Learning Different Students' Admission Strategies

Identifying and applying to “best fit” colleges can be challenging for most college-bound students. But it can be particularly perplexing for students with learning disabilities.   

When these students reach the pivotal point of applying to college, a multitude of questions arise. Should they use accommodations on the SAT? Should they disclose their learning disability on college applications? What accommodations can they expect in college? Which colleges specialize in teaching students with learning disabilities?

 

Often the first step of the college application journey is tackling the SAT. Students with learning disabilities should have their counselor, early on, file an SSD (students with special disabilities) form with College Board, requesting the accommodations which the student uses in high school classes. The most popular accommodation is extended time on tests. Most students who seek this accommodation are granted 50% extended time, but some are granted 100% extended time which allows them to take the test over the course of two days.

Students should utilize this accommodation, as it will reduce the stress of worrying about time on the exam and allow them to reach their potential. Also, colleges never know which students had accommodations, as this is considered discriminatory.

 

Another concern of learning different students is whether or not to disclose their disability.  While there are different viewpoints, I always encourage students to do so, either in their Common App essay or in the “Additional Information” section that follows.  Having guided hundreds of learning different students through the college application process over three decades, I’ve found that colleges look favorably on such students. They respect the fact that these students have worked hard to achieve academic success despite their challenges, and view it as a sign that they will likely be diligent college students. 

 

But students need to be aware that the IEP or 504 Plan they may have had in high school will not be available in college.  There are certain accommodations that schools that accept federal money are legally required to provide under the Americans with Disabilities Act. These include extra time on tests, the option to take exams in a separate, quiet room, and the option to record lectures or get a copy of a professor’s notes. 

 

If students require more hands-on support, they should apply to colleges that offer special support services. These include, but are not limited to, Adelphi University, Marist College, and Syracuse University in NY, American University in Washington DC, and University of Connecticut. Often, there is an additional charge for these services.    

 

There are also colleges that are specifically dedicated to teaching students with learning differences. These include Landmark College in Vermont and Beacon College in Florida.  

Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT^® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362