The end of the road?

Paying for College
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I am currently a senior at a major university in Texas. I graduated from high school in 2005 and subsequently attended college. I did not take school very seriously and by the end of my freshmen year I was suffering from symptoms of anxiety and depression. By the end of the 3rd semester I moved back to my hometown to attend the university I am currently attending in order to be closer to my parents and so that I could begin receiving treatment for my mental health issues. I was diagnosed with ADHD, severe depression and anxiety. Continuing with school was probably a mistake because I stopped going to class, a decision that resulted in 5 F’s on my transcript, and a few weeks after the semester concluded I attempted suicide. </p>

<p>I returned to that same university during the spring of 2011 after 4 years of treatment. I retook the classes I received F’s in and currently have a 3.955 GPA at this school. Recently I’ve learned that I will not be able to continue receiving financial aid to finish my last two semesters because of the 150% rule I’m sure many of you are aware of. Unfortunately having a major, a minor, and taking pre-med perquisite courses in addition to having to retake the 5 courses I received Fs catapulted me to the 180 hour limit. </p>

<p>My university does consider appeals by students who have had “mitigating circumstances” which includes a “serious extended illness”. Is it possible that they may consider mental illness to be a “mitigating circumstance” or is it inconceivable that I might be able to continue receiving loans? I have received scholarships due to my academic performance however these scholarships don’t even cover 1/3 of my textbooks each semester. </p>

<p>Is this the end of the road? Is there anything I can do at this point other than become a college drop out once again? I’m an A student, I’ve taught university employees how to use computers, I’m a volunteer tutor in biology/chemistry, I volunteer in the Emergency Room of a local hospital, I’m active in school organizations and I just can’t fathom what good can come from a 180 hour limit that prevents me from finishing my degree and getting a job that would facilitate the repayment of my student loans. Thank you in advance!</p>

2

<p>I would say that you certainly should try an appeal. Any medical documentation you can provide would be helpful. No suggestions other than that. If that doesn’t work, what about taking a leave of absence for a year to earn money so you can afford to go back for your last year?</p>

3

<p>The limit doesn’t prevent you from finishing your degree. It just prevents you from using financial aid to do so. Either get a job and finish school part-time, or look into the possibility of qualifying for loans. Or, would your parents or other family help affording these last classes?</p>

4

<p>Mental illness is an illness . . . so there’s no reason for the appeals committee to treat this any differently than if you had had some other type of illness. So, definitely, file the appeal. It sounds like you’ve more than proven your ability to succeed . . . let’s hope they’re able to do something for you!</p>

<p>If not, see if you can’t turn one (or more) of your volunteer positions into a paying job so that you can earn what you need to be able to finish your degree. It sounds like you have a lot to offer . . . so don’t give up!!!</p>