Will a bad year in highschool prevent me from getting into college?

Colleges usually ask you if you would like to explain anything in your transcripts on their application. That way, you can tell them all the crap you went through, and they will not be so hard on you when reviewing your grades. The fact that you got all A & Bs and then got straight Fs for one semester before returning to your original performance will look good and be some proof of your bad experiences. If there is not a place on the application to explain poor grades on your transcript, be sure to write a letter to the admissions board. They will be understanding for the most part.