I completely understand what you’re saying, lookingforward. I was wondering, however, if explaining to colleges a few things might clear my situation up a little: I go to a highly competitive high school in which my GPA is still among the top 10-15% of the class unweighted, and in the top 5% weighted. In terms of the ECs, MYOS1634 is correct in their identification that most of my ECs are done from home. The research is primarily over the summer, during which I have more time on my hands, and most of the data analysis here, too, is done from home. Aspects of my education like seeking out additional help for challenging topics after school, being present in class in the first place instead of with my parent, and being able to wedge in studying and ECs between my family commitments are the things that have really taken a hit because of the illness. There is a reason I do not participate actively in after-school clubs or competitions: these require me to be away from home.
Is there a way to establish this in my application without making it seem as though I will not be able to be away from home for college? I have already made arrangements with my family to take care of this.