I fell sick... does that mean I'm screwed?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>My first post here at what I must say is a very helpful site.</p>

<p>Well, I'm a Junior, and a prospective Undergrad business student. I was looking at the top schools (Wharton's, McIntire, etc)</p>

<p>In October of 2006 (during my first semester as a Junior), I fell sick to the point that I was hospitalized. I was released two weeks later, and managed to get through all my school work (from 6 AP Classes) with 2 B's for my first semester.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, I never fully recovered, and acquired 29 absences (not including hospital visit) through the entire year. The medication and bloated feeling I had from the disease I had affected how I performed in school. I received a 2090 on my SAT and a 32 on my ACT, when I know I could have done much better. I received 3 Bs this semester, when probably I would have had straight A's both semesters, all thanks to being ill.</p>

<p>I would like to know how this will affect my application to these business schools, and how I could show the applications officials that, had I not been ill, I would have fared much better.</p>

<p>Thanks a lot</p>

2

<p>Oh no, being sick will not really affect your admission (I don't have facts for my opinion but that's what I'm assuming!)...........rather I believe it can work in the other way if you can highlight efficiently! U can talk about it extensively in your essay......I believe that's the best place. Again, u can request ur guidance counselor or teachers (the ones who will give u recommendation) to highlight your accomplishments along with the fact of ur sickness..........I've had a surgery last summer too and was sick for quite a lot of time so I can feel what you are going through! ;)</p>

3

<p>Can your illness explain away any dip in your grades? Yes.</p>

<p>Otherwise...it's not a hook per se.</p>

<p>Surviving cancer. Living with AIDS. Those are hooks.</p>

<p>Mono, etc. not so much.</p>

<p>Attach an explanation of your illness. But it shouldn't be why colleges want you. And, odds are, it won't be.</p>

4

<p>it may not work as a hook, but I am sure enough that it would NOT lower your chances by any means.</p>

5

<p>"I received a 2090 on my SAT and a 32 on my ACT, when I know I could have done much better. I received 3 Bs this semester, when probably I would have had straight A's both semesters, all thanks to being ill."</p>

<p>Those are some impressive numbers regardless. I wouldn't worry, you still have a good chance at a lot of schools. The absences may need to be explained, but unless your grades slipped to C's and D's during your time being hospitsalized, I wouldn;t get too worked up about it.</p>