Admissions & Mental health

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi all- I'm going to try to make this as concise as possible.
I'm a junior in high school. Freshman year I had excused medical leave from school from like January-June. Sophomore year I had the same situation from October-December. My medical leave was for treatment for depression and a handful of other things along those lines. When I returned from treatment sophomore year, I was not ready and my attendance became so, so terrible that I had issues with credits. It's not the attendance stuff I'm concerned about. It's what the attendance did for my grades. I know I finished Freshman year with a 3.8 GPA and I didn't look at my 10th grade GPA because I know it tanked. </p>

<p>So </p>

<p>I can excuse my grades for medical reasons, but how legitimately will admissions board take that? Ive been a straight A student my whole life but my transcript does not reflect that. Given that, I'm feeling a lot of pressure for SAT/ACT scores. My SAT came out to be like a 1900 and I'm taking it 2 more times. I'm still waiting on ACT results. </p>

<p>Also, when it comes time to put together my application, is it in my best interest to omit the psychiatric problems? Or would a proper explanation of what really happened in my HS years help me out? Maybe put less weight on my GPA to admissions boards? </p>

<p>To all applying with major past psychiatric problems (I know there are a lot of you)- I wish you guys luck in applying. I know it's frustrating. Especially when you hear about all the schools that are so terrified of the word "depression." Love you all <3</p>

<p>Oh and I'm aiming for a 2200-2300 on my SATs. How does my info look to you guys? Am I going to have to go to a bad school? </p>

<p>Thanks to all responses.
Xoxo</p>

2

<p>I feel for you. My D went through something similar.</p>

<p>How are you doing now? I think that’s probably the most important aspect. My daughter was very fortunate because the root cause for her depression turned out to be an undiagnosed learning disability: when that was diagnosed her recovery was speedy and very successful. So she’s been able to talk (in her “additional information” essay, and in person in interviews) about what a huge turnaround she’s made. And her grades senior year reflect that. However, like you, her earlier issues really crushed her GPA. She, too had always been a straight-A student, and now because of the lost class time, etc, her final GPA is about 3.5.</p>

<p>If things are still difficult for you… I’m not sure what to say. Maybe take a gap year? Because, yeah, colleges are wary of taking on students with psychiatric problems and depression that they might feel are likely to recur. If you can’t honestly say you’re totally recovered, it may be better not to talk about it at all.</p>

<p>I think you’re right that you should concentrate on getting good SAT scores. Even if the schools you apply to are test-optional, they can be a way to show admissions that you really are an intelligent, good student. Consider taking some SATII subject tests, as well. Good scores can only help bolster your application, even if the college doesn’t require them.</p>

<p>Your teacher and GC recommendation letters will also be VERY important in your situation. If these people can say, “She had a tough time, but worked very hard to overcome her weaknesses and now is totally on-track and a great student taking challenging courses and getting As” that will probably go a long way.</p>

<p>It might be worth thinking about the type of school you’re applying to, as well. I know some big universities are extremely numbers-oriented and mostly just look at things like GPA, class rank, and scores. On the other hand, small LACs tend to be more “holistic” and take more time to read applications thoroughly and really consider the applicant’s history.</p>

<p>What do you estimate your GPA at the end of junior year will look like? If you can get it back up to 3.8 unweighted, and if you can manage the SAT scores you’re aiming for, and if you’re taking a rigorous courseload (without overwhelming yourself, of course!) I think you’d have a decent shot at some selective LACs.</p>

<p>I wish you all the best and hope that you’re getting excellent help and support from therapists, friends, and family. You sound like a warm and intelligent person… wish you lots of luck.</p>