ADHD Students and Getting Ready for College - Application and Disclosure of ADHD

Written by Sarah-Jayne Bass

Application and Disclosure of ADHD

Once students have decided on the final version of their short-list, it is time to begin the formal application process. To apply to any college, candidates must complete a form -- usually one designed by the particular college -- formally requesting admission. Such forms cover basic information about the prospective student. The form may not, however, require the student to disclose whether or not he or she has a disability. In addition, the student must usually supply the college with an official transcript of high school exam grades.

At this time the student will need to decide whether or not to "disclose" the fact that he or she has ADHD (a disability). However, should a student decide to disclose his or her disability, this information in and of itself can not be used as a basis for denying admission. Colleges can not discriminate solely on the basis of disability. On the other hand, colleges are also under no obligation to alter their admissions requirements or standards. This means that having ADHD or a learning disability, or any disability, does not entitle a student to admission at any college. Students with disabilities, like all other prospective applicants, must meet the admissions criteria established by the college.

Disclosure of a learning disability does not guarantee admission. It can, however, offer the student the opportunity to provide the admissions committee with additional insights. For example, in a covering letter, the student may explain his or her learning disability, and how the disability accounts for any discrepancies in his or her academic record. Students might convey an understanding of their ADHD and the problems this can cause or learning disability, and how academic strengths and weaknesses mesh with interests in specific courses and fields of study. Students may also go on to state plans for managing their ADHD symptoms or learning disability at the college level, and describe how they would work with the Office of Disability Support Services, noting their understanding of the student's responsibilities in making his or her college career successful.

Once students have decided on the final version of their short-list, it is time to begin the formal application process. To apply to any college, candidates must complete a form -- usually one designed by the particular college -- formally requesting admission. Such forms cover basic information about the prospective student. The form may not, however, require the student to disclose whether or not he or she has a disability. In addition, the student must usually supply the college with an official transcript of high school exam grades.

At this time the student will need to decide whether or not to "disclose" the fact that he or she has a disability. However, should a student decide to disclose his or her disability, this information in and of itself can not be used as a basis for denying admission. Colleges can not discriminate solely on the basis of disability. On the other hand, colleges are also under no obligation to alter their admissions requirements or standards. This means that having ADHD or a learning disability, or any disability, does not entitle a student to admission at any college. Students with disabilities, like all other prospective applicants, must meet the admissions criteria established by the college.

Disclosure of a learning disability does not guarantee admission. It can, however, offer the student the opportunity to provide the admissions committee with additional insights. For example, in a covering letter, the student may explain his or her learning disability, and how the disability accounts for any discrepancies in his or her academic record. Students might convey an understanding of their ADHD and the problems this can cause or learning disability, and how academic strengths and weaknesses mesh with interests in specific courses and fields of study. Students may also go on to state plans for managing their ADHD symptoms or learning disability at the college level, and describe how they would work with the Office of Disability Support Services, noting their understanding of the student's responsibilities in making his or her college career successful.

Making a College Choice

After understanding his or her particular academic strengths and weaknesses, narrowing down the short list, visiting campuses, taking standardised college admissions tests if necessary, and completing the applications, students will be faced with making a choice among those colleges which have offered admission. Students who have worked hard at getting ready for college will be able to identify the school which seems "right."

In the Meantime

In addition to becoming familiar with all of the tips and procedures discussed in this paper, there are a number of additional ways that high school students with ADHD or learning disabilities can prepare for college. In order to make themselves more attractive candidates, students should consider the following:

• Take courses in high school that will help prepare for college. If appropriate, take foreign language credits and computer training while still in high school.
• Consider aprentiships, or part-time jobs, or volunteer community service that will develop necessary skills.
• Consider enrolling in a summer precollege program specifically designed for students with learning disabilities in either the summer before or after the high school senior year. Such short-term experiences (most programs are designed to last anywhere from one week to one month) have been shown to be incredibly helpful in giving students a feel for what college or university life will be like.
• Become familiar with, and practice using, the various compensatory strategies identified earlier in this paper. For example, students may want to practice talking to their high school teachers and administrators about their academic strengths and weaknesses and the ways in which they compensate for their ADHD symptoms or learning disabilities.