bipolar student seeking advice for a complicated situation

College Search & Selection
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<p>my bipolar disorder has affected my life in just the way you would expect a disease to. i attempted suicide twice and was hospitalized for long periods of time throughout high school, despite going to Bronx Science and another elite suburban high school. i refused to take my meds because i could not believe i was worth saving.</p>

<p>but now i've realized i want more. i've gotten back on my medicine, and am attending various drug rehabilitation programs and have a strict therapy plan. i am an aspiring writer, (i have had a few items published), and am extremely passionate about music (I play the violin, piano, synthesizers, guitar, percussion). my sat scores were very high and for my acts i scored in the top 96% of the country, yet i struggle with the problem of attendance.</p>

<p>i went to hunter college and disliked the lack of community. my disease also started to manifest themselves in hallucinations and as my attendance dropped, I failed my classes, eventually getting dismissed.</p>

<p>then i went to a terrible school to be groomed with secretarial skills.</p>

<p>i know i am better than that.</p>

<p>i have a lot of ambition, but it is difficult for me, and my parents to see. their patience has worn thin over the years and with the high cost of medical bills, and paying for schools that i am unable to bring myself to attend, they are getting fed up.</p>

<p>my problem is this: what kind of program, or school, can i enroll in, in new york city, would accept me despite my poor college grades thus far. i am not looking for an ivy, but am very interested in liberal arts schools specializing in writing, such as: the new school eugene lang, or pratt institute, etc. i feel as though my chances for college are blown. i have just turned twenty years old, my parents no longer want to pay for school...</p>

<p>but i want to turn a new leaf and start as a new person, like the new person i have become after these recent months of intense change.</p>

<p>i don't know if anyone will respond to this, as it is deeply personal and probably very uncomfortable for a reader, but i need help and advice. so please, if you read this, i would love to read any bit of hope.</p>

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<p>I can't advise you about schools. But as the daughter of a man w/ BPD I am simply telling you that I am so sorry for your pain and I wish you nothing but the best in your recovery. Good Luck.</p>

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<p>there is so much one can say here, and there are so many questions one can ask. first of all, are you stabilized now? on good meds, with a good psychiatrist? in therapy? perhaps they can help guide you. there are listings which show colleges who have special programs available for various disabilities..LDs, etc. i've known quite a few kids who got into and completed schools second or third time around( some with bipolar) if they had the ear of someone in admissions. have you done any of the usual stats..SATs, etc.? gallatin at NYU is a great place as well as e. lang. the new school. to name a few. do you have anyone who could guide/mentor you? you are not alone with the dual diagnosis thing. but you MUST responsibly stay on meds, therapy to have a chance.</p>

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<p>Stella, Adelphi in Garden City (Long Island) might be worth checking into. They have a creative writing concentration (english major program) and also different music programs. Also, maybe Marymount Manhattan could be a possibility. Best of luck to you.</p>

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<p>I really believe that there is a school and a future for you. The very high ACT and SAT scores are a plus. Eugene Lang sounds great, but if your parents have financial concerns, it is probably too expensive. Maybe you should try CUNY again, but try to get involved with an activity or two so that you don't feel isolated. Once you prove that you are on track with school, more options should open up.</p>

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<p>Is remaining in nyc imperative? A new environment might aid in relieving some stress ailing the disorder, and could allow you to become more focused.</p>

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<p>
[quote]
A new environment might aid in relieving some stress ailing the disorder, and could allow you to become more focused.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Not if they've already got a support system in place, it won't... If the OP says they need to stay in NYC, then they need to stay in NYC.</p>

<p>Have you looked at Hunter? They have a creative writing MFA program, so their English faculty seems pretty geared towards the sort of thing you'd be interested in. Might be worth a look at their bachelors program. Do talk to the counseling center there and see if you can find resources within the school to give you advice about your situation.</p>

<p>Bulk up your support network, make a plan, stay on your meds <em>no matter what</em>, and go for it. Best of luck to you.</p>