<p>Hi there, I have been lurking this forum for years but am newly registered and appreciate the wealth of information provided by this forum. Right now I am possibly the saddest I have ever been. I worked my butt off during high school to get into my dream college, which is private and happens to be ranked in the top ten and constantly in the top five</p>
<p>My first semester to college was an adjustment, and I didn't do stellar, but I was able to maintain a B+ average. Second semester, I became very depressed and left on a medical leave of absence. I came back a semester later, but was still not ready to return so I left again. After my second medical leave, I decided that this time I would take more time off - I left in 2009 and just applied for the fall 2011 semester. During that time, I moved out of my parents house and began living independently, aqcuiring a full time job. I've been working full time since November 2010. Today I got a letter saying that they committee had decided not to approve my re-admission to the school and basically wished me on my way. My sister goes to the school and has been doing very well, and now she's distraught about this too since we're very close. I feel numb right now... I don't even know how to respond! I didn't see this coming because I really tried to do my best to prove that I had taken a proactive, aggressive approach to getting my medical issues under control. So my questions are:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Is there ANYthing that I can possibly do to change the committee's mind or to make them reconsider? Anything at all?</p></li>
<li><p>Are there any legal grounds that will help me to be able to get back in? Or any advocate groups that might be able to provide helpful resources?
I'm so crushed right now.... I've spent the last almost two years working in order to prove myself instead of just transferring because I've already invested so much into my education there.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Hmmm no one has responded… I really do hope someone will be able to give me some direction I would appreciate it soooo much!</p>
<p>P.S. - I realize “hopeful” is spelled with only one “l” and not two, as in my username, but somebody had already taken it with the right spelling</p>
<p>I’m not sure how strict your school is with this but a student contracted Avian Flu a couple of years ago at my University (University of Toronto), and as a result she missed a couple of assignments and the final exam. Her appeal to drop/defer the course/exam was denied a couple of times. The reason being she had used “medical excuses” in the past to defer exams/drop courses. </p>
<p>Seeing as how you left twice for the same reason, the university probably feels you’re simply not ready for University. </p>
<p>a)Try to petition/appeal their decision
b) Get a lawyer
c) FILE IT ON TIME. Schools have STRICT deadlines. </p>
<p>Getting a doctor’s note with his/her approval for your continued studies would be helpful as well. Other than this, there’s very little that you could do. </p>
<p>Advocate groups/Resources vary from University to University. I’m guessing it’s one of the Ivies or Duke/MIT?</p>
<p>Thank you soooo much for your response! I feel a bit better and it’s good to know that there are steps I can take to work through this. It just doesn’t seem fair as I wasn’t in control of the medical issues I was facing, and I have never gotten in any legal trouble or failed any classes.</p>
<p>Yes, I do go to one of the schools that you mentioned. If you would like I can om you with more details.</p>
<p>I would:
a) Talk to a guidance counselor or whoever that’s knowledgable about student grievances at your school. They will give you the necessary resources for a successful appeal.
b) File said appeal, get a lawyer if you can or have the resources to do so. This shows the admissions committee that you’re serious about re-admittance.
c) Cross your fingers and hope everything goes well.</p>
<p>If the first appeal fails, try, try, try again. </p>
<p>There are certain levels of appeals. </p>
<p>Appeal to Dean of Admissions (or whoever is going to handle this)->Board of Studies
->University Student Appeal Board</p>
<p>Expect the entire process to be formal, and be prepared as if its a court case and you’re on trial. Prepare an academic plan and get your story straight.</p>
<p>If you left because of medical reasons namely mental health issues they will most likely want to see that you have gotten help in this area. If you were depressed and left for that reason in the past it is very possible that they may want evidence that you have done something to deal with the depression so you don’t have the same problem when you return.</p>
<p>You may also wish to post in the parents forum, as some of them have had kids who have had medical leaves as well. I think the above suggestions are good ones but be sure you have an estimate as to how much any attorney you might retain will cost you so you’re not shocked when you get the bill. Some of them also teach at or are in administration at various Us.</p>
<p>Also, is there someone on the campus (especially a prof or two) who particularly likes and would be willing to advocate for you? It can help to have a few champions from within the U who might be able to point you in the right direction for your next steps.</p>
<p>Timing of any appeal is very important–be SURE to follow the deadlines.</p>
<p>To AntiqueFreak: Well that’s the thing, I have! I took very proactive steps in terms of getting treatment, medical as well as counseling, etc. and I’ve had a lot more counseling than I had the first time, and even a trip to the psychologist who cleared me of having any debilitating issues after treatment. But you are very right, and I do understand their concerns but I know that I have the ability to do the work and I feel like I’ve proven myself through the active steps I have taken to prove this!</p>
<p>You don’t have to convince any of us, just your U & committee & the key people who can affect the decision. </p>
<p>Organize your info about the steps you’ve taken, including reports from your treatment team to show that they agree that in their professional judgment, you’re fine and will be capable of handing the rigor of this U from now until you graduate with your BA/BS. This info will be useful in your appeal.</p>
<p>You also have to investigate the steps for your appeal. When is it due? Before whom? What form do you file to get an appeal? What supporting info & evidence are accepted? This info needs to be obtained & succinctly organized for you to get anywhere.</p>
<p>To HiMom: Thank you for the great suggestion! I will post in there about it as well, and ask what my parents can do to help me with this as well. As far as having an “advocate”, I’m not really sure that I have anyone on campus I could turn to. But I will look into the resources available in terms of guidance counselors and the like, thank you :)</p>
I would appreciate it soooo much!</p>