Academic Results

[TheGeek12]

Hello everyone,
I am sure that this is an oft discussed topic but I just wanted to get a specific answer. From 2019-2024, I was dealing with complicated health issues resulting in only predicted A-Levels (A*s and As) and a barely gotten 2:1. I have one condoned fail module and the rest of the results range from 2:2 to high 2:1 - so not great.

I did my PGDL and got a distinction overall and in almost all modules.

Now, with my applications I am just adding mitigating circumstances - although not in too graphic detail and hoping for the best. For Weil, however, they look at academics to see if you are even suitable - any point in applying.

And also how much detail is should I go into for mitigating circumstances. I hate to make it seem like I am whining but also till this day I am dealing with medications, wait lists etc. and doctors still don't know exactly what was wrong so I just say 'chronic illness' and 'hospital stays'.

Any help/advice would be much appreciated! Thank you.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello everyone,
I am sure that this is an oft discussed topic but I just wanted to get a specific answer. From 2019-2024, I was dealing with complicated health issues resulting in only predicted A-Levels (A*s and As) and a barely gotten 2:1. I have one condoned fail module and the rest of the results range from 2:2 to high 2:1 - so not great.

I did my PGDL and got a distinction overall and in almost all modules.

Now, with my applications I am just adding mitigating circumstances - although not in too graphic detail and hoping for the best. For Weil, however, they look at academics to see if you are even suitable - any point in applying.

And also how much detail is should I go into for mitigating circumstances. I hate to make it seem like I am whining but also till this day I am dealing with medications, wait lists etc. and doctors still don't know exactly what was wrong so I just say 'chronic illness' and 'hospital stays'.

Any help/advice would be much appreciated! Thank you.

Hi!

I can completely understand why you're feeling unsure, but it sounds like you've handled an incredibly difficult few years with a huge amount of resilience.

First, on whether it's "worth applying": yes! Many firms, including Weil, genuinely do take mitigating circumstances into account, especially when they're long-term, medically documented, and clearly impacted your academic trajectory. Your PGDL distinction is strong evidence of your ability when your circumstances are more stable, and firms do look at that and will absolutely take it into account! Ultimately, you miss the chances you don't take, and I imagine that if you explain your mitigating circumstances, most firms won't hold any lower grades against you.

In terms of how much detail to give - I'd keep it concise, factual, and focused on showing the impact it had on that period of your life / studies. You don't need to go into graphic medical detail at all, as firm's won't expect you to share that much personal information. The important part is that you provide enough context and explain how it affected your studies (e.g. disrupted attendance, reduced capacity, long periods of ill-health). The firm just wants to be able to see that it is an isolated period due to a genuine reason which, since you have gone on to achieve really strong grades, is clearly the case for you.

If you're still dealing with symptoms or treatment now, it's okay to mention that too! I can imagine it would be reassuring so that they know, and that you can demonstrate what you have managed to achieve despite it.

Most importantly, you are not "whining" by explaining objectively relevant mitigating circumstances. Firms put these sections in their applications for a reason - they want to understand the context so that grades can be interpreted fairly.

Wishing you the best of luck with your applications - your persistence already says a lot about the kind of trainee you'd be!

 

[Sian]

Hello!

First, well done on completing your PGDL with distinction. That’s an incredible achievement and really shows your resilience and capability. Don’t let past grades hold you back from applying, as many firms, including Weil, take context alongside academics into account. When mentioning mitigating circumstances, just keep it concise and factual. There’s no need to go into graphic detail, just simply explain the impact on your studies. Your perseverance and recent strong results speak for themselves, so stay confident and keep putting yourself forward!

Best of luck!

 

[S1kumo]

Hello everyone,
I am sure that this is an oft discussed topic but I just wanted to get a specific answer. From 2019-2024, I was dealing with complicated health issues resulting in only predicted A-Levels (A*s and As) and a barely gotten 2:1. I have one condoned fail module and the rest of the results range from 2:2 to high 2:1 - so not great.

I did my PGDL and got a distinction overall and in almost all modules.

Now, with my applications I am just adding mitigating circumstances - although not in too graphic detail and hoping for the best. For Weil, however, they look at academics to see if you are even suitable - any point in applying.

And also how much detail is should I go into for mitigating circumstances. I hate to make it seem like I am whining but also till this day I am dealing with medications, wait lists etc. and doctors still don't know exactly what was wrong so I just say 'chronic illness' and 'hospital stays'.

Any help/advice would be much appreciated! Thank you.

Hey @TheGeek12,

I've had similar issues with mitigating circumstances, and as a future trainee, I thought sharing my experience might be helpful.

Firstly, I'd say to definitely apply to the firms you have ambition for, as they often do take into account mitigating circumstances when you apply. It might be worth double-checking on the graduate recruitment website or emailing first to ensure that they do, but if it's been stated that they take mitigating circumstances into account, then I would definitely apply. I had a similar situation where I didn't meet the A-level requirements for my firm, but after emailing them with my mitigating circumstances, my application was still taken into account and, in the end, was successful.

Secondly, regarding the amount of detail to include, I would suggest keeping it relatively brief while ensuring that all action points are covered. Therefore, the firm needs to understand the context behind the mitigating circumstances (although not in great detail). If this is a very personal matter, being open and transparent can be helpful. Additionally, it should consider how this affected your academic performance.

I'd also recommend ending it with an intention - my go to was always "with this in mind, I hope the firm still considers my application" followed by "Thank you for taking the time to read this" etc.

I hope that helps!

 

[dinoorchestra]

Hello,

I am in a very similar situation to yours, so I thought sharing my story will help as well! I have a disability that meant that COVID-19 interrupted my studies severely, and as a result, my second-year grades look like somebody's bingo card. One of the modules also looks like a fail grade (and technically is but is recognised as a pass because of my university's weighting).

I will be honest: sometimes it can be tough. I have met firms that have told me that, e.g., I probably didn't get their Open Day invite because they screened for grades only and didn't consider my extenuating circumstances in any detail.

However, as the previous posters said, most firms are very open to extenuating circumstances. For all the struggles I had with my academics and explaining them, I also had some success to show for it and met very understanding graduate recruitment teams - I did land two VCs, although not successful in getting a TC for unfortunate reasons.

I would recommend being brief, concise in your explanation but include the most essential details that contributed to your inability to achieve higher grades. I see mitigating circumstances sections as another opportunity to demonstrate my ability to communicate well.

So, I would not be put off by your grades at all! I hope my experiences to date can help you feel more confident in your own success