Hi everyone,
I’m new to this site so I hope my post has found itself in the right category.
I was born and raised in AL up until about 6 months ago, where the day before school started I hit my head and got my second medically diagnosed concussion. I’ve suffered several symptoms that have impaired my academic portfolio I’ve worked on since 7th grade.
I’m wondering what I can do to reverse the damage from this concussion. I’ve wanted to be a medical practitioner for as long as I can remember; I’m expecting to be paying for my college myself, so the topic of scholarships have always been important to me.
I went from being an excelling student with wonderful extra curriculars (4.555 GPA and 23 on the ACT for the first time) to being involved in nothing, having no friends and having a 3.8 GPA post concussion.
What can I do to fix all of this? I’ve been told to homeschool, etc but I want the best chances of getting a full scholarships for undergraduate school. I’m open minded to whatever school will take me.
Thanks for the help guys,
nw
I am a parent going through this process for the first time, so I am no expert. I have a child in a similar situation. Last year, as a junior, he sustained a very serious concussion. Serious memory issues, balance, attention, etc. Even now , he says I am not the same person/student. He continues to suffer from stamina issues. Already had certain diagnosed LDs since a very early age. All this led to serious mood issues.
We ended up having him repeat his junior year. Fact was he only attended about half the school days his junior year and missed an enormous amount of instruction, could not take standardized tests, etc. In the midst of his repeat junior year.
I would also look into obtaining a 504 or IEP to get testing and classroom accommodations. I would make sure your guidance counselors and teachers all know and can write about this in your recommendations.
Maybe you initially shoot for a less selective college either hoping for merit money or a chance to prove yourself and transfer? Community college first? Repeat junior year? Have you asked your guidance counselor for recommendations?
You have the legal right to remain in high school until you have completed the standard graduation requirements for your state or until the end of the school year in which you turn 21. So your best option almost certainly is to get evaluated as advised above, and return to high school with a 504 and/or IEP. Continue working with your medical and therapeutic team so that your health can improve. You want to be in the best shape before college.
There are a number of colleges and universities where your GPA could get you good merit-based aid. However you will need to pull up your ACT a bit or get a better SAT. Here your 504 or IEP will matter. They are part of the documentation needed to get you accommodations such as extra time, quiet room, etc. for the ACT or SAT. Your guidance counselor can help you start that paperwork.