<p>I'm transferring colleges because of how much my chronic illness is negatively impacted by the weather where I first went to college (top 20 LAC, northeast). I loved my school, but I think I owe it to myself to get the most out of the college experience as possible instead of spending 2 or even 3 days a week in bed. Has anyone else on this forum had a similar experience (with their child, since this is the parents' forum)? Does anyone have advice about how much and in what detail I should discuss my illness in my application and in interviews? Do you think my illness would be looked down upon by admissions? If so, in what ways in particular?</p>
<p>We did have our kids keep weather & possible health issues in mind when they were applying to their U. It is a very important reason to transfer to the right U. Spending 2-3 days/week in bed will make it very hard for anyone to get much out of their college experience.</p>
<p>Our kids were missing up to 1/2 the year in HS due to chronic health issues. Fortunately, they have been doing much better in college, especially as they have MUCH more control over scheduling their courses. They are able to mix lighter workload days with heavier ones and start their classes later in the day. These measures have helped them immensely. The U they chose to attend has been pretty good for their general health as well.</p>
<p>They did mention their chronic health issues in passing when they applied to their U–S as an entering freshman and D as a transfer from CC. I believe they (& GC for S’s application) talked about adversity overcome, in that they were able to complete school in spite of their chronic health condition that caused them to have reduced stamina. They did NOT belabor the health issues. I’d suspect your GC from HS and the admissions office at your current U may be able to offer you additional guidance about how to mention your current health issues in apps & potential interviews.</p>
<p>The U considering you for transfer would want to be assured that you will return to better health in a different environment, with weather that is better for your health. They want as much reassurance as possible that your problems will not follow you to the transfer campus and require you to extensively use their services. If you have a doc who will write a letter stating that in his/her opinion, a change in climate to transfer school will be very conducive to your health, that might be helpful as well (but we didn’t include such info for our kids).</p>
<p>Both my kids were welcomed, even tho the U knew of their chronic health issues. We talked about it BEFORE our kids enrolled. Good luck!</p>
<p>DePaul University in Chicago has a program specifically for students with chronic health problems. You have probably already selected a school, but I just heard about this and thought I’d pass it along.</p>