<p>Good question. ADHD kids dont test well frequently. (although I know some with superb stats and one who got into UChicago.) </p>
<p>Don’t despair. The key thing is finding a school which takes an extra effort at mentoring, helps kids grow up and stay focused, is well structured, and has small classes. That is most likely a small private college.</p>
<p>There are OODLES of lower second tier and third tier schools which fit this bill. You can do a search on Princeton Review, but its better to get a hold of the USNWR rankings which come out next week and start there, then go to Barron’s or Petersen’s directory of schools (at Barnes and Nobles or Borders) and look geographically focusing on the admission stats of the schools. </p>
<p>Every kid deserves a chance to attend college and prove themselves. Some schools are very, very good at helping kids with disabilities, but you wont get any scholarship money, just financial aid. ADHD kids are often extremely intelligent and creative, but its just on test day they go blank or get confused or easily rattled by the time pressure. Some schools even allow oral testing from professors if you have a physicians letter and other documentation to support your claim for special needs. Not all ADHD kids are alike. Some have a mild version and just need tutoring and someone to keep them updated, on track so they don’t forget something. Many of them just procrastinate too long and get a snowball effect, but are otherwise fully capable. </p>
<p>Some kids, however, are so dysfunctional that a classic classroom setting is just too much and really need a more one on one type of learning environment. </p>
<p>Some people learn coping skills early and learn to learn around the disability. Others get down and depressed and never seem to be able to figure out a way out of the darkness. Still yet, others get markedly better with maturity. I know people who did a stint in the military and then went to college and performed tremendously, even though their high school transcript was a mess. The military does a remarkable job of getting kids, particularly boys, to settle down, stay focused on “the mission” and rebuild their self esteem. </p>
<p>There is too much emphasis on status prestige and following the conventional wisdom of going to college at age 17/18. Sometimes its better to take a break, get some focus and self motivation and then try.</p>
<p>No one pat answer for anyone, its all dependent on you/your kid and what are the problems you are facing. </p>
<p>But the bottom line is to fear not. There are plenty of schools out there, they just wont be top tier schools or big state schools. Many of these schools are Div II and Div III schools and do a marvelous job of helping them transition to adulthood. Some are religious supported schools, though that should not deter you. Pennslvania has 30 or more colleges that fit this bill, many of them associated with the Roman Catholic Church and they do a fine job. New York State has some as well. </p>
<p>Best of luck to you.</p>
