Studying at universities can be demanding and overwhelming for many students. It sometimes triggers or exacerbate their psychological distress, which can then have an unfavorable impact on their ability to study effectively. If this is the case for you, it may be an appropriate option to apply for a special consideration with your university so that you can complete the required academic tasks or assignments in a less stressful pace.
It is very important to note that this compassionate option is not designed to help you “cheat,” as you will need to demonstrate the genuineness of your mental distress and you will still need to slowly meet the same academic requirements with other students before you can graduate.
Consequently, most psychologists are unable to issue any Support Letters or Certificates for special consideration if you are a brand-new patient. We usually require at least two or three sessions to understand your individual circumstances with some scientific psychometric tests to produce a relatively objective report to convince your university. The entire process can take a few weeks to finish.
In addition, universities usually have a clear timeline in relation to applying for special considerations. If you do feel you are struggling mentally, please be prepared to see a psychologist as earliest as possible. This will certainly save you so much trouble in the end!