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!