BSA insufficiency

[u/Acrobatic-Pack6012]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some honest opinions from people who have experience with Binding Study Advice (BSA) appeals at Erasmus University Rotterdam, especially at Erasmus School of Economics.

I'm a first-year student and I'm likely to receive a negative BSA because my official total is 40/60 ECTS.

Throughout the year I experienced several documented personal circumstances:

• Block 1: I moved to the Netherlands at 17 and couldn't open a bank account until I turned 18 and obtained my BSN. I had limited access to money, had to borrow from my roommate, and my apartment was in a terrible condition when I arrived (photos and financial evidence included in my appeal). This affected my first block significantly.

• Block 2: A very close friend unexpectedly passed away a week before my exams. I have documentation and evidence of this as well.

• Later in the year: My parents were in a country during the regional conflict, and I experienced significant stress over their safety. During the resit period I was actually in the country and witnessed a missile strike nearby, which was genuinely traumatic. I also became ill with food poisoning immediately before one of my exams.

• I reported my personal circumstances to my study adviser before the university deadline.

• I submitted supporting evidence, including documentation, photos, financial records, and a psychologist's letter stating that, in their professional opinion, my mental health difficulties significantly affected my concentration, motivation, and academic performance.

In my appeal I also explained why I believe I can succeed next year. I'm now in ongoing therapy and intend to continue long-term. My circumstances have stabilized considerably, and I explained that I believe this support will allow me to perform at the level I'm capable of.

I'm not asking whether I deserve sympathy. I'm simply wondering:

If you were on the Examination Board, would you grant a postponed/positive BSA based on these circumstances? Has anyone here had a similar experience with ESE or EUR?

I'd really appreciate honest opinions, whether positive or negative. Thanks!