Will they understand?

So in my 1st semester of my sophomore year I missed 3 weeks of school right before taking finals. The reason why I missed the finals and 3 weeks is because I was in the ICU for over a month due to a infection spreading to my brain. Being in the ICU for over a month was the worst experience I have ever had. Once I got back to school I had to make up the finals and the work I missed. I ended up with a gpa if 2.6 for my 1st semester. However on my 2nd semester i got a 3.6 gpa. Do you think colleges will understand why my gpa drop so low? I am still in recovery 10 months later.

That’s the sort of thing your guidance counselor would put front and center on her report. As a junior, now is a good time for you to start building a relationship with your counselor. Talking to her about your concerns is a great way to start.

There are also areas on college applications for you to explain special circumstances like this.

It sounds awful for you. Take care of yourself.

If it’s any consolation, next year your peers will be struggling to find interesting topics for their college essays.

Agreed, this is something you should specifically ask your guidance counselor to address in his/her recommendation. Best wishes for a complete recovery.