<p>So I’m 20 years-old, an aspiring biology major, but finished 1 year of school so far (but everything was completely unrelated to my now-intended major, so I don’t know how useful that is). I’m in a strange situation so I’m wondering if someone infinitely wiser than myself would be willing to give a bit of advice.</p>
<p>Immediately after high school in fall 2010 I begin college at a small, private, liberal arts school 2500 miles away from where I lived. I completed the year with a 3.5 GPA but decided not to return for a number of reasons (although I really did like the school), but primarily because of cost. I decided to try my local state university because it was essentially free. I intended to stat in the fall of 2011 but ended up sick instead so I withdrew within the first week of classes (so none of that is on my transcript at all). Spring 2012 rolls around, I actually attend classes for 5 weeks, end up sick again, and attained a medical withdrawal. After all this I decided that I needed some time off school (and to make sure there would be no more sudden trips to the hospital) so in August 2012 I packed my things and began working as an “au pair” in Germany, which I am still currently doing. </p>
<p>I am thinking of returning to school either in the fall of 2013 or 2014, depending if I decide to stay another year in Germany or not. I suppose I’m wondering if I even have a chance getting accepted into a decent school somewhere with my kind of history. And I’m a good student, but my test scores from high school were never SPECTACULAR, I had a 30 on my ACT (and currently have a 3.5 college GPA). But especially since my hospital stays were all mental-health related, I fear that I might be put on some kind of black list; not literally, of course, but as soon as that comes up (what other reason would someone spend 10 months in the hospital?) I’m sure I’ll be automatically dismissed from most schools. I just want to go to a school better than my state university–where I had to spend an entire 3-hour chemistry lab learning how to use a beaker (and this wasn’t even chem 101!)–without ending up $50,000 in debt. Honestly, I don’t even know where to start looking… or where I would get recommendations… or if I even have a chance at this point.</p>
<p>So, um, thanks for taking the time to read this…</p>
<p>I am not sure you have to explain… just saying you took a year off for medical leave, and then spent a year as an au pair in Germany should be enough. I think they are not legally allowed to ask for details. If someone asks in an interview, I would just say, “I had to withdraw for medical reasons, but am healthy now and ready to go back to school.”. And leave it at that.</p>
<p>I think with a good GPA (which you have) from a good school, you have a decent chance of getting in as a transfer student. And your credits will probably apply to some general distribution requirements even though they are not bio related. What you may have trouble with is getting any merit based financial aid if you are looking for that. That is much more likely to be awarded to freshman (although I did notice an LAC that had a specific merit transfer scholarship on their website recently, so it is worth visiting the college websites to see what is available). You should probably check whether your state has reciprocity with any others to see whether a better state university is an inexpensive option for you, too. Or maybe you have more than one option in-state. Good luck!</p>
<p>Regarding the recommendations, I would stretch back to your college experience at the LAC and email a couple of profs there. Yes, it is a long time ago. Explain to them that you took a year of medical leave and then a gap year in Germany, and ask if they can help you. It is really probably all you can do if you need teacher recommendations to transfer. Unless your high school can also send copies of the HS recommendations done 3 years ago (although I do not know if a college will accept those – but you can ask the colleges you are applying to).</p>
<p>I don’t think you will be blacklisted. You were sick. There is no shame in being sick. I think that the explanation of being sick and then working in Germany is all you will need.</p>
<p>If you liked the first school you attended you should contact the admissions office there and see if it is possible for you to return and get some financial aid. You can also call other LAC to see if there are programs for transfer students. An ACT score of 30 and a GPA of 3.5 is a good academic record. Your path may be different but that does not mean you cannot attend school.</p>
<p>Do you have parents or other family to help you sort this out?</p>