<p>Basically, I have done really well all through highschool (some Bs in math and science). This made me feel like I was pretty qualified to attend a top university (UChic and Northwestern are probably my biggest reaches), especially considering I have strong SAT and AP scores, and am pretty involved outside of the classroom.</p>
<p>The problem? I basically got blindsided by depression this senior year, and am rounding out first semester with an E, several Cs and several Bs. This isn't going to fly with the selective schools I've chosen to apply to...in fact...I can't imagine an E qualifying me for anywhere. </p>
<p>I expect a huge improvement second semester with the help of medication, but right now I am really frustrated about college and worried about having to attend a CC and then transfer due to my grades. I know depression is a touchy topic and adcoms don't like to hear about it. With that in mind, what kind of schools should I be looking at? Are there any schools with Feb. 1st deadlines that would be a fit? And how will the selective colleges I've applied to view recent events? Am I pretty much out of luck with those?</p>
<p>You could consider taking a gap year and doing something productive during that time and then applying to college to enter in fall, 2008. That would allow you, too, to continue recovering from your depression while also being able to continue being followed by your current health professionals.</p>
<p>Doing something like this could improve your chances of getting into selective colleges. Your GC could explain that your grades had fallen senior year due to a "medical problem" that has since resolved.</p>
<p>If you decide to pursue this option, I suggest doing something like working a job (Any job including in the fast food industry can help you learn about yourself and the world, and also can help you impress colleges.) or doing regular volunteer work. For instance, you may be able to do fulltime volunteer work with Americorps with nonprofits in your city. Check the Americorps web site for info. It's a very impressive way to spend a gap year. My S is doing that.</p>
<p>I don't suggest spending your gap year taking classes unless it's in something that you wouldn't be able to pursue in college. For example, you could do an immersion language program or take noncredit art or theater classes. The only exception to not taking academic classes would be if you plan to enter a science or math based field. Then, you should probably take a math class each semester just to keep those skills sharp.</p>
<p>Also, talk with your therapist about college plans. If you don't have a therapist, get one because some research indicates that the very best treatment for depression is therapy plus medication. </p>
<p>Another reason to consider taking a gap year is that after your depression resolves, you may be attracted to a different type of college than you are now: Your preferences in terms of location, size, etc. may change when you're healthier.</p>
<p>I think you should consider informing the colleges that you had a bout with depression senior year but you are now on an effective medication and should be fine in college. If the admissions committee fails to consider that explanation in a favorable light, then you wouldn't want to go to such a backwards college anyway.</p>
<p>work on your SAT's...i will pass on the advice i recived.
My situation i have a 3.4 gpa( high school) and less then that for collge(i'm a transfer) so asked my counselor i wanna study in a good school i have 3.4 gpa and may 3.4 gpa for college nothing else..she told me to work hard on the act because if a get avery good school that will show that despiten being a bad student in high school did an effort and got very good grade on ACT</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. </p>
<p>My therapist seems really confident that things will change in ~ a month. If I do well second semester, my parents aren't going to be very interested in the idea of a gap year. They want me to attend the state uni. I guess I'm ok with that...but I just wanted to have some more options.</p>
<p>collegehelp, I was under the impression that colleges see any bout with depression in a very negative life b/c the stress of moving away from home, the academics and social life may trigger problems to surface again.</p>
<p>Pateta00, my SAT scores are really good. In fact I was pretty confident at my chances at even my reach schools. But sometimes life happens, I guess.</p>
<p>You don't have to report that you suffered depression. You can state you sufferred from an ongoing medical problem during your first semester, and have a doctor (maybe your family doctor so they don't see a physc name) write a letter confirming that "your illness was prolonged and would have definently had a negative affect on schoolwork". Thats my best suggestion. If your heart is set on a higher school, then you can always do a year at a local state uni, do well, and transfer. Just don't enter your first year knowing you want to transfer, it will kill you. trust me =) good luck!</p>
<p>I sent you a PM but my computer screwed up, so I'm sure sure whether or not you got it. My advice to you was to perhaps enroll in a few independent study courses for the upcoming semester. Doing so would allow you to be out of school for part of the day and to take care of yourself. Plus, most schools will count the credit from independent study institutions towards credits for your graduation. You can still graduate from your high school and attain your diploma from there as well.</p>
<p>I can tell you firsthand that the last thing that schools want to hear are excuses about depression and so on. They want to see you being proactive and doing what you can do make the situation better. </p>
<p>The reality is, depression does not automatically just clear up in 4-6 weeks like acne or something. It takes time, especially if it's bad enough that your grades are dropping fast. Then again, every case is individual so I'm no judge, nor am I a doctor. But be responsible for yourself and really ask yourself whether or not enrolling into a "top" institution would be the wisest thing to do for you. As it's been said, transferring is always an option. Just be mindful in the decisions that you make. Better to do well at a state university for a year and transfer to a better university, than to suffer through your first year at a top school only to fail out. That's just me being extreme though.</p>
<p>Good luck, and I hope everything works out for you.</p>