How would a student with a physical disability be viewed during the admissions process?

Applying to College
1

It’s not a serious physical disability and it definitely hasn’t held me back from accomplishing things in my life. However, I’ve been curious about how AO’s would view me and my disability as I’ve decided to write about it in my essay.

2

I think it could go in a lot of directions, depending on how carefully it is handled in the application.

3

I would assume it wouldn’t influence an AO one way or another. Your essay may influence the AO, but only through your command of the written word, originality, humor, etc. My D mentioned her learning disability in her essay, not as a major topic but as part of her description of her early life. Her disability contributed in part to who she has become as an adult and she felt it was natural to include it.

4

Overcoming adversity can be a great positive. However, sometimes it is best not to overplay it, and to let your counselor be the one to mention it. If your own essay includes it, it should do so in a way that reveals something positive about your character and personality.

5

I would not write about it in the essay. Never cause questions in AC members’ minds. Speculation is not helpful. However, if you plan to visit and explain accommodation needs.

6

You will be viewed as any other candidate. Many people have various difficulties to overcome (be it learning liabilities, physical disabilities, chronic health issues, family problems, poverty to name but a few.). I don’t see the physical disability in an of itself factoring into an admissions decision.

As I noted in your other post, if you choose that topic for your essay you should focus not on the “poor me” aspect but on how you work around your physical issues, what you have learned from it, how it impacted you as a person, what unique things you have learned that you can bring to campus etc.

Again, as noted in your other similar post you could mention your disability in the additional information section instead of making it the focus of your entire essay. You can also ask your guidance counselor to note in his/her letter of recommendation how you have handled your physical disability throughout HS.