<p>Greetings -</p>
<p>My better half & I (and the school college counselor) are trying to guide our son,
a 16-year-old junior, towards the 'right' college.</p>
<p>He's quite bright (IQ above the 99th percentile), but battles learning disabilities
(ADHD, executive function, Aspie), 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 this kid is fiendishly sharp -- if he's engaged.</p>
<p>As regards subject focus, he's not yet sure whether he wants to pursue
biology or political science/history/international relations. He has passions
for both. He is 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.
My suspicion is that, all other things being equal (and they never are),
smaller is likely better for him. Although he'd prefer to go to a large school,
and I've read here that sometimes a larger college will have a 'critical mass'
of students who need similar services.</p>
<p>Insight from those who are there or have been there most welcome.</p>
<p>Thanks kindly,</p>
<ul>
<li>expat</li>
</ul>
<p>I’ve seen answers to your questions scattered throughout the parents’ board. Mostly I’ve stumbled over them by reading the high school graduating threads (graduating 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, etc.) I’ve gone back to the early months on those boards, when parents were first looking for schools and then, later on read about where their kids ended up attending. I’ve also found discussions through the search feature–you could try learning disabilities, Aspie, ADHD, etc., but again over on the parents’ board. It takes some digging but there is some cogent info to be gained, even in the threads where parents are talking about the college years, and how their kids made it through thanks to some great support program at the school. Good luck.</p>
<p>I think the CTCL List is a great start; we relied on it to flag Midwest LACs for DS and found several schools that seemed very welcoming for a strong student w/LD and ASP concerns. Know upfront what services and academic accommodations (if any) are needed, and check out Student Services Department and personnel at each school in reference to concerns. I think it was beneficial to self-identify diagnosis in application and in admissions interviews; we saw no negative ramifications whatsoever.</p>
<p>I’d have suggestions if you’re located in Midwest. I think it’s important that home be no more than a 3 or 4 hour drive away, with intent that parents can “drive-by/check-in” on weekends to spot check for general well-being rather than need to make big travel plans to visit. Do not expect that college will necessarily be aware of simmering issues before they erupt; I’m aware of several parents who needed to retrieve their college kid due to significant emotional problems without school being aware that problems were occurring.</p>