<p>I am considering transferring to an online high school for my senior year, but am concerned that doing so could be detrimental to my chances of admission to top colleges I've been working towards becoming a qualified applicant for since the 8th grade. I go to a prestigious, academically intense private day school that I LOVE and have flourished at the entire time. It is considered to be a "pipeline" to the Ivies. I wouldn't be leaving due to unhappiness there or any sort of dissatisfaction, quite the contrary. It's been an awesome experience in every way. I have a rare endocrine disorder called Addison's Disease that really compromises my immune system and has caused me to miss a substantial amount of school. I've been able to maintain a 4.0 uw GPA but it's been enormously stressful and taken a lot of cooperation from my teachers with extended deadlines and such. I had gotten better but then just got really sick again last month. Basically my life comes to a standstill when that happens. Going to school online would allow me to work more at my own pace, and when my immune system is especially fragile I wouldn't have to worry about picking up germs at school. The other upside of it is that it would allow me more time to pursue my passions in the arts. I'm submitting the arts supplement for my painting and dance portfolios. I also am a singer / songwriter and a partner on YouTube, and I am listing the link on my applications since it counts as work experience. </p>
<p>My school is partnered with an online school, and my mom has also contacted another online school about being admitted there for this year. They rarely ever admit anyone into the 12th grade, so we'll have to wait and see about their decision.</p>
<p>I'm just really nervous that transferring this late will have a negative impact on my admissions chances. I'm wanting to apply to Stanford, Berkeley, UCLA, Princeton, Brown, and USC. </p>
<p>Transferring to an online school won’t have a negative impact given your circumstances. Make sure that you communicate your reasons for doing so through your college apps. Normally, I would suggest against online school (having taken a handful of online classes and found them to be practically useless), but you have a legitimate reason to take online classes.
Best of luck with whatever you decide to do! Btw, I like your icon haha. </p>
<p>Has anyone happened to mention that President Kennedy also had Addison’s disease, but it was a well-guarded secret? Imagine trying to do that job under those conditions! Best of luck during this upcoming year.</p>
<p>My brother did his entire senior year online (which consisted of I believe 4 courses, 3 being AP) because of his involvement with music. His junior year he missed 30 days of school do to it and had lots of problems with uncooperative teachers (its really good that yours accommodated you). It did not affect him negatively at all. He got in everywhere he applied, both conservatories and universities, and got some very big merit scholarships. There are definitely people who online schooling is built perfectly for and you sound like you fit that category. Good luck and hope you stay well!</p>
<p>@wordworker Ha, yep, when I was diagnosed with Addison’s my endocrinologist told me about JFK having it throughout his presidency during her pep talk. :)</p>
<p>Thankfully treatment has progressed since his time. I can’t imagine being president with Addison’s back then!!! Hopefully I’ll be in sturdier health by the time I start college. Adults with Addison’s tend to have more stable health than adolescents because their medication dosage remains more consistent. Health issues sort of caused me to be a delayed bloomer, so I’m still very underweight and narrow-framed for my age and height (I’m a tall, skinny string bean of a girl, haha). I’m going try to plump up a little this year to a reasonable weight and become healthier so I can take on college with gusto. </p>
<p>Thanks everyone for your responses! They made me feel better. :)</p>