Chronic Illness and College Admissions

Applying to College
41

DarkEclipse: well, I much prefer civil discourse. I have not (virtually) raised my voice, nor intended to be inflammatory. Yet if I do suspect a student may have been wrongly slighted or harmed, I have no qualms writing about it coherently. And if there are posts judged inappropriate, they can and will be deleted by the moderators. I appreciate you toning down your responses, and as I’ve said to FallenChemist, I respectfully agree to disagree on specific points.

I do feel that students with disabilities have often had more than their fair share of impediments in gaining access to high-caliber education. There are precedents in several domains (legal is only one, yet it need not be summarily dismissed); but many people simply are not well-versed in the area of disability. One, more recent concern – and very relevant to this thread – is that the types and definitions of disability have been continuously shifting and changing, in part due to the shifting and changing physical experience of disability. This is pertinent, and essential in creating fair and robust policy. As I do have some experience with teaching, colleagues and scholarship pertaining to disability, I respectfully claim an informed right to advocate on the behalf of students who ought to have a fair shot at achieving what they legitimately have a right to.

This is a forum to help college applicants. It is fair that you and I, DarkEclipse, both feel we are helping. When a certain point is contentious, it doesn’t imply antagonism; that depends on the character and quality of the response. It is late at night, but judging from those who have subscribed to this thread, I am not alone in my positions here.

Please note the unsaid half of my statement: there are students who excel, and students who do not, at elite institutions who also had all of the advanced classes and other resources at hand. Stating that some students who come in with deficiencies do exceptionally well is not causation that all students who come in with all prerequisite, advanced coursework all perform exceptionally in college. There is sometimes additional incentive for students at a disadvantage to perform exceptionally, and they do so. I don’t think that’s an argument that can be won from either side, without a veritable mountain of conclusive data.

42

@anhydrite Now, I agree with you.
Well, I’ve got nothing left to say. Thanks for listening (or rather, reading) and being patient with me. I’m going to withdraw now, seeing as I haven’t contributed anything that can be said as constructive.

Noted and agreed. Cheers!

43

Your willingness to read, absorb, and engage in civil discourse is constructive, as is displaying the ability to broaden one’s view. Mentioning the difficulty and preparation required to succeed in top schools is also a contribution; I just felt there were other, necessary considerations that were being neglected. Thank you for your willingness to assimilate the differences; and this latter, more on behalf of others who may benefit in the future.

44

I for one appreciate your drive to be successful and encourage you 100%. There is something admirable to be able to acknowledge risk and not fear failure. I think your approach will be successful in getting into a good school.

CaliCash makes some valid arguments that rigorous schools are well rigorous. I would argue that you don’t know how you would fare until you try and I think your lack of fear should be enough for you to go for it. I think that your rationale for thinking that you can be successful is well founded.

You might look for schools that regularly record lectures online so that you have a backup in case you need to miss class.