I’m a rising senior. I got leukemia when I was 11 and did not study for several years. However, I resumed studying at my high school and ended this year with excelsior honor.
Do you think colleges would be impressed that I got excelsior honor after enduring leukemia treatment and while having side effects of it?
It is hard to say. However, overcoming a major hardship and then doing very well does make me think that if university were to be at some point academically challenging you would be able to find a way to get the job done. I am thinking that you might want to get your guidance counselor to write a recommendation that mentions that you overcame this major hurdle and did very well.
Congratulations on overcoming leukemia. That is HUGE. I hope that it is completely gone for you and that you are well.
First and foremost I’m glad you are healthy now and wish you good health and happiness as you move forward in your life.
As to your question, I don’t think having overcome cancer will get you into a college that you are not otherwise academically qualified to attend (although should explain away any lack of ECs). However, your overcoming cancer is a big part of your story and your history. What I would suggest is that if/when you discuss your cancer that you avoid anything resembling a “poor me” theme and keep the focus on how your illness has helped you mature, persevere, appreciate life, (pick themes that ring true for you), if it impacted your life goals (ex. one person I know who survived leukemia is starting nursing school next year), and things along those lines. You don’t want to use your application to make college admissions officers feel badly for you but rather you want your story to give admission officers reasons to want to have you as part of the incoming class and feel confident that you will become a successful, vibrant member of their college community. I would also be sure your guidance counselor mentions your illness in his/her recommendation as it will corroborate your story.
happy1/ Thank you for the advice!