<p>Hi, I'm currently a high school junior and Swarthmore is one of the schools that I may be interested in applying to.</p>
<p>The problem is that I have had an unusual long-term illness (constant headache and dizziness) for the past six months that has yet to be treated, which is affecting my academic ability negatively. For example, I have trouble reading and concentrating. So, I will be unable to take the SAT or ACT: I collapsed after taking a 45-minute physics test once due to dizziness, so it is improbable for me to attempt a four-hour-long standardized test. My question is: is it possible to waive the SAT/ACT requirement due to medical concerns?</p>
<p>And as a side note: my mom says that when I apply for college, I should not mention my illness, because she thinks that it will decrease my chances of being accepted, especially if I am still sick when I apply. But it's not like the illness is my fault, and besides, I am an excellent student, teachers like me, and I have bravely struggled for half a year to deal with this neurological nightmare (great essay topic, yes?). But do you guys think that what my mom says is true? Will Swarthmore discriminate against me because I have a long-term illness?</p>
<p>I doubt they'll waive the SAT requirement. You still have another year to take the SAT, so you've got some time.</p>
<p>In a kind of physical condition that you are describing ("collapsed after taking a 45-minute physics test", "have trouble reading and concentrating") you will not be able to handle the work at a place like Swarthmore. So unless this is resolved, accepting you would not be a good decision. You have to have realistic goals and expectations.</p>
<p>Ahh, the empathy I feel. In seventh grade I suddenly became unable to walk (I am ambulatory now) due to what was later diagnosed as a rare neuromuscular disease. I don't know whether they can waive the requirement, but the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of 89) covers standardized tests. For example, you can have untimed testing (given to people with anxiety, physical limitations etc.). I got to use a keyboard because of my neuro-disease and had extended time (though I didn't use it). Most likely you will be granted time extensions so that you can take as many breaks as needed. With counselor and MD documentation this is not difficult to obtain (although the CB can be a ******). If you want to message me, I'd be more than happy to discuss this further.
About the posts above: while hard to hear, their points have merit. If your disability is one that can be remedied by accommodations such as the ones I described above, then maybe those past sentiments have less bearing. Colleges must adhere to the ADA as well. Schools will adapt within limits: time restrictions may not be imposed, computers may be made available, quiet testing space may be offered, one can often take a reduced course load for a while as needed, etc. However, a school's ethos (in this case Swat's heavy workload) isn't going to change based on the needs of an individual student. The school will have its identity and your being there will not change that. If the culture of the school is not one that is conducive to your continuing growth and success, it is absolutely the wrong place for you (I know hard this is to hear). This is where it becomes really important to evaluate yourself: your strengths, weaknesses, needs, what helps, what doesn't. It can be incredibly difficult to reconcile one's dreams and images to one's reality, but that, as I'm sure you are quickly learning, is a mandatory survival skill for those with handicaps. That said, there are many prestigious, highly academic communities who put less emphasis on pressure and course load, schools that are known for being accommodating that might suit your situation better. Certainly speak to your guidance counselor about this and if you live in a somewhat metropolitan area, it is highly likely that their is someone who specializes in college placements who would have familiarity with the subject.</p>
<p>I know that my illness limits my academic ability, but as my guidance counselor says, I am "too smart" not to apply to prestigious schools. Despite the effects of my headache/dizziness, I am still in 3 AP classes and doing fairly well in all of them (borderline As). I know that my teachers are proud with my perseverance and would definitely encourage me. But you do have a point about Swarthmore's workload... that may be a problem, seeing how I need to constantly rest to relax my head.</p>
<p>Because I have a history of medical problems, I do not want to go far away from home for college (I live in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area). But due to my desire to go to a good liberal arts school, I am limited to only two choices: Swarthmore and St. Mary's College of Maryland (both about 2.5 hours away). I want to study physics and philosophy (yes I know, strange combination) and I do not believe St. Mary's has good programs in either of them. Unfortunately, that only leaves Swarthmore...</p>
<p>Also, about accomodations for the SAT: I know that I need them, but unfortunately my illness has not been diagnosed yet. I even went to Johns Hopkins (one of the world's best hospitals) and they could not solve the mystery. So I doubt that the ADA can apply to me, because I don't think it counts as a disability if they don't even know what the hell is going on with me. But I did get a form to request time extensions for Collegeboard and I will fill it out soon!</p>
<p>By the way, thanks (especially froghorn) ^_^</p>
<p>Swarthmore isn't the only great LAC in that region. Bryn Mawr, Haverford, AU (which only has a few undergraduates)?</p>
<p>I'm sure there are plenty of others.</p>
<p>Not to dissuade you from Swarthmore--I just know that even individuals without preexisting conditions can succumb to anxiety in environments like this one. It's probably one of the most intense schools in the country--but that doesn't mean it is infinitely BETTER than schools with more meditative atmospheres.</p>
<p>08/08,
First, there are plenty of good schools in those margins. Second, many of these prestigious schools are going to have extremely high demands (Swat is extraordinary, but most schools of this calibre will not be too different). Third, the doctors do not need a diagnostic code to write a letter indicating that you need accommodations. I thought I'd also mention that neurological (well, most physical) disorders are worsened by stress. You must consider your health. Also, since you are a junior, you could take a post-graduate year if you need more time to convalesce. As my neurologist likes to say about stress and [the disease I have], "it's all the same organ."</p>
<p>As for what your mom says (sorry this is in a different post, I wanted to re to this too and my editing time expired), there is some truth. You are a human and you are not perfect. You (and everyone else with whom you are applying) have faults and liabilities. Though it can be hard to keep this in mind whilst in the midst of applying to college, adcoms are comprised of AOs, who are actually human! However, your mother's cautionary words ring true in this sense: if a school perceives you to be too fragile to succeed in their program, they will not admit you. Schools are seeking students who will thrive in their institution. At the same time, an obstacle surmounted/battled on a quotidian basis will likely be looked upon favorably. If you present yourself as a strong student who has struggled and whose difficulties will be something you continue to master, your resilience will likely be rewarded. The catch-22 is this: you do not want to present yourself as other than you are. While you have no obligation to discuss your disabilities, it is paramount that you accept them. You are not going to be a different person because you get into Swat (or any other school). You will be just as smart, just as talented, and with the same liabilities. To discount that last fact is to set yourself up for disaster. You need to go to a school that works for all facets of your personhood.</p>
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[quote]
I am limited to only two choices: Swarthmore and St. Mary's College of Maryland (both about 2.5 hours away). I want to study physics and philosophy (yes I know, strange combination) and I do not believe St. Mary's has good programs in either of them. Unfortunately, that only leaves Swarthmore...
[/quote]
This outlook would most probably set you up for a failure even if you had perfect grades and scores and no health issues (you are talking about a school with less than 20% acceptance rate)!</p>
<p>Btw, I can't think of any school where it would be a problem to major in physics and philosophy. Those are not some exotic majors that only exist in certain schools...</p>