The question isn’t weather any student should, and I personally have already decided that I want to. There’s a dip and jump in my GPA. I was around a 3.6, then a 3.0, then a 3.9, and so far I’m on track to have a 4.0 this year with a more rigorous schedule. I the late diagnosis gives context to the dip, and should be mentioned.
Here’s where it gets tricky.
I wasn’t actually diagnosed late. I was diagnosed in second grade, but my mom never told me. I received accommodations, but was not treated with medication. Then we moved the year after, and I went to a private school. In 5th grade we moved again and the school wanted new testing. I ended up with the exact same results (all scores within 4 points of the last session), and parent/teacher evaluations that indicated similar concerns as the first time around, but I lacked the hyperactivity, so they concluded I did not have ADHD. I struggled with staying focused in class all through elementary, middle school, and high school, but for the most part I could figure stuff out on my own (or I got a tutor) . Sophomore year that obviously stopped being the case. I had developed anxiety disorder too. So, two months into junior year my mom asked my family doctor about ADHD, and they did the quick checklist evaluation, and she diagnosed me. That was the first time I knew I had ADHD, and the first time I had been treated for it. (Side note for anyone who might be doubtful: ten hours of testing a month or so later confirmed that I did in fact have ADHD. The psychologist had both sets of previous testing, and said he would have given the ADHD-pi diagnosis based on the results back then as well).
So I just don’t know how to go about explaining since I wasn’t diagnosed late- I was diagnosed early, then no one ever told me. Throw in the without diagnosis bit in the middle (which, I think is the main reason my mom never told me; she actually tried to keep me from getting diagnosed the first time around, and I’m not really sure why.) and I’m not sure it actually would help. I’m sure some people who read this might actually be leery of the validity of my current diagnosis, and I don’t want that to happen with colleges. Do I even have to explain that I was diagnosed in second grade, or can I say I didn’t find out until 11th?
“I was around a 3.6, then a 3.0, then a 3.9, and so far I’m on track to have a 4.0 this year with a more rigorous schedule. I (think) the late diagnosis gives context to the dip, and should be mentioned.”
I did really poorly the year before I learned I had ADHD, because I was no longer able to pick up on the math and science concepts. I frequently loose attention for around thirty seconds without realizing, and this became a major issue. I also was having more and more trouble remembering to bring/do assignments, as teachers began to remind us less and less. I lost things, and would loose an average of 20% off tests from minor errors alone. When the coursework got harder I couldn’t compensate. I got a 4.0 last semester last year. I got a 3.0 sophomore year. Certain colleges will be more sensitive to a grade dip when they know the cause.
If you feel that you need to mention this, it’s okay to send a short note to Admissions. The email will enter your file.
I’d keep any explanation short and sweet. “The upward swing in my grades coincides with proper treatment of my ADHD.” Or something similar. There’s no need to go into the whole history of this, I should think. It will be interesting to hear other people’s opinions.
For future responders: I have already given my reason for revealing the diagnosis. It’s one I’ve thought through carefully. Please do not leave comments asking why I want to mention it, or saying that in general it’s a bad idea. I have weighed my pros and cons.
I would keep it brief. Just something like how you weren’t diagnosed properly sophomore year and after being properly treated you were able to work again to your full potential. No need to explain further. I doubt colleges will ask for or want that.
I don’t think ADHD would help because it’s not an upwards trend the whole way like 3.0, 3.6 then 3.9. It would probably just sound like an excuse for your sophomore year grades. However, if you overcame it, your story would make an interesting essay. Go ask your counsellor to mention it.
Just say: “I learned I had ADHD when X started happening in HS. Looking back, I see all the instances where ADHD manifest itself since my primary school days, and how I compensated. By sophomore year in HS, that was no longer working.” You don’t even have to mention the early DX. Just an idea.
I was advised to put ADHD info (if not in the essay) in the Additional Info section or Other Comments. This usually captures any extra info you would like to offer but had not been asked by the college such as an explanation why there was a dip in your school performance. Do you find such section in the online application? Good luck.
It’s because the upward trend coincides with the diagnosis. It’s really common, for people to not be diagnosed because they can compensate, and then suddenly things are a bit too difficult, the scales tip, and it all goes to… So it’s essentially saying, this year is not representative of what I can do, and you can see from every other year that that’s true, and the fact that I have the diagnosis explains that it wasn’t out of laziness.
That’s how the diagnosis explains the upward trend. Thanks for the comment giving advice I said I didn’t want though.
Yeah. Common app and UC’s all have a section for it, I’m just kind of worried about how to put it. I talked to the psych who evaluated me about it too. Thanks!