<p>I've briefly mentioned this in some of my other posts, but now I'd like to address it directly. The situation has me very worried, and I'd like opinions that anyone might have for me.</p>
<p>The summer before my freshman year I became ill and it turned out to be a chronic illness. Right off I had a bad start. My grades were suffering and I went on to start seeing a neurologist. Being that she was also a child advocate, she told us that being that this was a chronic illness, the district was legally bound to set up a 504 Plan for me since this was a public high school. We approached my school about it and they really didn't respond or say much to it. The neurologist could not localize the illness so I was sent to a pain management clinic to work through it. A psychologist there was also a child advocate and really pushed a 504 Plan for me. So, we approaced the school and met with some individuals from the district. They didn't really say much other than no. We pressed on but for the next year, they rejected it. They refused to help me out saying that I was not chronically ill and basically told me that I was not really ill at all. I had teachers making rude remarks to me and to classes when I was not there. They rejected all notes from my doctors and it wasn't until second semester of my sophomore year (a year and a half later) that they agreed to <em>test</em> me. Basically my grades did a nosedive. I was getting around a 3.0 which for me, is not where I would have liked to be at. </p>
<p>I switched schools for a semester but found that I was too far behind and that in order to graduate on time I needed to get healthy and take things into my own hands. So I began doing independent study and I've gotten healthier as time goes on which is good. My grades are also improving.</p>
<p>I have gotten someone from my first high school, my old guidance counselor, agree to write a letter to the schools I apply to explaining the situation. He was on my side most of the time, but due to his lack of power, he really had no say. A doctor from the pain management clinic has also agreed to write a letter. My question is, will that help me out? Or no? I would really like to go to a place like UW-Madison (I live in Wisconsin), but I know that my grades just aren't there. Someone advised that I get these letters and send them in to the schools I apply to, but I feel like that might hinder my chances. I realize that a place like UW would be a reach for me, and will definitely apply to other schools that I feel more safe at getting into. Any feedback on this would be helpful.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>