How do I get colleges to know this?

Applying to College
1

<p>My dream college right now is the University of Michigan. I have lived my entire life in Michigan and I go to a good (district ranked 2nd in public schools in Michigan) school. My Junior year is going very well but I have a problem; I don't have any extracurricular activities. The reason being was that my dad had non Hodgkin's Lymphoma and was off and on in the hospital (coincidentally U of M Hospital) since the 2nd trimester of Freshmen year. Since we live about an hour away from the Hospital my mom would leave her work at 1pm and come home anywhere from 6-8 pm. I always took the bus home so it seemed like no big deal but the problem is that I could never get a ride to or from school. If I took track for example, I would be stuck at school for hours. Proof of this is that I wasn't able to take segment 1 of drivers training until the Summer after my Sophomore year. I don't want to make excuses, but that's the truth.</p>

<p>Sadly, my dad died the first Friday of my Junior year. Since that happened, my mom is free to pick me up anytime she pleases so right now I am thinking about what I want to do as an extracurricular. </p>

<p>I just want colleges to know the reason why I couldn't take extracurriculars in the beginning. So how do I do that? In composition we learned about college essays and I did some research the way I see it, writing a story about this experience wouldn't be an essay that colleges would want to hear. So what should I do?</p>

<p>P.S Again, I really don't want to make a pity story, I just want them to see things from my perspective. </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>You can have your HG GC discuss it in their school report, or you could give a brief explanation in the Additional Info section. I agree that you should save your essays for positive, interesting things about yourself.</p>

3

<p>I would write a small blurb in the additional information section of the common app (when you apply) just to make sure that you have control over what the colleges read and know about. You can put your story into your own words i.e. make sure it does not sound like a sob story.</p>

4

<p>Your HS GC should address this in his/her letter. More importantly, the GC should write about what you WERE able to achieve under the circumstances. Did you keep your grades up? Did you take the ACT/SAT and score well? This will show colleges that you have the determination and ability to succeed under stress and pressure. Use your essays to describe something interesting about yourself. </p>

<p>My sincere condolences to you and your mother.</p>

5

<p>Definitely put it in the additional information section and ask your GC to mention that in the counselor recommendation.</p>

6

<p>Right there with you JZMOM2. That is what I am aiming to do. This year has been great for me, last tri I was able to pull a 3.9 unweighted. This tri is looking to be similar. I feel like it will help me stand out a lot more when they read about it and see my grades still continue to improve. </p>