Tricky Application Question

[Heffalump88]

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Hey guys,

I was hoping to receive some advice. The paper application for the University of Waterloo has the following question:

Are there any reasons why your transcript does not reflect your true ability?

My grades were awful in first and second year because I was trying to deal with the death of an immediate family member. My question is, does it look bad to answer this application question with a yes? There is a blank space underneath this section asking for a brief explanation and the option of sending in supporting documentation. I have a death certificate, but I'm not sure if this is what they anticipate when they ask for supporting documentation. I guess I don't want to seem like I am making excuses for my bad grades, and this is why I am having some trouble deciding what to do.

I'd appreciate any help on the matter! Thanks very much!

 

[countryOD]

You're not making an excuse, you have one. A significant life event like a death in the family is the very reason they put sections like this on applications. Don't be embarrassed about what happened, just own it and be confident.

As for the supporting documentation, I can't say. It seems silly to me to need a certificate to prove this point but it may bolster some support. Good luck.

 

[snooze]

I think it is important to address that aspect of your transcript by answering that question. It would look much better to explain that to the schools you're applying to, rather than just leave it there. I don't see why supporting documentation would be necessary for your situation. Tell your story, and don't worry about it too much.