<p>i am a senior in highschool applying to college from a theraputic boarding school
during my junior year i had a drug problem and got sent to a theraputic boarding school
i did very well in the program and am going to graduate from my home school </p>
<p>how do i address this on my college app? should i include this expierence in any of my essays? will it affect my chances of getting in?</p>
<p>i got a 22 on the act and have a 3.5 average gpa and im applying to semi to more selctive schools.</p>
<p>First of all, I don’t want to sound too pessimistic, but your ACT score is way low, and your GPA is below average. To get into most selective schools, you’ll need to get at least 29 on your ACT and your GPA should be about 3.7 ish, unweighted. (My friend got into NYU and U of Michigan with 3.8 GPA and 29 on his ACT)</p>
<p>Yes, it will affect your chances of getting in, but, if you can explain what you’ve learned and what you’ve done to surmount your dilemma, then the admissions committee could be convinced and accept you.</p>
<p>Okay, first of all, they said they were applying to semi/more selective schools, not most selective schools. The ACT score is not WAY low. Also, who says the GPA is below average? My gpa was a 3.38 UW and I’m at Cornell, a most selective school, now. GPA varies greatly by school. That is not to say the applicant should apply to all top schools, but let’s put things in a more accurate perspective now…</p>
<p>I’m of the opinion that any issues should be addressed head on. For sure, your guidance counselor should talk about it in his / her letter, and note how you have adapted and thrived on your return. I think you should either address it in your essay, or in the “additional information” section of the common app. The fact that you went through adversity and came through it a better person is very compelling. I would also suggest asking the therapeutic boarding school for advice on this; i’m sure they must address the question alot for their students.</p>