves home? Who is going to look out for you and your son?

I hope you get the help you need.

Excellent advice above BTW

[whatwouldrondo]

The school should have mentioned the challenges your daughter has faced in their reference, I would check out that they have and what they have said before approaching the unversities. The school is right that it would not count as extenuating circumstances for the A level exams but they should have highlighted it in the UCAS reference because it demonstrates determination that she has persisted with her studies in spite of effectively being a Carer. If they have not then as others have advised they need to provide a supplementary letter, and if they have, perhaps an update / supplementary information.