<p>I'm technically an up coming high school senior (17). Who is hoping for some advice? I have had many challenges thought high school. My mom as had a mental illness for as long as I can remember. Im unsure of the official name basically you sees things different or thinks others are out to hurt her. She has been hospitalized many times thought my life. My parents are also divorced. My dad moved out in middle school but my grandmother had him come back while my mom was in the hospital. He then officially moved out at the end of my freshman year a few weeks before exams. I live with my mom. I also have ADD but am taking no medication or receiving treatment for it. Im also dyslexic. I have always worked very hard for my grades but they still turn out average. I was also sick a lot of time during school. I was sick during 10th grade and couldnt go back because of anxiety and fear of not being able to check up. I was unable to receive credits. In the fall of the junior year I started a online high school which didnt work out. My mom then moved us to a small town about a hour and a half away, but my anxiety was to high to go to school. I started seeing a psychologist and my mom was put in the hospital again. I lived with my grandparents, which was very hard because we do not get along. I started a home tutor and received 10th grade credits my junior year. Im now supposed to be in a GED program but its not official. I have yet to take the ACT or SAT. Do I have any chance of going to a decent college? How would I explain this on a application. I dont know what I want to major in. My parents are not helpful and Im not close to any family so I have know one to talk too. I hope I dont sound whiny; I am just trying to explain my situation, which is hard because I hide it for everyone. Thank you ro anyone who took the time to read this or respond.</p>
<p>Just include this explanation in the additional information section of the common ap or whatever college ur applying to. But dont make it seem that they MUST feel sorry for you and admit you. Try to emphasize on the positive things you have done while dealing with personal issues.</p>
<p>I'm doing the online application for the University of Illinois right now and on the app you are given a space to talk about any hardships that might have affected your academic performance. There are no restricitions or size limitations like essays and the space is devoted exclusively to this. I'm not how many other colleges have this sort of feature on their app but I'm sure a lot of good ones do. Also, some essay prompts are vague and simply ask you to talk about yourself. Others ask you to describe a situation, how you overcame it, and why you are a better person because of it. You could use these types of essays to explain your situation as well. You should also consider posting in the Parent's forum on this board as they might be help you better than us students.</p>
<p>Honestly, I think you need to make sure your anxiety is under control <em>first</em> or you will have a really hard time in college. So get on meds if you need to. Once your anxiety is under control, I would look at colleges that are a good match. Honestly, considering your ADD, I would also look at colleges with programs for disabled kids. I don't have a list off-hand but I know U of Arizona has one called SALT. Just go to your local Barnes and Nobles and pull up a chair. I think I would also consider smaller, regional schools that are more supportive. You need a place that has counseling services/ tutoring or a writing center, etc. -- places you can get support if you get in trouble academically so you don't panic.</p>
<p>By the way, I'm a parent.</p>
<p>thanks. I know I will do much better with anxiety ect away from my family. Without jumping every time the doorbell ring or something. I also posted this in the parents section.</p>
<p>You still have a year or so until you are going to apply, right? I'd strive to 'normalize' your life as much as you can (deal with anxiety issues, etc.). You might also consider taking a couple classes at a local community college to reacclamate you to classroom learning. That would probably be better for you than anything else (both on the personal level and in college admissions).</p>
<p>No I'm hoping to apply this year for the 07-08 school year.One thing I have learned thought all of this that I need to get away, community college would require living at home aka the last thing I want to do. The GED program is in a classroom setting which helps you prepare for the test and will have me get back into the classroom.</p>
<p>x0h-
I too have had a problem with oarents with mental problems. I am yet to enter the college process and am not really sure what to do In your case you have alot going wrong for you which can be good and bad. Colleges will take sympathy on you for sure. Based on your gpa/scores (maybe you can tell us them) cc can help you pick colleges. Good luck</p>
<p>Thank you! I don't know my GPA becuase I haven't attended a normal school in a while. I'm hoping to take the SAT this fall. I was a A-B student with normaly one C. I do want to attend a normal college/uni and I am confident my axienty will not be a problem.</p>
<p>go to <a href="http://testprep.sparknotes.com/%5B/url%5D">http://testprep.sparknotes.com/</a> and take a free sat practice test</p>