Hi I'm a 4th year MSci student about to start applying for PhDs. At the beginning of 3rd year (c. Oct 2022), I was diagnosed with a learning disability which I believe severely affected my performance in previous years.
I spent a lot of 3rd year trying to find a learning/revision strategy that worked best for me and ended the year with a 2.1 (~67%) which is a lot better than I've done previously.
I think I could've done better but I also faced some family tragedies that year (severe/terminal illnesses) which left me devastated and unable to focus at times. I was feeling so low I didn't even bother to apply for any sort of special consideration.
Although I didn't do as well as I wanted to in some of my modules, I have consistently done well in research assignments - especially in 3rd year. The lowest grade I received in a research assignment was 77% so I know that I have the potential to do well in a PhD.
At this point, I've learned quite a lot about which revision strategies work best for me and I think I have the potential to do well this year. I believe that I can finish the year with a high 2.1.
Now my question is: do you guys think there's any point applying to places like Oxbridge for a PhD. I know that I have very strong research skills, I have good references willing to vouch for me and I've had some relevant experience. I think that I have what it takes to do a PhD but unfortunately I don't feel like my grades have been a true reflection of my capabilities.
Has anyone had experience with applying for a PhD with mitigating circumstances?
TLDR; I want to apply for a PhD in Physics at a top UK uni but have had mitigating circumstances that have affected my grades in the past. I think that I could still meet the entry requirements but am wondering if extenuating circumstances may increase my chance of being accepted. I have very strong researching skills, have some relevant experience and should be able to get good references.