<p>My HS junior daughter is dyslexic. She's a slow reader, a very creative speller, and consistently makes simple mistakes on math problems (even while understanding the concepts). She's also very intelligent and works very hard and has a very good GPA, without acommodation in her classes, which include a number of AP classes. Her test scores, however, do not accurately reflect her strengths. She deserves and wants to go to an excellent college, and we are thinking of focusing on schools where admission is test-optional, because we think that she would have a better shot at admissions and scholarships without them seeing her test scores, and because I would think these schools may be more inclined to appreciate smart, hard-working kids like her. St. Lawrence is on her radar screen, as are Bates, Connecticut College and Dickinson. My question is - would she do better applying test optional and not revealing her LD, or submitting her scores and revealing her LD? Would she be seriously considered for merit scholarships w/o submitting test scores? Thank you.</p>
<p>I think if your daughter’s GPA and course rigor match St. Lawrence’s expectations, then you should apply. Of the students that submitted SAT or SAT scores, you should compare your daughter’s and see where she stands. St. Lawrence website mentions that they still expect students to get into St. Lawrence based on the student’s merits and stats, but if they do get in, students with additional learning needs and prior IEPs do have opportunities to get additional support.</p>
<p>I don’t know how merit aid works if you don’t submit test scores; the common data set doesn’t break out this data, but you could call admissions and ask this question directly. I’m sure they would be willing to give you some guidance.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>My son applied last year. He too is a creative speller and somewhat math challanged. His GPA was solid but did not do very well on his ACT/SATs. He did well on his admission interview and came in as an athletic recruit. He was advised not to submit his standardized test scores. We followed the coach’s lead. He was accepted, was given a partial scholarship. He accepted and is attending. He is very happy at SLU.</p>
<p>My son was just admitted to SLU without submitting his SATs. Many of the schools he looked at did require that you submit test scores in order to get any merit money. Some other schools that you might want to look at for your daughter Muhlenberg, Goucher and Wheaton in Mass. If you check websites they are generally very clear about what the requirements are.</p>
<p>Nursekay, Did you just find out today from EDII?</p>
<p>No, he was admitted in December. SLU doesn’t have ED II. They actually have “rolling” ED, which I haven’t seen any other place. You can apply ED starting November 1 and you change your RD application to ED at any point. My son was an early applicant so we got an early answer which is wonderful!</p>
<p>thanks, and congrats to your son!</p>