Extenuating circumstances

Hello I am in year 12 and want to study medicine but my GCSEs grades aren’t the strongest. I want to apply for extenuating circumstances but I don’t whether my circumstances fit the criteria. I was ill with mrsa and only found out I had it in April. I later on got painful lumps under my armpits during GCSE season which obviously stressed me out on what I had wrong with me. I can prove these to the universities plus I live in an overcrowded house, 2 bed room with 7 people which is difficult to study in. I really need advice on what I should do I don’t want to give up my dream just because of my circumstances it nor do I want it to overshadow my potential as applicant. Thank you to anyone reading this.

(edited 9 months ago)

Reply 1

McGinger

Unis would expect you to resit any vital GCSEs alongside your A levels - ie. those clearly stated as a minimum requirement in the entry requirements such as 'GCSE Maths grade 6' or whatever.

Other than that, yes, they may take personal circumstances into account when considering your overall 'GCSE profile'.
Most Unis will require you to complete a mitigating circumstances form and send this to them at the same time as you submit your UCAS application, or they may accept an emailed letter from your school, so check carefully with each Uni you intend to apply to. Example, Bristol - Extenuating circumstances | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol

Reply 2

LSBU Student Rep

Hi there,

I’m sorry to hear about the challenges you’ve faced. It’s praiseworthy that you’re still pursuing your dream of studying medicine despite these obstacles.

Universities often consider extenuating circumstances that may have affected an applicant’s academic performance. Especially your situation with mrsa and the challenging living conditions should be considered significant extenuating circumstances. So here’s a guide on how you might proceed:

Collect all medical records, doctor’s notes, and any other evidence that can prove your illness and challenging living conditions.

Reach out to the admissions offices of the universities you’re interested in, explain your situation and ask about their process for considering extenuating circumstances.

Certain universities provide forms for applicants to describe their extenuating circumstances, so make sure to complete these forms with as much detail as possible.

Remember that some of these forms have submission deadlines.

Obtain letters or supporting documents from your teachers or counselors to explain how your circumstances have impacted your studies.

However, be mindful that submitting an extenuating circumstances form does not guarantee admission. Nevertheless, it still allows universities to consider your potential beyond just your grades. Lastly, remember to focus on your upcoming exams, assessments and resits, as strong performance there can further support your application.

I hope I managed to help!

Best of luck,
Melanie
LSBU Rep

Reply 3

melirose299

Original post by LSBU Student Rep

Hi there,
I’m sorry to hear about the challenges you’ve faced. It’s praiseworthy that you’re still pursuing your dream of studying medicine despite these obstacles.
Universities often consider extenuating circumstances that may have affected an applicant’s academic performance. Especially your situation with mrsa and the challenging living conditions should be considered significant extenuating circumstances. So here’s a guide on how you might proceed:

Collect all medical records, doctor’s notes, and any other evidence that can prove your illness and challenging living conditions.

Reach out to the admissions offices of the universities you’re interested in, explain your situation and ask about their process for considering extenuating circumstances.

Certain universities provide forms for applicants to describe their extenuating circumstances, so make sure to complete these forms with as much detail as possible.

Remember that some of these forms have submission deadlines.

Obtain letters or supporting documents from your teachers or counselors to explain how your circumstances have impacted your studies.

However, be mindful that submitting an extenuating circumstances form does not guarantee admission. Nevertheless, it still allows universities to consider your potential beyond just your grades. Lastly, remember to focus on your upcoming exams, assessments and resits, as strong performance there can further support your application.
I hope I managed to help!
Best of luck,
Melanie
LSBU Rep

Thank you so much I appreciate your advice.

Reply 4

melirose299

Original post by McGinger

Unis would expect you to resit any vital GCSEs alongside your A levels - ie. those clearly stated as a minimum requirement in the entry requirements such as 'GCSE Maths grade 6' or whatever.
Other than that, yes, they may take personal circumstances into account when considering your overall 'GCSE profile'.
Most Unis will require you to complete a mitigating circumstances form and send this to them at the same time as you submit your UCAS application, or they may accept an emailed letter from your school, so check carefully with each Uni you intend to apply to. Example, Bristol - Extenuating circumstances | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol