Should he reveal? Re-establish LD in college?

<p>DS1 was diagnosed with Dysgraphia in 4th grade - rec'd assistance with dyslexia counselor at public school on 504 through 5th grade. Moved to private school in 6th grade and he didn't want to be segregated so he abandoned special counseling and accomodations and learned to 'deal with it' as bad as his writing is. This was his choice and we agreed as long as his grades didn't suffer (he made mainly A's with some B's in AP and Honors classes, depending on the amount of writing involved with tests, etc.). In any case, my question is this: he has scored so well on his standardized tests that his principal remarked that he didn't understand why DS isn't valedictorian of the class (son is somewhere in top 25%). I am now concerned that colleges may wonder why DS1's grades don't match up with his standardized test scores and think he's a slacker. I do want to mention that his writing scores on the standardized tests show a definite difference in his skills there since he was in 97% on MC scores but only earned a 7 on the essay for SAT, 8 on essay for ACT. He is truly a gifted child (IQ tests prove plus even with a LD he scored in 71% for his writing score on SAT), he just can't get his thoughts down on paper the way he would like.</p>

<p>Should he mention the LD on his college applications in an effort to assist with any impression that admissions may have over the diff in his GPA and his standardized scores? Even if he hasn't used his 504 in 6 years? And, what are your thoughts on whether he should go for testing to reinstate his 504 status for college?</p>

<p>Sorry for the long post, but I appreciate any assistance!</p>

<p>Bump Bump - anyone who has experience?</p>

<p>The question of whether or not to reveal seems to come up in many forms (There's another thread from a student wondering if he should write his essay about his LD.) and I wish that some of the admissions officers on CC would offer some insight on this.</p>

<p>There seem to be three options: not to reveal; to have the GC reveal in a way that explains what might appear to be anomolies or negative bits of the LD student's record; and the student revealing, either through a head-on essay or in the section of applications that invites the student to tell a bit more. As a parent whose LD kid has not yet applied to college, I have no idea which option is best, but I'm thinking that it probably makes sense to have the GC offer info that puts the student in the best possible light, perhaps with the student adding info in the "something extra" section. </p>

<p>It seems to me that if highly competitive, elite schools offer extensive support services for LD students, their admissions offices must be aware that LD students are in their applicant pools and that they succeed once accepted. I have some fears, of course, that there might be a disconnect between the LD support teams and the admissions folks, other than places like UC Berkeley where apparently there are special admissions teams with knowledge of LD's who are better able to assess LD applicants, and wish that someone with more concrete knowledge and experience would chime in...</p>

<p>I'm very tempted to go onto the boards for individual colleges and ask about whether accepted LD freshmen revealed or not. (Not to mention, rejected or waitlisted kids...)</p>

<p>I think you have to figure out whether the college your son wants to apply to has disability services. I should say that all are required to have services to accommodate people with disabilities, but often you'll find the services are more "because we have to" rather than "because we want to". Therein you'll find your answer as to whether it's something that should or should not be discussed, and whether it might help or hinder.</p>

<p>If there's an essay that opens the door to the question, I generally say, walk through the door.</p>

<p>My son has an LD and has been in special ed since elementary school. He discussed it in all of his college apps that required an essay, and it was well received, but you never know what really helped. As Anonymom said about Berkeley, there are a number of notable colleges that aren't afraid to take on students with disabilities.</p>

<p>JTANDMAMOM-
What grade is your s in? You might consider, if he is in say 10th gr, reestablishing (and using) accomodations in school. With a dx of dysgraphia he may qualify for extended time, use of a computer, note-taking buddy, etc., or in more severe cases, a scribe. Accomodations could help pull his grades up commensurate with his abilities, and then you show an upward trend, better performance, etc. You can then decide whether or not to disclose the LD. It may be better to address the LD after your s is admitted.</p>

<p>JTANDMAMOM - I sent you a private message.</p>