<p>Before I say anything, if I posted this in the wrong place I apologize. But recently (Nov. 20) I was diagnosed with cancer. I had submitted my applications (from a CC) the 8/9th of Nov. so the schools no nothing about this. By no means am I trying to use this as an advantage to get into any schools or anything but a few friends and relatives are insisting that it would be a good idea if i told the schools my situation.</p>
<p>It looks like i’m gonna have to stay local if I want to continue with school but I already applied to 8 schools (UC’s and CSU’s). I know that the schools that I applied to have a strict no refund policy which I completely understand so I don’t expect them to refund any money. So with that in mind, i guess my questions are the following: should I do or say anything? should i even bother asking for refunds for the distant schools? </p>
<p>Any other comment or anything would really be appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>A little bit about me:
20 yrs old, Saddleback College
Engineering major (civil), 2.94 transferable GPA
All prereqs are done (except diff eqs and optics/relativity… I am enrolled but don’t know if I am gonna be able to take them spring semester)
IGETC and CSU certified
I have a few EC’s but they don’t really mean much since I have a low GPA (I did mention them in my UC apps tho)
Diagnosed Nov. 20 with Papillary Thyroid Cancer (I know I shouldn’t use this as an excuse, but it really didn’t help the concentration and studying… fall GPA: 2.90)</p>
<p>You should definitely inform the schools about this and its effect on your fall GPA, as long as you feel comfortable doing that. I can think of few situations where a more legitimate ‘addendum’ to an application based on extenuating circumstances can exist. If you do want your money back, there is no harm in asking for a refund. But, depending on the situation medically and emotionally, also think about the value of keeping your options open. </p>
<p>God bless you–I hope you have a full recovery.</p>
<p>Even though I’m a fellow cancer survivor, and can empathize in some ways…most of us cannot begin to imagine what it must be like to face this at your young age. So after the intial period where you heard the “C” word for the first time (I know how scary that was!)…let’s try and spin this.</p>
<p>The prognosis is good, and distant metastasis is rare. But of course you’ll be undergoing difficult treatment. Is this cancer treated by chemo? If so, consider a semester off. Everyone doesn’t behave the same, but…it CAN be debillitating for periods long enough that you could not attend class, study, test. If not…then let’s move forward.</p>
<p>DO go ahead and ask for refunds if you are certain you cannot/will not accept out of state offers. There will be SOME people at the other end of the letter…rules CAN (but may not) be broken. Include your statement of diagnosis from your doctor. </p>
<p>DO take another view of this…Start looking for scholarships for cancer patients…they’re out there!</p>
<p>Do realize that, while this is a horrid setback…you WILL get through it. If you’re asking if you should notify college because you think it will help you in admissions?..I’m not sure I get that part of the question. But, many schools would LOVE to admit someone who overcame such a huge obstacle. But…they’re also going to need to know if you’re going to be able to attend next year. So you can update them, in that you’re advising them of your situation but expect to have completed treatment by then. That way you won’t feel you’re withholding information, AND letting them know you’re dealing with something more important right now, but that you fully intend to matriculate in the Fall (if that’s what you intend). Whatever you do - best of luck and hang in there through these next few hard winter months. It will be “better” soon.</p>
<p>Thanks you guys, seriously that’s very nice of you. But its not all bad news, the cancer hasn’t metastasized past the near lymph nodes, no chemo or external radiation (i have to do the I 131 radioactive iodine), and i’m undergoing surgery Dec. 31… so I should be able attend class on the first day (its gonna be rough until I find the right thyroid hormones and iodine levels) but very do able. </p>
<p>Any other replies or comments would be really appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>I have survived papillary twice (uggh), two throat surgery and the radioactive iodine overnight routine, the pill the other time. I’ll keep you in my prayers!! It is a slow growing cancer; the everyday synthyroid is a pain but it is sometimes much more stressful than anything else. Try to stay calm it helps. :)</p>
<p>One of my friends got thyroid cancer when she was a college senior. She is now a very healthy, happy 52-years-old. :)</p>
<p>You have nothing to lose by sending the colleges documentation of your illness, and asking for a refund. I also suggest letting colleges know about your illness adn how it impacted your grades.</p>
<p>I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2006. I was attempting to complete a little associated degree just to get a job. I dropped out and can’t find a job anyway. Knowing I have cancer affects you and makes it difficult to concentrate. I feel your pain. I am 51 years old. Pick yourself up and get back in there and get that degree. Go to the nearest university and apply. The name on the diploma does not mean a thing in the real world. It is all about what you do with it after you graduate. Look at the graduation rate of the statue university and check out the percentage of students passing the EIT.
After you get you pass the EIT you are on equal footing with everyone, no matter what universities name is on the diploma. After you get your PE license no one will care what college you graduated from. Go through the treatment for the cancer, you will live for another 30+ years.</p>
<p>That’s terrible pal, I’m so sorry for your misfortune. </p>
<p>I’ve read somewhere that the Acai berry helps fight cancer. I’m not suggesting try it in lieu of your prescribed treatment, but it probably wouldn’t hurt to try it in addition. Maybe you’re already familiar with this but most people are so so I thought I’d tell you. Best wishes.</p>
<p>Lmendoza: sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I am a thyroid papillary carcinoma survivor, diagnosed in 2006. Fortunately, it is a very slow growth cancer and highly treatable. The radioactive iodine ablation is not bad. Just be prepared to feel lethargic and with no energy while the synthroid dose gets adjusted. Hopefully you will be back to near normal within 6 months. Keeping you in my prayers.</p>