Advantages to Disclosing a Learning Disability

Once a student is admitted to a college or university, there are definite advantages to disclosing a learning disability.

  • Disclosure provides your student with legal protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Without discloser, he is unprotected, despite that fact that he has a diagnosed disability.
  • Students who are coming from a supportive high school environment with lower expectations and a lighter workload will likely have some difficulty navigating the college system without some guidance. Students who remain “independent” in the first semester frequently struggle and end up with less than satisfactory grades. Disclosure makes your student eligible for accommodations such as extra time, a note-taker, and a distraction-free testing environment. The identification and use of these accommodations will increase the likelihood of his academic success.
  • Disclosure may give your student the opportunity to enroll in fewer classes while still being considered a full-time student for insurance purposes. If you suspect your student may not be able to handle a full course load, and the psycho-educational testing supports this, your student may be able to add “Reduced Course Load” to his list of accommodations.

Deciding whether or not to disclosing a learning disability is just the beginning of a series of challenges your student will face as he  matures. Remember to weigh the options and their consequences carefully, and remember, meeting this challenge is part of becoming a successful and independent adult.
Heather Creech
Educational Consultant for Students with Learning Challenges

Why College-Bound Students Choose Not to Disclose Learning Disabilities

Yesterday, I provided some information that can help you sort out if self-disclosure is necessary. Today, I’ll review some  reasons why some students opt not to disclose their learning disabilities on the initial application.
Generally speaking, students who choose not diclose the presence of a learning difference is because they do not want to give a college any reason to generate preconceived notions about them. Unfortunately, most people do not understand the varied range of learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, processing disorders or ADHD. To make it even more confusing, learning issues are invisible so the behavior of students with learning differences is often misinterpreted. Some students simply do not want to risk the possibility that an uninformed individual will review their applications.  Your student may want to disclose a disability, however, if he meets the following criteria:

  • He did not take all of the high school classes that a college requires for admission, such as a foreign language, and the college is willing to waive those requirements for LD students.
  • Your student’s grades were consistently lower as a result of his learning disability.
  • His learning disability was identified later in his high school career, and his grades noticeably improved after it was identified.
  • Your student’s learning disability contributed to the classes and activities he pursued in high school. An explanation of the classes will help an admissions officer better understand him as a student.

If you’re hesitant to disclose your learning difference on initial applications, be sure to weigh the pros and cons because the ramifications of your decision can results in dire consequences.  Tomorrow, I’ll discuss some advantages to disclosing a learning disability.
Heather Creech
LD Educational Consultant
Technorati Tags: Learning Differences, Learning Disabilities, Learning Challenges, Disclosure

New Study on Transfer Admission

Inside Higher Ed published an article yesterday about a new study, being release by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, on transfer admission.  The study showed that both public and private institutions place emphasis on academic performance at the postsecondary level, however, private schools are more likely to look at standardized test scores, essays, high school academic performance and recommendations.
As a former transfer admissions counselor at a private school, I can tell you that your postsecondary GPA is the most important factor in your transfer application, especially if you needed to improve your GPA from high school.  However, if a college is being “selective” with their transfer process, the other factors do take on more importance.
Most private schools are going to strive to treat transfer applicants as they would their first-year applicants.  They want to have a holistic review process.  That is why it is important for transfer applicants to put some effort into their applications.
If you have any questions regarding the transfer admission process, let us know!  We are happy to help!
Katherine Price
Transfer Advocate

Finding the Right Fit – Levels of Support for LD Students at the Post-Graduate Level

LD students walking

Students with learning disabilities and ADHD are applying to colleges and universities at increased rates. And while colleges and universities are making progress in leveling the academic playing field for qualified students, campus attitudes and special services programs continue to vary. Unlike public schools, colleges and universities are required by law only to make “reasonable accommodations” for qualified students with learning challenges. Thinking about disability support programs in terms of three main categories will help students and their families determine which college support programs are a good fit.

“Basic” programs are also referred to as limited, self-directed or decentralized programs. And they only offer accommodations required by law, such as note-taking assistance and un-timed testing. Most colleges and universities fall into this category and are best suited for students who received consultative services only at the high school level. For students with on or near grade level reading, writing and math skills, strong self-advocacy, and consistent time management skills. The assistance of basic programs provide the necessary accommodations for academic success.

At the next level of support are programs described as “coordinated” services. These programs provide services beyond the required level. Students will have access to at least one specially trained staff member who may have input on admission decisions. And offer study skills classes, tutors, and other support services at no additional charge. These programs are typically best for students who demonstrated on or near grade level skills in high school. But needed support in requesting needed accommodations and in effectively managing their time.

Programs offering the highest level of support are described as “structured” or “proactive” programs. They often require students to sign a contract and charge additional fees ranging from $2,000 to $8,000 a year. They offer modified coursework and specially trained staff that monitor individual student progress. Fewer than 100 schools fall into this category.

To determine the best program for your student, students and their families should schedule a meeting with the Disability Services Program on campus. Sitting down with staff from the disability services program. Which every college and/or university should have. Will give you an opportunity to learn more about the program, the staff and the services available to students with learning challenges.

Once your family has had the opportunity to see the program and meet its representatives. You and your student will be better able to evaluate the college’s academic and extracurricular activities, college climate and its disability supports for getting you in – and out of – college.

Heather Creech
LD Educational Consultant

Chinese Students and Beloit College–The Case for A Liberal Arts Education

In researching notable Chinese people who have attended liberal arts colleges in the United States, I came across this honors term project written in 1993 by a student at Beloit College, entitled (appropriately enough Chinese Students and Beloit College. Written by Xinwei Cai, this article is thorough study of Beloit’s history of interaction with China, as well as a look at the reasons why Chinese students have chosen to study at Beloit over the years.
I recommend this article to any Chinese student who is interested in studying in the United States, and who may be considering a strong, academically rigorous liberal arts education in a community that is warm and welcoming of its Chinese students.
Mark Montgomery
Educational Consultant to Chinese Students Studying in the USA