How might ADHD affect my chances?

Applying to College
1

First of all, on paper, I look pretty stellar, I’d say. 1590 for my SAT (superscored), 35 ACT, 800 on SAT II Math 2 & Physics, 5’s on 9 APs, all A’s except 2 B’s from middle school. I’m in my high school’s STEM program, play piano, internships, etc.

So, should I mention that I have (moderate) ADHD on my app? Was diagnosed in my 7th grade, take medication but don’t use accommodations (Asian parents don’t like them). How will it affect the way colleges look at my scores? Would it help my app, or would I just look fake to them since I never had accommodations? It’s not life-crippling, thanks to medication - on good days, I can focus some - but it’s there, and it’s made my middle and high school life really, really painful.

2

You can tell colleges or not – it is entirely your choice. I don’t think disclosing your ADHD would help or hurt your application – you have a medical condition, it is properly treated, and your academic qualifications are excellent.