<p>Long story short, I was already attending a school in another state with a half scholarship. Unfortunately, the stress of college and a new life got to me, as did the normal onset of mental illness in males(18-22 I believe). After meeting with the school's psychologist the first time, I was sent to the hospital, a part of my long journey back home. I was originally planning on going back in the Fall semester, once my medical leave expired because I'm already doing pretty well with my medication and therapy. However, I've recently decided the school's probably not the best for me, as it IS a very big party school and I'd rather not have a relapse into a superficial, indulgent lifestyle. I've decided instead to stay within my home state of Texas, but go Southwest(TSU). It'll be for the best, I think, and will provide the laid back atmosphere and environment I need to succeed again.
My question is, how in the world does this fit into a college application? I've technically been enrolled this whole time, so I don't want them to think I was one of those students just "taking a break." Even then, does that really affect applications?
I talked to someone there and they said I'd be applying as an undergraduate, since I didn't actually complete the semester at my last school, so will I have to go back to my high school and get all the same stuff done all over again, and will it hurt my chances to be doing it a year later? Also, will I be considered for scholarships the same way? I took many AP classes, actually have 17 whole credit hours going in, (from high school ironically, none from college) and scored a 1950 on my SAT, I should have a good chance right?
Any answers or info I should know would be great. Thanks!</p>
<p>Good for you for taking care of yourself and bouncing back from a health challenge. With proper management of your situation by yourself and medical professionals, there should be no reason why you can’t enjoy a successful college experience and career. </p>
<p>You are under no obligation to disclose your health status. It should be enough to say that you were clearly not ready for college then (but you are now). You can come up with some rendition of that which is both honest and comfortable for you (but still protects your privacy, and seems reasonable to adcoms). You are not your disability, and you have a right to privacy regarding your medical history. </p>
<p>For some schools you may need to demonstrate readiness by completing a semester or two at a community college with good grades. Based on what you’ve shared about your HS transcript (and my impression that TSU is not that hard to get into), I think they will take you now. If not, go the community college route and reapply. I would ask the school about how to apply for scholarships and aid in your particular admissions situation. Good luck.</p>