<p>I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2011 and though my GPA is good 3.85 weighted 4.27 unweighted, my Test Scores are only so-so - ACT 30 SAT 1900 AP scores 2 (3 AP tests) very low SAT II scores (450-550). So disclosing my ADHD might shed some light on fluctuating/low test scores yet good GPA BUT I have also been informed that some college ADCOM look at ADHD issue in negative light since so many applicants reporting ADHD and the whole adderall on campus problem and use of extra services on campus etc( even though they say can't discriminate) so when it comes down to deciding between 2 applicants exactly the same except one ADHD and other is not- they will chose the applicant without the ADHD issue (which may lead to testing/learning etc problems on campus).
So, should I Report / Disclose ADHD on UC applications and USC or not?
Please respond - Thank you
P.S. Also UC applications require no score choice so have to send all SAT scores incl SAT II and I took SAT test 4 times with scores of (1750-1900) which is not good and very low SAT II scores (450-550).
So probably only reporting just 1 ACT 30 score on UC applications.</p>
<p>you are in a protected class. note it on your application then if you get rejected ask for an appeal based on your diagnosed ADHD, which is legally a disability since it probably interfered with your test-taking (i.e., long tests). Unless you took the tests with assistance or extra time or what are called “accommodations.” You can’t claim discrimination if u didn’t disclose in the first place. </p>
Hi, I am curious to see where you were accepted, and if you disclosed your ADHD. Thank you!
Post # 1 is, sorry to say, terrible advice. Appealing a rejection based on a disability is not a strategy that will work. Schools do not consider disabilities until/unless you are “otherwise qualified” for admission. The student can apply for accommodations if registered at the school’s disability services dept and qualify for the requested accommodations. But this comes only after admission.
Jym626 provided sound information, especially otherwise qualified and registering for disability services when admitted. Other-wise qualified means that you must meet all admissions requirements whether or not you have a disability. If you almost meet specific requirements that can be addressed on campus through remediation, then you might be accepted. In my experience, deficiencies are more often associated with a qualified applicant not taking a third lab science because the high school doesn’t offer it or something similar, but not to compensate for poor academic skills and knowledge. Hence, depending on disclosure of disability to fill in or explain gaps in your profile will not make up for failure to meet entrance requirements. Admissions decisions are essentially free of mercy.
If you disclose disability as part of admissions, you are adding it as a factor for consideration in the admissions decision when schools are quite careful to sequester information that potentially compromises the admissions decision. It very unlikely to be a winner in claims of discrimination in admissions on the basis of disability because you raised disability. How would the courts separate out biased admissions procedures from your disclosures. Achieving a successful outcome is far different than finding an attorney to pursue you claim. Practically, since you attribute difficulties such as poor test scores to ADHD, it is reasonable that someone will ask how your performance will be different an even better at a particular institution.