So the summer before freshman year I was diagnosed with lymphoma. I attended school as much as I could but later in the year I ended up relapsing and had to withdraw from school entirely. The next summer (before sophmore year) I went in for a bone marrow transplant and some radiation and I am now in remission. I started off the 10th grade fine but with a considerable amount of absences for obvious reasons. I still took honors an ap classes and performed well overall, though not what would be up to par in any other circumstance. I’m in junior year now and take ap lang and comp, us gov, and capstone seminar. My final grades for first semester were all A’s and although I have made it a goal to get all A’s 2nd semester, due to some related issues I’m not 100% sure it’ll happen. 3.7 GPA currently but thats with jacked up credits from when I missed school that I’m still in the process of fixing. I took the ACT and got a 27 (barely studied tbh) but I’m planning on a 31 the next time around. In addition to that I also fence and am the captain of my team for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I should add I received all my treatment at the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital through the University of Michigan health system, thus my dream of attending U of M. Sorry for the vague and rushed question, I’m just curious how my circumstances will affect my application? Not asking if they’ll accept me just because I had cancer, but does my medical history give a reasonable explanation for my academic record not being up to traditional U of M standards?
Is this your essay topic? It would be a very strong one that could help you get into U of M.
I don’t believe in strong topics- just strong writing
I think that this would be a very compelling essay topic. I also think that it is something your counselor should address in his/her letter of recommendation for you. Study up for your ACT, consider trying the SAT, and keep working hard.
I can guarantee that you won’t be accepted if you don’t apply, but if you apply, you’re at least giving yourself a chance. The worst they’ll say is “no”, but they might say “yes” (and I hope they do)!
Good luck - I wish you the best!