Over 100 Unexcused Absenses

Applying to College
1

<p>Yikes. Just reading the title hurts, eh? Haha.</p>

<p>My dream is Johns Hopkins/Yale to be an oncologist one day, but getting in to college is the most important thing. I’m an international student (Canadaaaa) so my chances will be smaller, but I won’t let any of that affect me… until I recently heard about my absences.</p>

<h1>1. Do Ivy Leagues look at your attendance?</h1>

<p>I keep on hearing mixed things about this, so please give me a legitimate answer!</p>

<h1>2.</h1>

<p>I often have migraines in the morning. I’m a very sensitive sleeper. Too much sleep (even by an hour), or too little will make me really dizzy in the morning. Here’s why my absences are unexcused though.
My mom leaves for work even before I wake up, so who is there to call to the school saying I won’t make it for first block? No one, because I’m not allowed to excuse myself. After the day is over, I can’t ‘unexcuse’ myself either. I tried telling my counsellor but she just told me to go see a doctor if it persists, however, this isn’t a medical condition. It’s just part of my body and lifestyle I can’t get rid of. Which sucks.</p>

<h1>3. My grades</h1>

<p>I have high A’s (all over 90%, but my strings, math, english are all 100% or 99%), although I’m in Grade 10 right now I’m taking 4 grade 11 courses, all scoring over 90%, and next year I’ll have 6 grade 12 courses and by my senior year, I’ll have all AP courses except for spanish and strings, in which we don’t offer AP. As you can probably tell, I’m graduating with almost twice as many credits as I need. I’ve gotten honour roll distinctions (89.5% or higher) and I’m in the top 60 of my grade (or at least I know 61 kids got distinction out of 300 and I’m one of them).</p>

<h1>4 Extra-curric</h1>

<p>I’m part of the snowboard team and placed fourth in a race (does this count on my resume?), I’m a 2nd dan kendoka and hopefully 3rd by the time I graduate, I volunteer at Kumon and my local Childrens Hospital, and I also volunteer at my local mountain for snowboarding. I am also a certified snowboard instructor.
I’m part of my MUN club, and during the winter I’m on the snowboard team. During the spring I’m on the tennis team. I play in two different orchestra, one is a provincial orchestra, and the other is a city orchestra. I plan on getting a couple of RCM’s done as well (IF I ONLY KNEW WHAT THEY WERE SOONER!! <em>rages</em>)</p>

<h1>5 Attendance</h1>

<p>In gr. 8 I had almost no absences (maybe 5 excused in total). In grade 9 I had 40 excused, 3 unexcused (lots of things were happening back home and I had to go back), and this year I have like 20 unexcused.</p>

<p>so looking at all this, do you think with good rec. letters, SAT’s, and constant A’s with lots of volunteer and a good resume/transcript they’ll overlook it? or do they not look at it at all? or am I completely screwed?</p>

<p>Sorry for the weird language/spelling/etc. I’ve been so anxious about this I can’t sleep T^T</p>

2

<p>Wow, that’s kind of…impressive, haha. To answer your question, no, I don’t believe schools see your attendance records unless it also appears on your official transcript. If your guidance counselor does not address it and neither do you, I don’t think they’d be any the wiser. I don’t know for sure, though, since 100 absences is a pretty significant amount and I feel like if you continue to miss the same amount of school in the future, it’ll reflect in your recommendation letters that you aren’t in class very often. If your migraines are debilitating enough to prevent you from getting to school, I’d definitely get it checked out. </p>

<p>Good luck! </p>

3

<p>

You’re getting frequent headaches in the morning…and it’s preventing you from attending school. 100 unexcused absences is not normal.</p>

<p>You have no idea that “this isn’t a medical condition.” See a physician for a full diagnostic work-up. Headaches can be associated with a number of different medical conditions – some benign, others quite serious.</p>

4

<p>Haha I don’t know if you guys have read the entire thing but I’ve probably had 100 absences in TOTAL, but more than half are excused. The title was just to catch your eye ;)</p>

<p>Um, I have very severe um uhh once in a month problems that you’re probably not interested in. That takes a huge portion of my poor life away. It’s normal for my body. I got a checkup. There are no medical conditions. I’m just a very sensitive kiddo!!</p>

<p>When I asked teachers for rec. letters (we had to collect a few for our planning class), they didn’t even look at my attendance -_-</p>

<p>ty for the replies.</p>

5

<p>What will be of interest to colleges is whether your health problems will impact your academic performance/involvement in college.
If the absences aren’t on your transcript, and haven’t impacted your academic performance as indicated by the grades on your transcript, then you’re good to go.
However, you need to get a handle on your health problems before you land on campus. In college, there is no difference between excused/unexcused absences–there are just absences. Many professors have an attendance policy and/or class participation policy (as in you don’t get points for participating if you are not present in class) and absences can have a huge detrimental effect on your grade. They really don’t care what your excuse for missing class might be–whether you have a migraine, or the flu, or a paper to complete for another class, or were out too late the night before–an absence is an absence.</p>

6

<p>First, you should see a doctor again and make it clear the degree to which this is interfering with your life. Try a different doctor.
Second, I’m surprised you are passing. This number of absences would automatically fail you in our school, and your parents would be hauled into court to explain your truancy.<br>
Third, what kind of excuse is your mom left for work already. That wouldn’t fly at our school. Doesn’t mom have a cell phone? Why can’t anyone call in your absence? Aren’t you also required to bring in a note the following day–where are all the notes?</p>

7

<p>Your chances are less than zero because if your honesty in this thread, starting with the misleading title, is any indication of how you conduct yourself in real life and/or your college applications, Yale/JHU will spot you in 10 seconds. If by chance, you make it to medical school, they’ll likely spot your capacity for shading the truth and excuse making and you’ll be kicked out for unethical behavior, or for behavior that endangers the lives of patients.</p>

<p>You might think you’re cute with such behavior, but the adult world will quickly tire of it.</p>

8

<p>Please don’t become an oncologist, if you call in sick every day no hospital will want you. </p>

9

<p>Actually my kids missed anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 of their days in HS. Most of the absences were “unexcused,” as the school ignored notes from the MD. Their absences were due to medical issues but they got into an excellent U and didn’t have attendance issues in college (early mornings were a huge issue for them). </p>

<p>Best of luck to you!</p>

10

<p>I’d recommend going back to the doctor as well about your health issues to see if there’s anything you can try to at least alleviate the symptoms, even if they can’t give you a specific diagnosis. Perhaps, you should see a specialist, rather than a primary care physician. Or try a different doctor to get a second opinion. Regardless of how sensitive you are, if it’s so severe that it’s interfering regularly with school, then it’s going to keep interfering with school in college, in medical school, and at your job. Missing mornings regularly and missing several days every month isn’t going to be great in any scenario, especially if you don’t have any medical documentation and you tell people you’re just “sensitive.”</p>

<p>Also, if you can get medical documentation, you’ll likely be able to register with your school’s disability services center, which may be able to give you accommodations like priority registration so you can avoid morning classes and such. I don’t know how medical schools would handle issues like this, but it’s worth looking into when (and if) you apply.</p>

11

<p>Either your doctor is incompetent, or you didn’t pay attention to what the doctor said.</p>

<p>Go back to your doctor (or get a new one). Migraines that lay you flat every month are something that need to be looked into. And if you have severe “once a month problems” that are fairly common for young women, there are effective therapies for those as well. Starting with over the counter medications, and moving up through multiple different options for prescription medications. Ask about that while you are with your old/new doctor as well.</p>

12

<ol>
<li><p>Apologies for the misleading title then. I didn’t think it’d be a big issue :P</p></li>
<li><p>To whoever said: ‘Please don’t become an oncologist, if you call in sick every day no hospital will want you.’
I have three jobs I voluntarily work at. Kumon, as a snowboard instructor, and at the Childrens Hospital. I’ve missed work TWO times. First time was because I was training in Whistler for a competition, and second time was when I was actually racing. I understand school is a commitment, and I sincerely try my hardest to always attend, as I do with work. </p></li>
<li><p>Thank you to everyone who has replied to this thread. Yes, I do get good grades. It’s weird for me to say this myself, but I work really hard… if ordinary people understand a passage after reading it five times, it takes me 10, maybe even 20 times to get it. I’ve been a naturally slow learning (and no, this is not a medical thing as well so please don’t comment on this part. My sister has been naturally gifted, and I unfortunately, have not been).</p></li>
</ol>

<p>I think everyone’s insight has inspired me to just bite my tongue and go to school. My doctor is very reliable, I know she is. She’s my best friend’s mother and she’s been my doctor for the past 11 years.</p>

<p>The only other ‘excuse’ I can come up with is probably stress. I’m a really sensitive kid, I cry over the littlest things (haha) but at the same time I’m a perfectionist. I’ve had a lot of bad things happen to the people around me (thus the 40 excused absences last year), and this reason is also the inspiration for me to become an oncologist.</p>

<p>The other thing is, I burn off everything by sports, kendo and snowboarding. My anger, my sadness, stress… but because of a tight schedule, I haven’t been able to play kendo for more than a year (the closest dojo is 40 mins away!!) which makes me sad…</p>

<p>I intend to be perfectly honest and true on my resume when I send in my applications to Yale/JHU. I want to get in with MY abilities, MY experiences, and not anyone else’s. Because what’s the point if I make up a half-assed story and get it? Nothing.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>I just checked with the school about my absences… they told me it’s not 100 days I’ve missed, it’s around 20-30 CLASSES I’ve missed and were unexcused. The misleading title was also due to my nerves (as I said on the first post, I was extremely anxious) if that helps. If it doesn’t, oh well.
Do you have to put your absences on your transcript? Or is it different by school?</p></li>
<li><p>Based on the days of my absences, it’s always been on <em>ahem</em> tmi coming along: my period. I mean, it’s hard to explain it here but there are some things that doctor’s can’t diagnose!! I’ve been given medication for it, told to stay hydrated, etc etc, but really, as funny as this may sound, combine this and my occasional migraines and you have a student that seems pretty ill (and for the last freaking time IT’S NOT A MEDICAL CONDITION. Yes, I have seen other doctors, physicians, etc and I’m perfectly healthy 99% of the time. It’s just that day of the month, plus a couple in between).</p></li>
</ol>

<p>If it helps, my mother also had a weak body.</p>

<p>I know colleges don’t care. That’s why I’m looking for lots of solutions! (Term 2 is almost over but I have different plans for Term 3 :wink: )</p>

<p>Sorry for this extremely long post but I’d like to reply to all of them.</p>

<p>boyx3: yes, yes. I understand. I’ve heard about this from my university friends!
mathyone: My dad’s a pilot so he’s never here. As for my mom, she works at a no-phone area and all emergency calls go to my best friend’s mother. If we have to contact her, we need to call her workplace.
MrMon62: Apologies for the misleading title. Please don’t judge me because of one thing I’ve said. I don’t do it to act cute, and I don’t find it amusing. I was anxious, really believed I had 100 unexcused absences stacked up, and was worried whether or not my work would be in vain because of my health.
Mandalorian: Again, I’ve missed 2 days of work in total. I am committed to the things I do. If other peoples lives are in my hands, I will try my absolute best without hindering my performance.
HImom: Thank you very much!
baktrax: yes,yes I understand. Thank you for your input!
happymomof1: I’ve been to one of those ‘therapies’. #1, they don’t work. #2, they are so time consuming for the results they produced. #3, I’m planning to look into a different solution. But haha, thank you for your input.</p>

<p>Thanks very much everyone!!</p>

13

<p>OP, you have a lot of excuses. You are healthy enough for the activities you enjoy, just not getting to school on time. My children’s absences are noted on their transcripts. Teachers note it too, like when there is a ‘senior skip day’ and only 3-4 seniors show up for classes, they are more likely to excuse a late assignment from a dedicated student than from one who ALWAYS has an excuse. Believe me, two of those kids sitting in class, on time,are mine. If you can’t make it to first period, rearrange your schedule. take online classes. Take a study hall. It doesn’t matter that you have 100% on every assignment; part of school is being there, showing up, participating. If you don’t want that, go to an online school where you don’t have to show up.</p>

<p>I worked for a company and we had 10 sick days per year. One of the assistants used exactly 10 per year, and it was noted on her performance review. It indicated she wasn’t dedicated (she wasn’t). It affected her raises and promotions. I know a lot of adults who are sick all the time, and yes, they missed school all the time too when they were younger. They just aren’t tough. If it is up to me, I don’t hire them. I don’t donate my leave time to them (like I might to a co-worker with a documented illness). I don’t want to work on projects with them.</p>

<p>Your post was to ask if it is a problem and the answer is yes. Will top colleges care? I think they will, especially if they have application reviewers who look for teamwork and dedication. </p>

14

<p>Yeah, this story doesn’t add up, but here’s a rude gesture also to the Protestant work ethic. Hitting someone on their performance review for enjoying the use of their sick days- the idea of it! </p>

<p>Something doesn’t make sense about this story. Feeling awful unless you get the exact right amount of sleep each night is not normal and should be under medical attention. If there’s no effective treatment, that’s one thing, but a doctor can still confirm what you experience and try to figure out why, which can help you achieve your goals in life- by the way, even if you do have a condition, you will probably not ever be able to get a job with anyone too caught up in the ideology of regular hours. (I oppose that ideology; flexibility is a powerful thing and can be extended, to great effect, with a few minor adjustments). </p>

<p>But the fact that there’s no medical attention on what’s going on with you strikes me as… odd. I think there is more to this story. There are lots of reasons to be like me- chronically late, marginally motivated, still managing to pull off a top performance most of the time anyway. In my case, it is an elaborate maze of soul-crushing depression, a little bit of arrogance, a little bit of non-arrogant disregard for regulations that are being enforced due to their existence rather than their merits, and just not having a very conscientious, well-organized personality type. I feel like what is going on with you is more likely to be that. </p>

<p>I have no idea if or how this will impact your college admission options, but it will <em>most certainly</em> affect the rest of your life. Carefully examine whether you really want to bear this cross your whole life. Chances are, it’s really not worth it, and you should be scrapping with all your might to alter this pattern you’ve established. One method that would occur to me is setting up a very carefully scheduled and regulated life, including dietary and exercise regimens to help you get tired at the right time, a sleep aid if you’re not falling asleep when you need to fall asleep, and a regular, every-day wakeup call. </p>

<p>It’s a shame we don’t live in a world that supports you living your life the way that makes sense to you, but we don’t. There may be reasons for that, and whether or not there are good ones, it could badly mess up your life. Sorry for all the mixed messages and good luck. </p>

15

<p>Most schools aren’t going to care if you attend class Accomplishments matter, and it sounds like you’ve got them. You are by no means screwed.</p>

16

<p>Yes, some hs note attendance on transcripts. And yes an adcom can notice and flag it. Not what you wanted to hear. But when you want to run with the big boys, you gotta play by the same rules. It’s not all about grades; and the snowboarding and other activities are not hooks.</p>

<p>Even if your hs doesn’t note attendance, one of your letter writers could comment on the inconsistency. Often, they have subtle ways of conveying this. There is a lot of competition among Canadian kids for limited spots at places like JHU and Yale. </p>

<p>You need to tackle this issue of absences. Not go on and on about why it is, what it is, who works where, what you can’t do about it, whether it’s 100 or 50 or whatever. Adcoms can pick up on “attitude.” </p>

<p>And, in college, you will have to attend classes to perform well and get your school med committee to endorse you. This isn’t about how you operate * in your high school* despite missing class. It’s about forming your attitude to accomplish what needs to be done. What will you do if you have this problem and premed classes are early in the morning or you get PMS? Or someday are a med student, resident or doctor and have 5am calls?</p>

<p>If you have a disability, get it documented. But be realistic. Good luck, but you have something to tackle here.</p>

17

<p>Just because the doctor is a family friend doesn’t mean you’re getting the best care you could be. And how about adjusting your schedule so that you wake up before mom leaves for work. Then you can get your excuses if you need them. Doctors have to keep incredibly crazy hours and if you cannot even adjust to your mom’s wake up time then maybe you need to consider whether you are physically able to do that job. Might as well find out now.</p>

18

<p>Thanks for your input everyone! I don’t have much more to say… I’m trying my best to get healthier and better from now on but I’d just like to thank all those parents and students with their input. Attendance has always been my biggest worry but I guess it’s just me who had to be realistic :/</p>

<p>aand if anyone is curious my hs does not have attendance on its transcript. Only the first term of Gr. 12 (because they have to send in T1’s RC)</p>

<p>Thanks again.</p>

19

<p>Here is the thing: Nothing is official until it is written down. My advice is to learn whether or not your HS marks down attendance on your transcript, your educational record, or neither. Attendance for public schools is just to prove to the government how many students they taught so the teachers can get paid accordingly. This is why they are marked for every absence that is unexcused. Private schools like yours, however, don’t normally have that. If your school “marks” you absence, but doesn’t mark it on your official transcript or educational report, then there is no harm IMMEDIATELY. S’all good, right?</p>

<p>The reason for the caps-lock on immediately is for one of two reasons.

  1. If the school doesn’t mark every absence on the school report but marks “milestone” absences (i.e 10 absences, 100 absences, 200, 300 etc), then you need to clarify with your school what is the EXACT number of absences you can have before receiving punishment. If those absences translate into something like an in-school suspension or multiple detentions and notes on your transcript/educational record, then those marks are what the college will see and then its game over. The most important thing is to know exactly which documents go to the colleges and how many absences can you have without changing the status of those documents. As for attendance, I think you’re fine because of the state of your current app.</p>

<ol>
<li>Teachers notice things. HS isn’t like college in terms of attendance. In HS, teachers expect you to attend regardless of the grade in their class. You should make it a point to attend all classes because they have a power over your college application in the form of the teacher recommendation. If you don’t show up to your biology class or chemistry class, then those teachers won’t write you a letter of recommendation (crucial letters of recommendation to have for an aspiring oncologist). In addition, if you have an excuse for every single time you’re absent, then they will probably be even less sympathetic towards you when you need that letter for a college. Not to be harsh, but no one gives a **** if you have a migraine or not, you’re expected to attend school unless you have medical proof or parent consent to not attend. Just get up and deal with it. Take some aspirin or ibuprofen, just whatever it takes to get to class on time. </li>
</ol>