I am an LD student starting my junior year in September. I am looking for information about how I can get accepted to a university when most schools only describe their wonderful LD programs - assuming you are accepted. I have had an IEP for 7 years, I am taking basic college-prep courses and my GPA is just barely 3.0. I will be taking my first foreign language in September as well. I am struggling through an ACT prep course and at best will probably reach a 17 or 18 after I take the test probably 3 times. Reading comprehension and writing are my greatest weaknesses. I know there are a lot of colleges with LD supports, but I can’t find much on how an LD student even gets accepted. I have my ACT extended time application ready as well so that base is covered.
Do you have a parent or mentor who can help you break down the college application process into reasonable steps along the way (including researching potential schools)? It seems overwhelming at first, but the good news is that you are starting early enough to address some of the hurdles.
Have you received extended time with your IEP? Do you have good documentation? I’m hoping that accommodation comes through from ACT, but don’t be discouraged if you get denied at first.
I would think that there are schools out there where you would qualify for admissions. Mainly work on getting extra time with ACT, and any other accommodations which will help you demonstrate your skill as a student.
Hang in there and don’t get discouraged. You can do it!
Yes my Mom has been really on top of things for the last few years but I’m the oldest so applying to colleges is new to all of us. She is a very practical and analytical person and I am interested in staying near where I live - specifically Temple U in PA and then going farther out like Towson U in MD. I would probably need to include a couple of other schools but our thought is to try and see what it takes for me to get into Temple. I haven’t started 11th grade yet and I haven’t taken the ACTs yet either so this is our current path. Thank you for your good suggestions and encouragement!
Ahh very good. It might help you mom to get on CC! Keep us posted on how you’re doing.
Well I just joined yesterday but I think she will either share this Log In with me or create her own. Thank you for your support. I think I will be on this site a lot in the next year.
Make her create her own – sharing accounts isn’t allowed here and is very confusing for other people.
Yes, I agree that your mom should have her own account (and not just to comply with the terms of service which obviously everyone should do). She will learn a great deal here, as will you - just from a different angle as a student.
Hi. I think it is great to start now, it does take a while and is honestly a lot of extra steps but worth it if you find the right fit. My son is a senior and has LD so we looked only at schools with supported help. The list we came up with is:
Marist, Iona, LaSalle, high point, university of Arizona (SALT) and Regis. He will be going to Iona. Each of these schools approach it differently so it is a task.
there is a book that we found really useful as a reference:
https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Colleges-Students-Learning-Differences/dp/1101920386/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485187598&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=colleges+with+disablilites
I hope this is helpful. Go get em!
hi dpsflyer…I just wanted to say welcome! I am the mom of someone with an LD who is navigating college. Not too much additional advice for you but I think you are smart to be thinking ahead and I wish you great luck!
Hi @pennymom and @thingamajig - thank you both for your support. I actually have the book you posted above in your link. That was the first thing we purchased over a year ago. I haven’t looked at it lately but will use it to cross reference. This was my son’s post but he gave me the reins because he is weighed down with… well… school work.
What an omen too… maybe not so ironic - , I looked at his original post from July 2016 and sure enough his first pass at his ACT on December 10th was a 17. Heartbreaking but he is working hard to get to a 19 and he’s ready to take the test 4 times. We know most accounts say nothing will change after the 2nd try.
My son has several LD’s. He has taken the SAT 7 times, with an average increase of 40 on each retake (when correcting from old test to new). Started at 730! Now up to 930 after the 6th test. He has been admitted to 4 colleges. Waiting to hear from a few more. It took him time to understand how to take the test. We are actually waiting on his 7th SAT scores. He really wanted a 1000. Obviously, we aren’t talking Ivy League. But there are lots of 4 year colleges out there looking for other things.
Look for colleges that participate in federally-funded TRIO Program (Dept of Education). These schools have established hands-on student retention programs, including academic services, for LD students, as well as low-income, 1st-gen and/or disabled students.