As students with learning disabilities or neurodivergence prepare for college, they often grapple with a crucial question: Should they disclose their condition? This decision can significantly impact their college experience, and it's important to consider the potential benefits and challenges carefully at each stage of the process.
Disclosing a Learning Disability on College Applications
When it comes to college applications, disclosure is a highly personal choice. Here are some factors to consider:
Impact on Admissions: Generally, disclosure neither helps nor hurts admission chances. While colleges value diversity, their definition may not always include neurodiversity. There's no specific "quota" for students with learning disabilities or neurodivergent students.
Legal Protection: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination based on disability, so disclosure shouldn't prevent admission. However, while the law protects against overt discrimination, it doesn't guarantee admission.
Explaining Academic Patterns: Disclosure can help explain unusual patterns in academic records, such as improved grades after receiving accommodations. This can be particularly useful if there's a noticeable discrepancy between grades and standardized test scores.
Personal Story: For some students, their neurodivergence is central to their identity and can be a powerful element in their application essay. Writing about these experiences can demonstrate resilience, self-awareness, and personal growth.
Disclosing after College Enrollment
Benefits
Access to Accommodations and Support
Disclosing a learning disability provides access to valuable accommodations and support services. Colleges offer resources such as extended exam time, note-taking assistance, assistive technology, specialized tutoring, and sometimes even priority registration or social get-togethers. These accommodations can substantially improve academic performance and overall college experience. Disclosing to this office doesn't obligate students to use the supports offered, and the information remains confidential unless the student permits its release. There are no downsides to disclosing to this office; it only opens up opportunities for support and success.
Development of Self-Advocacy Skills
The process of disclosure helps students develop crucial self-advocacy skills. Communicating needs to professors and disability services staff teaches students to articulate their challenges and seek appropriate support. These skills are valuable not only in college but also in future professional settings.
Creation of a Supportive Network
Disclosure can help students connect with peers with similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and understanding. This network can provide emotional support and practical advice for navigating college life with a learning disability.
Improved Communication with Professors
When students inform professors about their learning disability, it opens a dialogue that can lead to better understanding and support. Professors may be more willing to provide additional guidance or flexible learning options when aware of a student's specific needs.
Potential Drawbacks
Stigma and Misconceptions
Despite progress, some individuals may hold outdated views about learning disabilities. Students might worry about being perceived as less capable or facing discrimination from peers or faculty members.
Privacy Concerns
Disclosing a learning disability involves sharing personal information, which some students may find uncomfortable. While disability services offices are required to maintain confidentiality, privacy concerns may still arise. Professors do not have the right to know what the diagnosis is, just what accommodations have been approved, so it is up to the student to decide what they want to disclose to the professors.Â
Fear of Lowered Expectations
Some students worry that disclosing their learning disability might lead to lowered academic expectations from professors or peers. This concern, while often unfounded, can cause anxiety for students considering disclosure.
Selective Disclosure
It's important to note that disclosure doesn't have to be all-or-nothing. Students can choose to disclose to the disability services office without informing every professor, or they may decide to inform only professors in courses where they anticipate needing accommodations. It is impro
Preparation for Disclosure
If a student decides to disclose, it's helpful to:
Understand their specific learning disability and its impact on academic performance
Be prepared to explain needed accommodations clearly
Have documentation ready to support accommodation requests
The decision to disclose a learning disability in college is personal and depends on individual circumstances. While disclosure can provide access to valuable support and accommodations, it also comes with potential challenges. Students should carefully weigh the pros and cons, considering their specific needs, the college environment, and long-term academic and career goals.
Ultimately, the goal is to create an environment where students can thrive academically and personally. Whether or not to disclose should be a decision that supports this objective, empowering students to advocate for their needs and succeed in their college journey.
Comments