Time away from college - caregiver; is this a good explanation? due soon!

College Essays
1

<p>Good Afternoon, </p>

<p>I am applying to Fordham U as a transfer student; I am currently my grandmother’s caregiver (withdrew from UNC-Chapel Hill in fall of 2009)</p>

<p>Fordham wants me to attach a short time line explaining this withdrawal (in addition to having explained this in my main essay) </p>

<p>can anyone read this and tell me what you think please? it’s due soon and I just got this answer from the admissions counselor today </p>

<p>*by the way, I was an out of state student at UNC-Chapel Hill (from NY) </p>

<p>Thank you! </p>

<hr>

<p>In December of 2009, I requested an official withdrawal from The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill to be my grandmother’s full-time caregiver. Prior to this decision, from fall 2007 to fall 2009, I was balancing these caregiver responsibilities while also being a full-time student at UNC-Chapel Hill. Over time, this became difficult and I realized that I needed to prioritize my responsibilities for the sake of my family and education. </p>

<p>From December 2009 to the present time, I am a full-time co-caregiver to my grandmother; I receive assistance from my mother. My duties consist of being a healthcare advocate, providing personal care & support, administering medications and monitoring health vital signs, and performing basic household duties. In addition, I dedicate time to meet in a weekly caregiver support group and participate in recreational running; these are ways to maintain my overall well-being and foster social relationships. </p>

<p>During the summer of 2011, I took two classes at Fordham University: Diversity of American Families and Introduction to Sociology. I achieved A’s in both classes.</p>

2

<p>You state that caring for her kept you from full attention to classes, so you had to drop out of UNC …and that you still care for her and this could still be an issue-? You list things that do take time away from school. Can you just rethink how you present this?</p>

<p>Also, please be sure the essay is not a withdrawal explanation. It’s meant to show the adcoms something about you behind your stats and activities. Something personal. Good luck.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the reply lookingforward!</p>

<p>Do you think it’s beneficial to just have a timeline like the following:</p>

<p>December 2009: Official withdrawal from The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill to devote full time and attention as a caregiver to my grandmother. </p>

<p>December 2009-Present: Full time co-caregiver to grandmother; share responsibility with mother. Concurrently, I attend weekly caregiver support group meetings and pursue recreational running. </p>

<p>Summer of 2011: Enrolled as a non-matriculated student at Fordham University; took two classes: Diversity of American Families and Introduction to Sociology; achieved A’s in both classes while continuing to be a full-time caregiver to my grandmother. </p>

<p>I have a feeling that this is better; it’s a timeline like they asked for and it’s more direct without revealing too much detail.</p>