<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I have several questions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I have strong learning disabilities (dyslexia and ADHD) and I was wondering how students at Cobly with learning disabilities cope with their rigorous classes. How is the Learning Disabilities program at Colby? Could someone please give examples of what kind of accommodations are given (of course they would be different to every individual, but could someone name a few)?</p></li>
<li><p>Can strong grades (4.0 GPA with the International Baccalaureate diploma), VERY strong extra curricular activities and (im working on) a strong application essay compensate for my poor SAT score (1400, due to my strong learning disabilities) in the application? The SAT is simply not my kind of test! I know that Colby has a holistic approach to the application, but with a SAT score that low is it even worth bothering to apply?</p></li>
<li><p>In my application essay, should I bring up the subject of my learning disabilities? My college counselor told my me not to bring up anything negative about yourself in my application essay (I think she was hinting that I shouldn't bring it up). However, I think I need to comment on the subject as it is a huge part of my identity and on the contrary I think it has made me a stronger student (I want to discuss that in my application essay).</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks for your time!</p>
<p>To answer your first question, I contacted one of the dean of students. Dean Atkins responded:
"the most frequently approved learning difference accommodation is for 50% extra time on exams. Others include using a laptop for note taking or for exams, or use of a calculator or spell-checker. All accommodation requests are reviewed based on the results of a full educational-psychological evaluation that must be no more than 3 – 4 years old.</p>
<p>The accommodation process begins with the student meeting with me and filling out a voluntary disclosure of a disability form which asks what accommodations the student may have had in the past and what accommodations they are requesting at Colby. A range of supports are available to all students (office hours with professors, Writer’s Center, Math After Hours, peer tutors in an subject, etc.) as well as being able to discuss study skills and other specific issues with me, all of the advising deans, and members of Counseling Services.</p>
<p>Info on Support Services at Colby can be found by searching ‘support services’ from the main webpage.</p>
<p>Some student might also want to consider asking to be allowed to register for the class I teach each fall, ED111 – Metacognition and Academic Success. It’s a 2 or 3 credit course aimed at first year students who may benefit from learning about different interpretations of intelligence, learning styles, and being in a small class where participation, writing skills, critical reasoning, speaking and presenting in class, and ways to deal with stress and other issues are addressed. The class meets Thursday night from 7 – 9 pm and registration requires permission of the instructor. So, you’d need to suggest interested students send me an email and express why they are interested in the class. </p>
<p>Hope this helps"</p>