<p>First of all, thank you very much for taking time to read my looooong thread. :)</p>
<p>I am in an unusual situation, and I would like to hear some opinions. To summarize, I am an international student and suffer from an unknown illness (this probably hurt my chances to get into a top college); I'd like to know if do I still have a chance?</p>
<p>Here we go... When I was studying in a public school (9th grade) I got pretty sick in the beginning of the 2nd semester. I didn't want to stop studying, but it was awful. For none doctor knew what was going on, the majority of my teachers thought I was pretending to be sick and teased me. I rarely attended my classes, and it decreased my grades massively (of course, the fact I took the tests feeling terrible helped too). The principal said to my parents that I was just pretending and procrastinating, and if they didn't obligate me to go to school he'd denounce them because they were neglecting my education (? LOL). So, I quit. </p>
<p>Well, my life had became a mess in a blink of an eye. I was very weak and spent several days in bed. I am thirst for knowledge, and I was feeling extremely depressive. Therefore, I decided to spend my time learning something new. I LOVE English. However, my parents never could afford English classes for me. So, I decided to learn it by myself. When I was studying it, I was able to forget about all my problems; It was like a therapy. </p>
<p>I am kind of stubborn. I didn't give up and tried to go to school again. I started working as a freelancer translator and logo/merchandise designer on the Internet. I made some money, and my parents enrolled me in a small private school. Silly mistake! The selfsame thing happened (In addition, I was bullied). Murphy's law, maybe? haha
I looked for a solution, and I found a life-changing solution (at least to me). Online High Schools! Seriously, I had never heard about them. After tons of research, I chose the one I wanted to attend. However, I realized I didn't have money even to pay a 0.5-credit course. Then... <em>drum roll</em> I made TWO mistakes. First one, I enrolled in a program known as diploma mill. It was so easy that I felt ridiculous. Second mistake, I only provided proof of completing the eighth grade. I did mention I was attending another school in here, but I didn't want to transfer any credit. (1) Why? I L-O-V-E to learn, and I haven't learned almost anything in my previous schools. I was so happy to be able to study again, that I wanted to take as many classes as I could. Due to the quality, I quit. The next month I was feeling worse than ever, I thought I'd probably die that year. Then, I decided to
die happy LOL. I spent my savings and enrolled myself in my dream high school (as a transfer student from the previous one). I got only 2 credits from the first school. I asked one of my school's admission officers if they would accept me, but I didn't want to transfer the credits. I wanted to get all my credits from them, and they said it was ok. (2)</p>
<p>After a myriad of doctors, likely diseases, and medicines, my doctor called my parents tomorrow; She said she probably discovered what is going on. I am so excited! After three years, I'll be able to receive a treatment. Hence, I want to try to get into my dream college.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>School
I will graduate soon. I am taking the hardest and most challenging classes. My current GPA is 4.0 (unweighted).</p></li>
<li><p>SAT and SAT Subject Test - AP
I didn't take the SAT or any SAT Subject tests yet. I am planning on taking Literature, U.S. History, Math II, Biology, Spanish w/ Listening, and maybe Latin and Italian. I know it's too many, but I am passionate about languages. :P Will it look bad? </p></li>
</ul>
<p>I've been taking lots of practice tests. My average score on the SAT practice tests is 2300. My average score on the above SAT II practice tests is 750. I will take some Ap tests as well. I am expecting to get at least 4 on them, but I'm aiming for 5.</p>
<ul>
<li>ECs
That's another problem! I do not have any good Ecs because of my illness. I am a member of 4 clubs in school. All of them are about things I'm very interested in. I have leadership position in one. I have work experience, but I think they're not strong. I've been work as a freelance translator (I don't know if it counts, but I've translated a religious book), logo designer, and photographer. I helped my mom to start her business, and I have plans to start my own business in the next couple of months. I wish I had more time and health to do volunteering work. It's something that really pleases me. However, this is one of my weakest points. I taught English to kids who were victims of floods last year. I teach Portuguese for free (online). Every Christmas, I plan a party for humble children in a town. It lasts the entire day. It has seasonal food, lots of recreational things, and everyone gets a Christmas gift at the end. I am planning on creating a non-profit organization to help poor kids and teenagers with food allergies.<br></li>
</ul>
<p>If I graduate with my current GPA and get the expected grades on the standardized tests. Do you think I will have at least a small chance? I'd love advice on how to increase my chances.</p>
<p>My fears:
(1) I don't know if it's even allowed. I am afraid colleges will not accept my HS diploma. Does someone know if I messed it up?
2- Will this look bad for colleges? Since they didn't accept my previously earned credits, will I have to mention the "diploma mill" on my application? If yes, do you think this will hurt my chances?</p>
<p>Btw, I am 18 years old and 1st generation student. I speak Portuguese, English, and Spanish. I'm self studying Italian and Latin. Intended major: Neuroscience or Linguistics.</p>
<p>Thanks again! It means a lot to me :)</p>