<p>I had an excellent record in HS (3.9 uw/4.6 weighted, 4/600 rank, 1430 SAT) but encountered two bipolar episodes after graduation (medically documented, if that helps). I would now be a 22 year old freshman next fall, which is perfectly fine with me but perhaps a bit too unconventional for private schools. Is it now pretty much impossible for me to get accepted into one of the three small liberal arts schools of my dreams?</p>
<p>Where you able to work are do other things? You never want to tell a college you suffered from a mental illnes.</p>
<p>You can get into all of the schools if you have been doing other things besides spending time in hospitals. Like Bobby100 says, the schools will think twice about letting you in if they think your medical condition might cause you to "go off the deep end" while at their schools.</p>
<p>I would stay away from discussing your medical situation unless necessary. Instead focus on your family situational issues and just talk about what you hope to accomplish as a result of getting through college.</p>
<p>P.S. If you think this medical condition might still affect you in college, get it straightened out first. You want to be able to completely focus on your school work, and not get sidetracked or despondent for medical reasons.</p>
<p>Best of luck.</p>