<p>I am currently a part-time student at Monroe Community College. I started off college at Wake Forest University. I was ranked in the top 10% of my graduating high school class in 2010 and had an SAT score of 1770. I had multiple leadership position in high school and had solid application essays. Initially, I was doing very well in my first semester at Wake Forest University, but I ultimately had to take a medical withdrawal as a result of a manic episode (diagnosed with Bipolar disorder). I ended up coming back home to Rochester,NY and enrolled at Monroe Community College for the Spring 2011 semester. I took two classes and got an ‘A’ in both classes. The following semester, Fall 2011, I took a full course load of 16 credits. I completed the semester with a 3.8 GPA and made the dean’s list. This semester also helped me to achieve honors status (known as Phi Theta Kappa). The following semester, Spring 2012, I once again enrolled full time at my community college but ultimately had to take a second medical withdrawal due to another manic episode. This semester, I am only registered part-time along with receiving therapy on a regular basis. I have gotten letters from Cornell University encouraging me to apply as a transfer. It would be a dream come true to attend Cornell University. Ultimately, I would like to know what my chances are at getting accepted into Cornell. Would they hold it against me that I had to take medical withdrawals or the fact that I have had two part time semesters? Also, what other highly selective universities would I have a chance at getting accepted into? Colleges I have already gotten accepted into as a transfer include SUNY Geneseo and The University at Buffalo (UB).</p>
<p>I doubt very much that Cornell, or any other school for that matter, could justify holding your health issues against you. So, I’d set that concern aside to focus on the things you can handle/control.</p>
<p>First, you’ll have to create a game plan for addressing each piece of your application. Your goal should be to, at the least, get into the Cornell range for each piece. For example, if your SAT isn’t in range, decide on whether or not you want to retake it. If your GPA is in range, great. Move on.</p>
<p>Second, you’ll have to figure out how relevant your high school record is. How long have you been out? If it’s less than five years, you can highlight your high school record as a testament to your abilities. If it’s been more than five years, generally speaking, you’re not going to need to address it as much.</p>
<p>Last, start working on your essays as soon as possible. Like, yesterday. You’ve got a story that has to come across a certain way for you to be successful. You need to reflect on what that’ll end up looking like.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>