<p>Hi, a wanna-be Class of 2016 Harvard admit here. </p>
<p>To former and current Harvard students: Have you met anyone who is afflicted a disability at H? I mean disability not as in LD (learning disability), but as in physical handicap. If so, how accomodating was the atmosphere for that person? From your opinion, how were these people doing at such a high-level institution?</p>
<p>For all: How much of a hook is overcoming a disability? How "understanding" would an adcom be my ECs are not as outstanding as other star acceptees? (Not outstanding as in nothing international, national.. I have been pretty active statewide and locally.) Would overcoming this barrier be counted on as a "hook"? If so, how much?
And since SCEA has been reinstated at H, would it be a good idea for someone of my caliber (2200+ SAT, ok SAT 2s, 4.0 UW GPA, etc, I'll elongate if necessary) to try my luck? This is my #1 dream (but hopefully not pipe dream) school..</p>
<p>And how much will Harvard be swayed by the fact that I am unique, but not in that Intel-prize nabbing,
Author-of-two-books, way?</p>
<p>Thanks to ALL CCers who take time to post their opinions beforehand..
Much love from Indiana,
Joon</p>
<p>Did I already tell you that Harvard is like my end-all be-all?
Gasp pant gasp pant..
Thanks!</p>
<p>I know that there is a student who is in a wheel chair and a student who is legally blind currently at Harvard, there may be more but those are the two I know about. As far as I know Harvard is incredibly accomodating. Good Luck!</p>
<p>Harvard definitely has a number of students with physical disabilities. </p>
<p>I wouldn’t call it a “hook” because Harvard doesn’t -need- people with disabilities to make up its class every year. But it can help you or not, just like everything else, based on whether it shows you are a leader, have strength of character, whatever else Harvard might be looking for.</p>
<p>“Students with physical disabilities face the daily challenge of navigating Harvard’s Houses, most of which were built long before federal and state governments passed laws requiring buildings to be accessible.”</p>
<p>Thanks Dwight.
I understand no college really “needs” disabled people on campus. But anyone who has overcome a “significant difficulty/hardship” I guess , could use it to his/her advantage, is that what I’m getting?</p>
<p>I’m wondering if essays like “blah, I have glasses, which makes my life über-hard” flood the admissions offices. If so, even my case could be frowned upon. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>@gibby
Thanks much for the article. If you were trying to warn me, that’s kind of you. If you were trying to dissuade me from applying… Jk! I don’t use a wheelchair… but this is great info!
Q_Q, only… 20/2100, = .95% need accomodation… There must be a lot of perfect people there!</p>
<p>what about learning disabilities? Is there a chance for individuals with a learning disorder? I have a brother with a learning disability (not that I think he will want to go to Harvard, rather I just want to know how colleges look at that)</p>
<p>I think there is a significant number of students who have ADHD or ADD. Those students can request accommodations like extended examination times and assignment deadlines. Two of my friends have ADHD and they are both doing very well.</p>
I don’t use a wheelchair… but this is great info!