Health, and lack thereof.

Applying to College
1

<p>I finished high school this year, and opted for a gap year, because I was unsure as to whether I'd be fit to go to university because of ill health. The illness persisted throughout my final high school year, and I believe it greatly effected my grades.</p>

<p>I presume the best place to put this is at the end of the Common App and simply explain what happened. It's not my intention to seek sympathy, not at all, I just want to explain a question admissions officers may have.</p>

<p>On the other hand, would it be detrimental to my application, as in, will they not want to take the risk? Could insurance and whatnot be compromised (from what I understand, you can't get health cover with a pre-existing condition?). What I have is Crohn's disease, very mild, but it did leave me exhausted for much of this year. As around 1 in 1000 have it, I presume the universities would be aware of the condition, as statistically, some of the students and maybe even staff must have it too.</p>

<p>Has anyone had any experience of this? What are your opinions?</p>

2

<p>In answer to your first question. I agree that the “additional information” section of the common app is the place to explain the implications of your illness. As far as insurance goes…do you already have health insurance? Perhaps under your parent’s plan? At my daughter’s college you are allowed to waive the school coverage if you already have insurance. My daughter is covered under our plan so we do not need her school insurance. We had to provide proof that she was covered and the school took the charge for health coverage off of her tuition. Check these details out. You may be all set!</p>

3

<p>I do have medical insurance, yes.</p>

<p>I suppose all the technicalities of this would be arrange if/when I’m accepted anywhere.</p>

<p>Would universities look down upon my ‘reasons’ as ‘excuses’? Or would they take it into consideration? I doubt admissions officers are so heartless (maybe!!) but I’m just after a little piece of mind. Thanks :)</p>