Chance Me? University of Miami -- w/ Chronic Illness

<p>Would like to start off by thanking anyone who takes the time out to read this. It is truly greatly appreciated. With that being said, I would like to quickly mention I intend to be a business major. Contemplating between accounting, finance or marketing, (or even economics), so I plan to go in as business undecided.</p>

<p>Freshman Year - College Prep level courses, two electives (Art and Computer Imputing Applications: fulfilled 2 art requirements), no language, no honors.
Sophomore Year - College Prep level courses, one elective (Business Organization Management), language course, no honors.
Junior Year - College Prep level courses, one elective (Accounting 1 Honors), language course.</p>

<p>Based on the above I know I don't seem like the best candidate, however, there is a reason behind my lack of challenging courses.</p>

<p>Freshman year I began getting very sick; my symptoms included excruciating abdominal pain, back pain, joint pain, headaches, extreme nausea and most critically, periodic (monthly) 105 degree fevers, all that occurred from September - July, of my freshman year. In addition, in May I was diagnosed with a kidney disease, C3 glomerulonephritis, which was completely unrelated to all these symptoms. This kept me out of school most of the year, and unfortunately the school made no mention of home instruction or other medical accommodations, and in order for me to pass the year (without having to make up 60% of the work of the school year, the school gave me 0's on everything I had not completed, which had a massive negative impact on my grades. I had straight A's upon starting high school, however, the sickness progressed and I ended up with 2 D's, a C and a C+ in my core courses, (was forced to drop my language), and received a B+ in Art and an A- in CIA.</p>

<p>I got treated for my illness that August, and entered my sophomore year with immaculate health. However, that November, my condition took a turn for the worse, but this time I was placed on home instruction. I attempted to return to school that April, however by May I once again needed to be placed on home instruction. I finished the year with 2 B+'s, and 2 B's in 3/4 core courses + a language, and took my chemistry course online through the school and finished with an A.</p>

<p>I wasn't feeling well from the beginning upon entering Junior year, so it wasn't long before I was in and out. I suggested I do a half day at school however the school said I was in or out. I tried staying in for a few more weeks but in the end, I had to be out. The school could not find home instruction teachers, so they put me on all online courses, and I stayed out the entire year. I ended the year with A+'s in my Algebra 2, US History and Physics courses, an A (97.8%) [is that an A+?] in my language course, and a B in my English course (might be a B+, not sure if all grades were put in). In my HONORS Accounting course, I received a B (which might go up as high as an A-, again, not sure if all grades were put in.)
*
Senior year: I intend to go back to school, however the school and my doctors have come to the agreement of a half day (4 courses), which works because I only need 4 more credits to graduate. I am definitely taking Humanities as my English course, Trigonometry/Advanced Math as my Math course, and gym/health. I also put AP Statistics as my first choice "elective" class, but if I do not get in due to classes being full (I was not given the opportunity to chose my Senior classes until end-July, while other seniors chose in February), I will be taking Marketing and Advertising.
**Meanwhile, I will also be taking an online course of AP Macroeconomics, a half year course in the fall semester. I am very interested in taking AP Microeconomics also, however, I believe it would be too much to take them at once, so I plan to take that in the spring. I also have great interest in taking business electives online with the same online institution. Some of the business electives I have interest in include Business Law, Intro to Finance, and Business Math.
My school does not offer any of the courses I am interested in online, except Business Law. However, that is only offered in the morning, and my half day schedule is in the afternoon. The high school will only accept independent AP online courses if the school themselves does not offer it, so I am confident they will accept my AP's, but I do not know if the same rules apply for electives. Not sure if it would be worth it if the HS does not accept the courses toward my GPA, but if it helps my application (online institution will send a separate transcript) I will take them.</p>

<p>I participated in Cheerleading freshman year. But unfortunately, I was unable to participate in any sports/clubs/activities thereafter due to home instruction/my medical condition. Nevertheless, I did my best to keep myself busy. First, I volunteer to make the JV/Winter and Varsity/Fall Cheerleading team's music 10th-12th grade. Sophomore year, I also volunteered to do the scoreboard for the freshman volleyball team.
I volunteered several times a year for a homeless shelter during part of my sophomore, and my whole Junior year, and I intend to continue throughout my senior year. I also could not get a job, so I started a small business buying women's accessories at discount stores and reselling it to make a profit and ultimately learn entrepreneurship skills.
Beginning my senior year, I will be working for an accounting firm a few times a week to gain experience in my possible field of interest.</p>

<p>Finally, I have a business teacher who I had for Accounting and CIA that is very happy to write me a letter. I also have an English teacher I had for 3 years in a row who will write one. I heard Miami likes "glowing letters of recommendation" and I feel these two teachers know me best (since my illness started) and can provide that type of letter. From a medical point, I have tons of documentation from all the doctors I have visited, and multiple of my doctors are willing to write letters to my colleges explaining my condition and anything else necessary.
(Dont know if this helps, but my Uncle is an alumni of University of Miami and knows people who are actively taking part in the school).</p>

<p>Thanks again to anyone reading this, it means so much. Also, any advice anyone has (on this school or in schools in general) would be greatly appreciated as well.</p>

<p>I think your counselor should be able to sum up all of your struggles with your illness in his/her own letter of rec.</p>

<p>I wouldn’t let this worry you too much - what is your overall GPA?</p>

<p>@ctesiphon</p>

<p>Freshman - Junior year it is only a 3.15 (unweighted).
Sophomore - Junior year combined it is a 3.59 (unweighted).</p>

<p>Assuming I get A’s/A-'s in my 3 academic courses senior year:
Freshman - Senior it goes up to about a 3.25 (unweighted) gpa.
Sophomore - Senior it goes up to 3.65</p>