<p>I'm a rising senior with very good stats (ACT 35, straight-A's all through hs, top 5% of class, very involved in e.c.s, etc.), but I have a disease (fibromyalgia) that has forced me to miss over 1/3 of my classes this year. As there's no cure for fibro, it's unlikely that my attendance will improve much next year, so I'm wondering: how much will that hurt me in applying to top schools?
Also, although I definitely believe I'd be able to handle myself in college despite the health issues, (seeing as I've basically taught myself all my classes this year and have gotten quite good at it) does anyone have advice regarding which schools are best/worst about absences due to chronic illnesses? I'd be willing to meet with professors or other students on my own time or just about whatever else I'd need to do, but I know that that's asking a lot of other people to be inconvenienced. </p>
<p>List of schools I'm currently considering (subject to change, of course):
Amherst
Brown
Haverford
Macalester
Middlebury
Oberlin
Pitzer
Princeton
St. Olaf
Washington University
Yale</p>
<p>Comments? Questions? Advice? Anything would be appreciated.</p>
<p>I had a friend who missed a lot of class due to chronic illness and the school did a great deal to help her (Scripps). I assume the same would be done throughout Claremont, although I can't speak as directly about the other schools.</p>
<p>My assumption is that your best bets will be at small schools, schools with small teacher:student ratios, LACs in general, and schools where you will be likely to thrive (which shouldn't be too limiting, given your demonstrated ability). A school where you can go up to the professor on the first day, explain your situation, and have him/her understand and remember will be helpful. Likewise, a school where teachers are there to teach, allowing you to take full advantage of office hours, generosity of staff and faculty, and so forth. On the other hand, this is the type of school where attendance is most necessary because so much goes on in class...discussion, interaction, and so forth. Attendance is expected in a way that it isn't always at larger schools, so even though you might be better accomodated, you still might have a hard time keeping up. I guess there's a silver-lining to whatever type of school interests you.</p>
<p>Shoot off some emails to Dean of Students' offices, ask admissions about disabiity/illness support, and so forth. I think and hope results will be encouraging. Good luck!</p>
<p>I think you might want to talk to the disabilty office at the schools you are interested in. While some small schools may provide a more nurturing environment, big universities also offer accommodations to students with disabilities. I'm pretty sure most schools would accept a report from your physician requesting accommodations such as note takers or taped lectures so that you will be able to access information missed due to your illness. With your diligence and motivation, I bet you will find success.</p>