Does it help in admissions to be classified as having a learning disability? Is it better to apply as learning disabled or is it better to submit untimed testing scores unflagged? I know someone who is unsure of how to approach admissions in this situation.
<p>I don't have a learning disability, but I do have a pretty huge seeing disability. I filled out my applications normally (teacher rec., essays, etc.) for the colleges that I applied to this year. I did not state that I was granted extended time for the standardized tests taht I took. However, my doctor wrote a letter to be added to my applications that explained my situation to them and how I have overcome this obstacle by getting into and attending a target school for math, science, and technology throughout high school (and how well I performed there). So far, everything in the admissions process has been going extremely well for me (already am accepted to Michigan State University and the University of Michigan - won't know about Northwestern until March).</p>
<p>I'm not sure if a letter really helps in admissions (since I'm not an adcom), but I don't see how it would hurt either. It might show them a little more of the "bigger picture" about which they would otherwise not know though.</p>
<p>Thank you for your very helpful reply. I'll pass on the information.</p>
<p>Do you think it is a disadvantage if the school knows about the SAT testing having been untimed?</p>
<p>I really don't know. I highly doubt it though since I don't believe that the testing agencies would even offer the extra time to those who need it if they knew that it would hurt them in admissions more so than help them. In my case, I'm sure that the adcoms will notice that something was up the first time that I took the ACT (without the extra time since I wanted to see if it was even worth applying for before I actually did the applying - apparently it was saying I couldn't finish a huge portion of the test without it) since my overall score literally skyrocketed when I took it again with the extra time. Plus, they'll see the letter from my doctor with my application.</p>
<p>However, I'm not the one that should really be answering this for you (saying I'm only 17). It would be nice if someone that works in admissions (and is reading this) would be able to give you an official answer.</p>
<p>would being add, but not receiving any special treatment through school or taking standardized tests help at all (i made a 550 on the Verbal :(</p>
<p>I don't know.</p>