LDs and college admissions

hmmm, so I have a kind of strange situation.

My GPA was very low (3.41) when compared with my SAT scores (1580), so over the summer I got tested for what I thought was surely ADD. Turned out that I have nonverbal learning disability, and I was recommended for extended time for my senior year.

Well, I’ve been getting extended time, and the year has been going GREAT. My GPA is currently a 3.93 (in a school where the highest cumulative GPA is a 3.8), largely because of the extended time.

I was wondering what the best way to present this situation to colleges would be, so it doesn’t look like I slacked off for my first 3 years of high school and only went into senior overdrive. Could mentioning a learning disability work AGAINST a student in the application process? Also, are there any schools that would be more likely to look at my particular situation and understand what happened and why I’ve been doing better (ie, more likely to admit me?)?

I go to a great private school (last year over 50% of the class went to ivies, stanford, duke, or MIT), but my rank is probably around 40th percentile. I really really would love to go to Amherst, and am applying early (yes I know, a long shot).

<p>I think your GC can explain it in his letter. However, make sure you don't see the application process as and end in itself. If you get into a top school, and then are unable to function there because of your LD, it will not be a good outcome. Make sure that schools you are applying to can and will be willing to accommodate your needs.</p>