Help our ADD/LD Son

Parents Forum
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<p>I've been lurking and posting for a while, trying to scavenge for schools that would be good matches for my rising senior. The search has been taking much more time than I ever thought.</p>

<p>My son's stats (no mean posts please, this is a child who has overcome so much in his life-- in past 10 months alone, his dad entered alcohol rehab, beloved grandmother died, his only aunt and uncle moved away, his mom was suddenly hospitalized and is still recovering from chronic illness, his two best friends are moving away to college, and his dad is now unemployed):</p>

<p>GPA = 3.6 regular curriculum (with much support and accommodation)
SAT = 510 verbal, 530 math (son has ADD and some LD) but College Board would not grant extended time (I guess a lot of people where we live use accommodations as an edge)...a pretest with at most a 25% accommodations given by an educl specialist yielded combined 1150.
ECs = elite swimmer, ranked in top 25 in US in his main event, and well positioned in others...junior national, grand prix, and US open cuts;
Habitat for Humanity; Youth Police Academy and Explorers</p>

<p>DS is a relatively quiet fellow (maybe a tad insecure and needy about his academic abilities after having been pounded down most of his life), but one who loves fun and cares about helping people. I know that he is much more capable than his work shows; he just needs support to lead him through the process. He's beginning to feel that the system cares only about the bright kids. I dont' want to see him fall through the cracks.</p>

<p>My DS wants to stay in the mid-Atlantic area if possible, but for the right school we're open.</p>

<p>We're looking at Emory & Henry, Catawba, Brevard, Lenoir-Rhyne, Lees-McRae, and Radford, which should all be matches. We've even considered Landmark, but given our situation it's a bit over our heads and I don't know if decent financial aid is available. Community college is an option, but our son would like 4 years at one insitution, and we agree that it would be nice to have a "normal" college experience; he doesn't have too many friends now (the area we live in very money and prestige driven and, frankly, we have neither). Our concern is that most schools with the appropriate services are mostly rural (and we're suburban), and that most of these schools that offer good support, don't offer his desired major (criminal justice).</p>

<p>We've examined and probably discarded: Juniata (dir of admns at a college fair seemed to have a bias against students who have ever been homeschooleed...too bad, we really like the school), McDaniel (school just struck me the wrong way...something plastic or insincere), Marymount (too small and a bit rundown...terrible food!!!!), Goucher and Hood (maybe good for male stats, but perhaps a risk of being over his head...tho don't know for sure); Longwood (made it clear on its website, it didn't provide remedials...which lead me to feel it wasn't into support); WVA Wesleyan (a bit rundown and lacking); WV Univ (too large, tho great for his major); Guilford (CC thread scared me); St. Andrews (too rural, etc.); </p>

<p>I would appreciate your opinions on our list, and welcome additions. We've heard mixed reviews for Fairleigh Dickinson in NJ, but have heard it's a good school for ADD/LD services. Also, anyone know anything about Barton in NC? Also, what about East Carolina Univ? It's large, but has his major and support services.</p>

<p>You can see how mentally lost I am...</p>

<p>Can you help?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>Orangeblossom, sat scores are pretty good, esp. without the extra time. I would look at schools with smaller class sizing, and where professors teach the 101 classes. I would look for schools where he can find the professor's door open during office hours, and not feel intimidated looking for 1:1 assistance. I have heard good things about FDU's Madison campus. Judging from your list of schools, I see many are from Pope's book, but I cannot comment on the schools. I remember the Guilford thread very well, it was heart -breaking for me to read.</p>

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<p>Is he recruitable as a swimmer? The reason I ask is not only because it would aid you/him financially, and they would be willing to take a student with less than stellar SATs (still above the national average, I think, even without accommodations), but because the better athletic schools are very used to dealing with athletes with learning disabilities and ADD and provide intensive services aimed to making sure they succeed. That is, the college has such a heavy investment in them that providing the extra services is no big deal.</p>

<p>I know that suggests looking at bigger rather than smaller schools, but sometimes the bigger schools have smaller, more intensive programs to help athletes with learning problems.</p>

<p>Here's an example of what a medium-sized school with a good reputation around athletes (GW) does in this regard:</p>

<p><a href="http://gwsports.collegesports.com/school-bio/gewa-academicsupport.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://gwsports.collegesports.com/school-bio/gewa-academicsupport.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>But if you plan to use the athletic trumpcard, time is short! Coaches are now making up their lists.</p>

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<p>Have you looked into these: Adelphi, Hofstra, Towson, Clark, Elizabethtown, Roger Williams, Sienna, University of Arizona (Salt program, I think), I know nothing about this school , but it just came to mind bcs it is small-St. Michael's College. I think there are some wonderful small Catholic schools that could help your son, I am just not well versed in them.</p>

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<p>I am sorry that I dont' know much about east coast schools
I would look at Landmark even if they don't offer much aid ( I don't know) but they may be able to give you other resources.
If he is diagnosed with ADD it concerns me that the college board will not accomodate
My daughter didn't have accomodations as she attended a private school which has accomodations for everyone ( extended time on tests- small class sizes) but she did have a psychologists recommendation that she have extended time and even though I don't think she used it- just knowing that she had it helped her relax.</p>

<p>I will also suggest that if you have good CC in area, that you at least look at them. It could be a place to take college coursework without so much pressure and develop skills needed to transfer to a 4 year school</p>

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<p>Northeastmom - I agee 100% with the need to place our son in an environment where professors are very accessible and committed to helping students succeed. Regarding the CTCL schools, there are so many highly credentialed kids out there from very competitive backgrounds that the CTCL schools baseline stats are drifting over my son's head. It's a pity, for without those kinds of schools, there are very few places for kids like my DS to go.</p>

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<p>Obviously, the Univ. of Arizona is huge, so contradicted myself, but they have a well known ld program, as do some other larger institutions.</p>

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<p>Mini - I forgot to add in my post that my son suspended swimming(permanently??) last fall. I think it was a big mistake because he's so talented and it would have helped to get him into a great school, but it was his choice and his heart's desire, and we agreed to back him on it (however sadly). Funny you should provide a link to GWU. I graduated from GWU some years ago...a fine place, if infinitely more hectic now. Thanks.</p>

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<p>Northeastmom - Thanks for the additions; I'll definitely pursue each one. I know that AZ has SALT and it's supposed to be great, but sadly it's outside my DS's comfort factor.</p>

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<p>Sigh. Sad about the athletics as, oddly enough, it might have been the easiest ticket to getting him the academic support he needs. </p>

<p>Water under the bridge. (sorry for the imagery) Are you in Maryland? If so, what about Frostburg State?</p>

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<p>I'm certainly no expert, but I think you have a choice to make...</p>

<p>Your son is an outstanding athlete. There are many schools which will welcome him, put him into easy courses in an easy major and give him a degree..maybe. You won't have to pay a cent. </p>

<p>Or..he can go to a college which might not be as well known...Compete in Division 3 swimming...take regular courses..and work a lot harder and maybe get a degree. One that he will have earned honestly. ..and one you will have paid for. </p>

<p>While I think my own prejudice is probably coming through..it's not an easy choice. If he has a chance of making the Olympics in a few years, and he's not at all the "academic" type, the first choice might really be the better option. He will have NO chance of making the Olympics from the schools on your list...</p>

<p>If he has no chance of making the Olympics anyway..that's fine. But the truth is that athletes with degrees from Division 1 schools can often get..or are given..pretty good jobs, particularly in sales. They may actually do better in life than the kids who go to Division 3 schools which aren't academic stars either and end up in the bottom half of the class.</p>

<p>PS: OOPS!! While I was typing this..you posted, saying your son has dropped swimming. </p>

<p>Now that I know that...would a Catholic school be okay? If so, I'd suggest checking out St. Anselm's in New Hampshire. It's got a good criminal justice program and it's very "warm and fuzzy."</p>

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<p>Emeraldkity4 - Thanks for your feedback. I'd love to pursue Landmark. Content studies alone don't help kids that are process poor.</p>

<p>Regarding the College Board. My son was diagnosed with ADD in 4th grade and soon after with some LD, mainly processing speed and some visual/auditory disabilities. The professionals recommended a number of accommodations, which were used on DS to varying degrees over the years in public, private, and finally home school. However, College Board maintained that words in evaluations, I guess, weren't strong enough to convince them. Also, they said that even with his VERY low fluency (speed) scores, his overalls were still within the range of his cognitive abilities, so no problem...don't worry, be happy. That positively stunk because the untimed portions of the achievement tests put him in the 75-92 percentiles, while his fluency scores were as low as the 23rd percentile (a very significant difference). So, in no way, could DS's true achievement shine through because it was dragged down by processing speed issues. The point that came across clearly was that it makes no difference how hard you work to achieve, we won't look at the obstacles you've overcome (processing speed), we will only look to see if your final score is in line with your IQ. Bright kids, best equipped to compensate for ADD/LD receive the help they need, while average kids who work hard to break out of the box don't receive the accommodations they also need. What's more, they are gently pushed back into the box, being told, in essence...sorry that's the best we can expect from someone like you. No wonder these kids give up.</p>

<p>Also, I found that as a homeschooler who was forced to go the appeals route to get accommodations rather than the regular route, we received very poor service from College Board. We were told to email or write in or phone in for additional information. In the overwhelming number of instances, we received NO reply of any sort (even after repeated follow-ups) ...which certainly reinforces to me why we chose to home school. I am a product of the public school system, but that same system and its admin arm (College Board) has really failed my child. </p>

<p>I'm all for providing services to any child who wants to break out, but it's my experience that those services are there only for the gifted, to help with their "disability". Phooey. Sorry if it sounds bitter...I am.</p>

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<p>Jonri - Sorry for my disjointed posts. Even though I'm sad about the loss of swimming (it was a great island of competency for DS), it's probably for the best, because I believe that it's better to earn honestly, know ones limits, and grow. And my shy guy will probably never be a salesman type. :O)</p>

<p>I hear Catholic schools pop up a lot...is there a reason? My son and I are Catholic and I think back to parochial schools that weren't too "differences" friendly. When did things change? I'm a little afraid of Catholic schools because from memory I recall kids being blamed for their shortcomings as if they were always volitional. I definitely want warm and loving, with a generous heaping of support and hand-holding.</p>

<p>Thanks for your help.</p>

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<p>Emeraldkity4 - Did you attend Landmark? I seem to recall that you said you did on one of your earlier posts. What can you tell me about it? Is it just for the super bright? and the super motivated? My DS is moderate in intelligence, and has been pretty burned by the educational system so he'll need some warming coaxing to rekindle his love of learning...though he certainly sees that occurring. I plan to call Landmark for info, but it always helps to have a view from someone who was actually on the inside. Thanks.</p>

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<p>Orangeblossom - Consider Lynchburg College in Virginia. His SAT scores put him close to the SAT average of their students. Their tuition is pricey at over $23 K but if he gets his SATs just a smidgen higher (to 1060 combined on the old scale) he would qualify for a $10,000 merit award (along with his 3.6 GPA). (See their website for how much merit aid he may qualify for.) Lynchburg College is in a small city so he would not be "in the middle of nowhere". It does not offer a criminal justice major, however.</p>

<p>My oldest son also has ADD plus other challenges so I can empathize as a parent. He is doing well academically at a state university in Texas that we were careful in choosing with him. Going off to college and living independently has been a success for him thus far. As we were visiting several colleges/universities (my son is also a criminal justice major) what clicked for us was finding a professor at the Student Advisory Center who was a god-send. She is a psychology professor who leads a freshman transition program which includes "learning communities" (where freshmen of like interests or needs live together). My son enrolled in one of these learning communities which helped him both academically and socially.</p>

<p>My advice is to also check out state universities and colleges in your state as well to see what support services they can offer your son. Once you get on campus and talk to the academic support staff with him, you may find a pleasant surprise or two in identifying personnel that you can really believe will be there to help your son when he needs it.</p>

<p>Best of luck in your search.</p>

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<p>look into Keene State in New Hampshire</p>

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<p>Orangeblossom, Adding to what has already been said: your son's grades and test scores are actually good, not bad! They are within range of MANY colleges and universities once you get past the top schools. Keep in mind that being male will also give him an edge at many schools where the ratio of males is less than 60% or so of the population. Please tell him that I have seen males with GPAs in the 2.9 range and SAT scores in his range do very well in admissions! Several thoughts: You might want to get a hold of the book Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities (Thomson is the publisher), which details schools that are particularly supportive for kids with ADD/LD. I'd also suggest you read Colleges that Change Lives by Loren Pope. Both are readily available in bookstores and on Amazon. Next, I'd take a look at the list of colleges that make SATs optional at <a href="http://www.fairtest.org%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.fairtest.org&lt;/a>. I've included some of these schools in my list below.</p>

<p>It looks like you have a nice list of schools developing but a few other schools I'd suggest for him to look at include: Goucher College, McDaniel College, Mt. St. Mary's College, and Washington College in Maryland; Juniata, York, Ursinus, St. Joseph's U, Washington and Jefferson in Pennsylvania; The College of Wooster, Otterbein U, Ohio Wesleyan and Wittenberg in Ohio; Drew University in New Jersey, American U in D.C., Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, and Hartwick College in NY. Good luck --- I would not worry about your son not getting in to college, just focus on finding a school where he can be both supported AND challenged.</p>

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<p>Have you looked at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia? It really sounds perfect. It has a criminal justice major, and it even has the Alvin Baird Attention and Learning Disability Center. My niece is a sophomore there, and she is extremely happy. She says the professors are very supportive, the students are friendly, and the food is fabulous. I don't think your son's scores would be a problem. I think their average SAT's under the old system were in the 1100-1200 range, and I am sure they would make allowances for the lack of accomodations.</p>

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<p>Orangeblossom - I asked my wife (a special education teacher) what additional advice she may have. Here's what she said. Be sure to bring your son's individual educational plan (iep) documentation with you when you and he visit the academic support centers of each college/university. You can then get quick feedback about the type(s) of support services he may qualify for on that campus. In a state university or college they are under federal guidelines and rules about what they must provide which may/may not be the case in some private colleges.</p>

<p>You will also quickly find out that as an adult at age 18 your son must become a strong advocate for himself in approaching professors about accomodations he may need (based on his college approved support plan); tutoring he should attend, etc. Your role as a parent diminishes substantially in the eyes of the college/university administrations. So it is important that your son participate as much as possible in the discussions with the academic support personnel of the universities/colleges you visit.</p>

<p>Finally, to echo some of Carolyn's remarks, my recommendation of Lynchburg College came directly from the list of 40 "Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL)". Since you already listed Emory & Henry, Juniata, etc. among the colleges you considered, I suspect that you may already be trolling this source. However, if this is new to you - also visit ctcl.com for a more up-to-date list of what these colleges may offer.</p>

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<p>Mini - Thanks for the info on Frostburg...will check it out.</p>