Tips for students with disabilities applying to college
September 25th, 2009Theo Emery writes in the New York Times: The Choice Blog that applying to college can pose more hurdles for students with learning disabilities than for their nondisabled peers.
After attending a workshop titled, “Supporting the Transition to College for Students with Learning Disabilities,” at a conference of 5,000 admissions officers and counselors in Baltimore, Emery offers some suggestions for applicants with disabilities including dyslexia, ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome.
- Decide whether you want to disclose your disability and take advantage of campus disability services. While it is illegal for admissions officers to ask, applicants may benefit if their disability status is known.
- Assess a college based on accommodations it is willing to make, services it will provide, and availability of programs for people with disabilities.
- Be aware of the contents of your transcript and psychoeducational evaluation, and let that information help guide your choice of where to apply.

