Extenuating Circumstances. A-Level Performance and Future Medical School Application

1

Hi. I am currently completing my A-level examinations in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

I am writing to explain the extenuating circumstances that I believe have significantly affected my ability to perform to the best of my ability during this exam season. I understand universities and admissions teams are very thorough in their consideration of such cases, and I wanted to ask whether my circumstances could be recognised as valid mitigating factors.

Shortly before my final exams, my younger sister was diagnosed with Turner Syndrome, a rare chromosomal condition that affects females. It has caused a great deal of emotional and practical strain on my family. Turner Syndrome is associated with a range of serious complications, including infertility, delayed puberty, short stature, and potential issues with heart, kidney, and thyroid function. My sister is now under regular hospital care, which I have had to help manage due to additional pressures at home.

My father has previously suffered a heart attack, which has left my mother and me with greater responsibilities. As the eldest child, I have had to accompany my sister to numerous medical appointments and support my mother emotionally and physically during this difficult time.

Additionally, my family as a whole has been under immense emotional pressure. Several members have been diagnosed with chronic illnesses, including brain tumours, strokes, and repeated heart attacks. Coping with this has taken a significant toll on my mental health, and I have experienced periods of severe depression. At times, this has affected my attendance and ability to engage fully with my studies. I want to note that my college tutors have been made aware of this, and it has been formally logged in the college's safeguarding records.

Despite these challenges, I remain fully committed to my dream of studying Medicine and becoming a doctor. I intend to sit the UCAT this year and apply for Medicine in the 2026 entry cycle. However, I am concerned that due to my current A-level performance, I may not be considered a competitive applicant, even with strong future performance and improvements. I would be very grateful if you could advise whether these circumstances could be considered as part of an extenuating circumstances application, and how they might be assessed in the admissions process.

Thank you for taking the time to read my message. I appreciate your consideration and any guidance you are able to offer.

Kind regards,

Reply 1

TSR Hippocrates

11

Hey there, thanks for posting a question in the Medicine forum. :biggrin:

:biggrin:

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Megathreads
(Please read the first post, before then posting any further questions you have within that thread.)
The "Which Medical School Should I Apply To?" Uberthread
The Ultimate 'Am I Good Enough For Medicine?' Angst Thread
Medicine A-Level subjects queries
Work Experience and Voluntary Work

2024 Applicants :
Official Undergraduate Medicine 2024 Entry
Graduate Entry Medicine 2024 Entry
GAMSAT 2024 / 2025 entry discussions megathread
UCAT 2024 Entry Discussions Megathread
Medicine 2024 entry for resit / retake / gap year applicants
A100 Medicine for International Students 2024 Entry
Medicine Interview Discussion 2024 Entry
2024 entry A100 / A101 Medicine fastest and slowest offer senders
Medical Schools Index 2024 Entry

2025 Applicants :
Official Thread: (Undergraduate) Medicine 2025 entry
Official Thread: Graduate Entry Medicine 2025 Entry
GAMSAT 2025 / 2026 entry discussions megathread
UCAT 2025 Entry Discussions Megathread
Medicine 2025 entry for resit/ retake/ gap year applicants
A100 Medicine for International Students 2025 Entry
Medicine Interview Discussion 2025 Entry
2025 entry A100/ A101 Medicine fastest and slowest offer senders
Medical Schools Index 2025 Entry

Other application years:
Official Thread: (Undergraduate) Medicine 2026 entry
Official Thread: Graduate Entry Medicine 2026 Entry

Useful Articles:
GCSE Requirements for Medicine
Everything you need to know about the BMAT
Work Experience as a Graduate or Mature student
Medicine Personal Statement Advice
Medicine Personal Statement Advice (Graduate Entry)
Interview Frequently Asked Questions
MMI Medicine Interview Tips
What to do after an unsuccessful first application
Funding medicine as a second degree

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Medicine Community Feedback and Suggestions

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