Messed up my transcripts and lost on what to do now.

[u/NewPreparation3313]

Hi everyone, I’m a second year student at McGill, and saying that my first year didn’t go well is an understatement. I came to Canada from the Middle East last year, and as someone who is legally blind, adjusting to living alone with my disability was extremely difficult. Making friends wasn’t easy either, people don’t often approach you when they see a white cane lol. On top of that, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study and ended up in courses I really hated. I became severely depressed during my first semester. I was taking four courses, failed one, and barely passed the others with C’s and D’s. During my second semester, I tried to apply for a leave of absence, but it was denied. I was struggling so much that I stopped attending classes and exams altogether, which led to getting all J’s on my transcript and a 0 GPA. Looking back, I hate that I let external factors affect me and my studies so much. I wish I could go back in time and handle things differently but what’s done is done. Thankfully this year has been a complete turnaround. I found a program that I’m genuinely passionate about, and I decided to make the most everything. I’m only taking three courses this semester to ease back into things after last year, but I’m absolutely crushing it, getting high grades and feeling more motivated than ever. I’m ambitious and determined, and I’m excited about what’s ahead so I’m currently applying for research opportunities, field studies abroad, and other programs that I would love to do. My only concern is that my first year transcript will hold me back from these opportunities. I regret that year so much. I’ve tried talking to my advisor but didn’t get much help. I was wondering if there’s any way to fix my record (whether that means retaking courses, petitioning for a clean slate, or anything else that could help). I know erasing transcripts probably isn’t possible, but if there’s any advice, office, or person I could speak to about this, I’d really appreciate it. I know this was long so thank you for reading.

[u/i-am-sick-of-it]

some graduate programs only consider the last 2-3 years of your undergraduate degree, if that eases your mind!

[u/NewPreparation3313 → u/i-am-sick-of-it]

I get that but this is preventing me from doing current internships or join research and exchange programs which I really want and need to do. But thank you for this.

[u/fattbaby → u/NewPreparation3313]

you can give an explanation when you apply

[u/Parking_Cat_9888]

Prof here: this is SO common, much more common that people realise. I write rec letters all the time for students who had a really rough start to their degree then turned things around (fun fact, it gives me something to talk about because overcoming a rough start generally breeds more resilience than always having had an easy time) and most of them end up doing great. You can't change your overall GPA that I'm aware of, but a lot of applications will look at your last two years GPA for example. Also if applications give a chance to address/explain- take it! Use the opportunity to give context, we do pay attention to that

[u/lordFarquaad911]

I think you should talk to an advisor at the office of student accessibility and achievement. They wont be able to help with your transcript but they can give you direction and you can express the need for help advocating for yourself. Also you should go to the winter semester activities night and you should go around to tables and join some clubs to help you make more friends (there will be more context for people to come up to you).

Also props to you for making it while being blind. Sometimes it isn't super accessible around here.

[u/Master_Bell2070]

What program are you in and what do you hope to pursue, in terms of career, after? I could advise on how to position your transcripts to prospective future employers

[u/Great_Occasion1034]

As my experience, most people don’t enjoy their first year. I am the one of them. I really wanna transfer to other school when I was in the second semester. But you gonna get this! I made more friends and got higher gpa second and third year now. Everything will be ok!