FLUNKED first semester senior year due to personal problems

Colleges and Universities A-Z Colgate University
1

Senior in very competitive and prestigious all girls school in California.
I’m a solid student, a class leader, and very involved in extracurriculars. I have great rec letters and I wrote amazing essays and supplements. I interviewed well and my ED II school (Colgate) seemed to like me. I have an excellent work ethic and I have a kickass resumé. GPA before this semester was 3.7ish unweighted, 3.9 weighted. ACT 34.

I took a massive L this semester. I started dating someone in mid September, and this relationship essentially tore my life apart. You see, I’m dating a girl. It turns out, I’m a lesbian??? Anyway, I tried to hide it but on October 28th, right before the first quarter ended, my mother found out. She did not take it well. My family is very homophobic and have cut me off in many ways, I’m pretty much financially independent now, and despite living in the same house, I rarely even speak to my mom anymore. Its been a rough semester. I tried to focus on school as best as I could but it was hard to do biology labs when you have to barricade your door to prevent another round of emotional abuse. I also began to hate myself, as I’m a Christian and I needed to go through that entire process of figuring out that it was okay to be myself. I’m not lazy, but sometimes I would just crash on my bed because I couldnt handle what was going on. I never meant to ignore my school work, but studying cellular respiration was put on the back burner when I chose instead to scour the internet for proof that I wasn’t going to hell. I couldn’t ask anyone for help because I wasn’t out anywhere. My teachers and everyone at school had no idea.

THE POINT IS, my grades fell DRASTICALLY. I got a D+ in AP biology and a C in AP Calculus AB. other grades weren’t too hot either.

My new GPA is 3.52 unweighted and 3.81 weighted.

I’m writing a letter of explanation, but is it pointless? Do i have a chance? Did I mess everything up?
I’ve worked so hard over the past 4 years and to have it all fall down because I’m happier than I’ve ever been seems like my worst nightmare. I know I love Colgate and I know I would do well there. My problems (family drama) are solved the minute I move out. I’m proud of who I am now, but my mom changes the channel when Ellen comes on.

I’M REALLY SCARED. DO I EVEN HAVE A CHANCE ANYMORE?

2

Can you ask your GC to talk to the school? That would carry more weight than you talking to them.

That said, are your parents still going to pay for college? Skidmore probably isn’t option if they won’t pay you COA.

And forget about hell. It doesn’t exist. Made up to scare people into behaving the way people in power want you to act.

3

+1 to everything @intparent said. I hoe you can talk to your guidance counselor/college counselor. Not only can they help explain it but they could provide support or put you in the direction of support during this challenging time. Even if it is just someone to talk to to unpack your feelings.

4

hey guys, its stella again. My admissions decision got announced today. I was put on the waiting list.

5

What other schools are on your list? Sorry it wasn’t the news you wished for.

6

Apply to Smith College. Lots of grant money. Great school. You might encounter difficulties at your first choice school.