<p>My better half & I (and the school college counsellor) are trying to guide our son,
a 16-year-old junior, towards the 'right' college.</p>
<p>He's really quite bright (above the 99th percentile IQ). He's also learning disabled
(ADHD, executive function), which accounts for his middle-of-the-road GPA (3.0,
give or take 0.25) and his (initial) SAT scores (610, 550, 580).</p>
<p>On the transcript, the only suggestion of above-average potential is a 780 on
the SAT World History subject test. But when you speak with him, you realize
that the kid is fiendishly sharp.</p>
<p>As regards subject focus, he's not yet sure whether he wants to pursue
biology or political science/history/international relations. He's got a passion
for both. He <em>is</em> math-averse tho', as suggested by the SAT results.</p>
<p>So ... college recommendations? Certainly we're looking at the CTCL list,
but we'd welcome knowing about other schools that might fit the bill.<br>
All other things being equal, smaller is likely better for him. And closer
to the northeast is better for us, tho' hardly determinative.</p>
<p>Ursinus College might be a good fit. It’s a small liberal arts college near Philadelphia, that’s supposed to give a good education, but also doesn’t have super strict admission requirements. I believe it was, or maybe still is, on the CTCL list and it was also rated as an A+ school for B students by US News.</p>
<p>Alfred University (NY) established in 1836 as a co-ed university. A regional university, 2300 undergrads, small classes-know your professors, Division III athletics, merit aid, need based aid, co-op, Honors program, housing all 4 years, services for students with disabilities, many clubs & organizations, no greek life, friendly people in village of Alfred, NY. Alfred State SUNY is across the street from Alfred University.</p>
<p>School of Art & Design
School of Liberal Arts
School of Business
School of Engineering</p>
<p>Princeton Review Best Northeastern Colleges
Princeton Review Best Business Schools
USNWR’s Best Value
Washington Monthly’s Best Master Degree Institutions
Fiske Guide 2013 Best Buy
Princeton Review’s Best 377
Fiske Guide 2013
USNWR’s Great School Great Price
Fiske Small Schools Strong in Engineering
Fiske Small School Strong in Art & Design</p>
<p>I agree that the CTCL is a good start. I might also look at Siena College near Albany (it is a lovely, smaller Catholic college). Also there are also books out there which talk about schools with specific LD programs. I would suggest that for your top choices you take the time to meet with the Office of Disability Services to see what programs they have in place to help your son, especially at the start. If you think a dedicated support program would be beneficial, one school I know that has one is Marist College - I’m sure there are many others as well.
[Special</a> Services - Learning Disabilities Support Program Admission for Prospective Students: Marist College](<a href=“http://www.marist.edu/specialservices/prospect-ldis-admission.html]Special”>Accommodations and Accessibility - Marist College)</p>
<p>I’m not sure where you live, but if the distance is acceptable, Bridgewater College (Va.) might be worth a look. Dr. Studwell, who’s in charge of academic support (including special needs students) is an amazing guy. He seems to do a great job with learning disabled students. Moreover, biology is one of the top majors there. They have some excellent poli sci and history profs, too. Most importantly, it’s a nurturing and very supportive campus for students. Enrollment is about 1750.</p>
<p>If you are Canadian, then some universities in Canada may be worth looking into with Canadian citizen costs.</p>
<p>Both biology and social studies subjects typically require at least a basic understanding of statistics. Biology major degree programs often require calculus as well.</p>
<p>S is high IQ/ADHD/EF issues. Unweighted GPA is higher than your S and my son did very well on the ACT. His ACT and PSAT scores expanded our list. He is HS class of 2013</p>
<p>Besides CTCL schools, we looked at:</p>
<p>Trinity University, San Antonio, TX (surprising school that flies under the radar)
Susquehanna University, PA
Cornell College
College of Charleston
UNC - Asheville
Oxford at Emory</p>
<p>I have heard Hofstra has some strong support for ADHD</p>
<p>I also like many Quaker schools - many are on the CTCL list</p>
<p>CTCL schools I’d recommend because the faculty really does note attendance and reach out to students:
Ursinus
Juniata
Rhodes
I was very impressed with the things coming out of Center too.</p>
<p>The biggest challenges we found were reaching a balance of small class size & hand-holding adviser without having a school who S would academically outgrow by 3rd or 4th year.
Also, we need aid or scholarships.</p>
<p>Don’t rule out large schools, especially if he could get into an honors college. The support services at some of the large schools made up for the lack of advising.</p>