<p>Do applicants who have diseases such as cancer or diabetes have a better chance of getting into boarding school. Because on one thread I heard something about, "Overcoming obstacles and succeeding is candy to the AO." Or something like that. I'm not saying that people with cancer use it to their advantage to get into BS because it's a very tragic and unfortunate experience. My grandfather died of diabetes so it's really unfortunate to the families. But I'm just asking if they have a higher chance because of their tragic past but still being top notch...</p>
<p>Thats a bit offensive. I have epilepsy and while its not killing me or anything I don’t like the fact that I could walk down the halls and have a seizure in front of people I don’t know. If these students can write a good, smart application and interview well then they deserve it. It also would give something to talk about/do charity work for. It might also show maturity. While BS might like the idea they can talk about not judging, they’d also get a bad rep if they went around flaunting that. So I think its even playing field. If you’re insecure enough to feel threatened by people who can’t control their body then it will probably show in interviews.</p>
<p>My grandmother had Parkinsons and eventually passed away because of it. My mom told me she used to be so hurt when people parked in the handicap spot who didn’t need it because it hurt for her to move, it was embarrassing to walk for her and she felt like it was one of the few rights she had left in the world. Think of it like a parking spot. They can come in handy but don’t count on them being free. (as in it can be a hook but you shouldn’t rely on it or blame people who use it.)</p>
<p>Thats my perspective though, everyone is entitled to their own.</p>
<p>No. It doesn’t make it easier.</p>
<p>I realize you’re asking a serious question in earnest but @LauraKey is correct, the suggestion is offensive.</p>
<p>i agree with the past two posters, i feel this is kind of an insensitive question…</p>
<p>anyway, i wouldn’t worry about things you have no control over (ie race, gender, geographic region, health). i think if you have an awesome story, like if you had a serious illness at a young age and was inspired to raise tens of thousands of dollars for this illness/finding a cure, then wowza! good for you! on the other hand, if it was just a relatively minor thing in your childhood that doesn’t affect you much now, then there’s really no point in bringing it up.</p>
<p>Okay. I’m sincerely sorry to all of those who I offended. I didn’t mean it to come out the way it did. Again, truly sorry.</p>
<p>Can you use it to explain why you aren’t particularly good in a certain area? I have asthma (very bad) and sports aren’t my strong point at all, do you think the AOs will understand?</p>
<p>overandover- I think if they ask you should bring it up and explain because asthma is fairly common and they’ll understand but I wouldn’t bring it up if it isn’t necessary. Thats my approach health-wise.</p>
<p>I don’t think rizzledrizzle was meaning to be offensive when he asked the question. Anyways, to answer your question, overall, no. If it influenced you to be stronger, etc, etc., it would. However, it wouldn’t be because of your condition, it would be because you overcame the obstacles. (Emphasis on the last three words.)</p>
<p>circlemidnight- We understand rizzledizle didn’t mean to. Its kind of like asking a person in a wheelchair what happened. You may be curious and asking with good intentions but its offensive none the less. I agree with the overcoming obstacles though. Thats really the only hook to getting in as a “disease applicant”</p>