Question for UK residents...

[Matthew74]

I was accepted to a philosophy program in London. I'm now applying for a bursary. I need to write a statement. What is your advice regarding disclosure of epilepsy in the letter, as regards legal and cultural issues. Would it be "the sort of thing that isn't done"?

Ordinarily, I do not let people at work or school know about my epilepsy. However, it's relevant for a number of reasons.

1. It explains why my GPA is a bit lower than they might expect.
2. It explains why my finances are so bad.
3. It should suggest that I am very capable, considering the challenges I've had.

Of course it could make them toss the application.

I did this once before for admission to a graduate school in Canada. I made a good argument in my favor. I have reason to suspect that the application was rejected on the basis of my disclosure. They didn't say anything of course, but I was rejected on a technicality of marginal importance. One of the faculty members, who didn't know me, even asked them to reconsider their decision without my knowledge. I happened to speak to him later, and the tone in his voice also suggested I was unfairly rejected. But, that's in the past.

The difference here is that I'm not applying for admission, I'm asking for support. Epilepsy really is a huge factor in my need for financial support.

Here's the letter the admissions counselor sent me:

Happy New Year to you! Thank you very much for your message. The University does offer a limited number of scholarships every year; these are competitive and are awarded on merit.

I have attached the scholarship application form for you to complete and return to me. I recommend that you provide as full a statement as possible on the form in support of your application. You may be required to complete a means test form at a later stage, but I will let you know if this is the case.
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Let me know what you think...

 

[Loopy Lou]

Congrats on being accepted onto the course!

Unfortunately i'm not quite sure what the rules are for international students, but i got extra on my bursary because i'm registered as disabled due to the epilepsy.

I'll look into this a bit for you and see if i can come up with anything.

 

[Loopy Lou]

Ok i've had a quick look and it seems that the bursary you mean is possibly the same or similar to the one i got. There was only 250 of them available for the whole university, i'd guess that in a London uni there would maybe be more, but they're generally given based on previous grades and financial situation.

For this reason, i don't think you need to disclose your epilepsy, as in this case it's not really relevant. If you do refer to it, don't do so as a negative, and keep it brief. The cultural bit is more to do with where you come from, why you want to study there etc.

I do know, however that international students are more likely to get extra financial help, especially if they come from a difficult or challenging background. There should be a way to contact student services, and they would be able to give you help specific to your college or university.

Good luck!

 

[seagull]

It maybe your Dla and mobility allowance that will not make any difference to bursary it in untaxable and for help for your epilepsy.Some of that stuff is standard stuff are you on invalidity benefit because that benefit could have a something to do with it.Most places prefer take people with e as it fills quota of disabled without having to do much.By that I mean someone who wants be doctor and in wheel chair then the hospital got be wheel chair friendly and it means having to put expensive equipment in which most training hospitals have these days. is bursRy for educational reasons or if not on dla then may insist you must be

 

[Loopy Lou]

With me, my DLA, although it is not means tested, affects the amount of ESA i get, which is then used to work out bursaries and loans.

Being from the US though, Matthew won't be in receipt of these since they're a British benefit, so it's much more difficult to work out how much he will be able to apply for in the terms of bursaries.

I think there's a whole different set of rules for how they work it out, but generally it's on the grounds of grades and finances. For example, people who are less well off tend to get offered more and have a higher priority for receiving a bursary.

 

[seagull]

He is brit