More and more students with learning disabilities are applying to two and four year colleges.

The percentage of freshmen with learning disabilities has doubled from 15 to 32 percent since 1985.

That means students aren’t letting a learning disability stand in the way of what they want to do in life.

Amazing.

Of course, having a learning disability poses some different challenges when you are applying to college.

Here are some pointers to consider when applying to college with a learning disability.

Start early: Give yourself some extra time to write your college application and admissions essay. This will give you time to review your application and to work on understanding your strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and any accommodative services that may be necessary.

Know yourself:  Even though you have a learning disability, you will want to highlight your strength and what you can bring to the college that is unique.  It is up to you to decide whether you want to tell the college that you have a learning disability, but if you do, they cannot penalize you for that. That would be discrimination. You can even include what learning styles work for you and what accommodative services might be necessary. The college might be impressed that you are willing to appear vulnerable and honest—something that shows strength of character.

On the other hand, colleges and universities also are under no obligation to alter their admissions requirements or standards. Students with disabilities, like all other prospective applicants, must meet the admissions criteria established by the college or university.

Do your Homework: Find out what programs they have to support students with learning disabilities. Will they let you have extra time to complete exams? Can you do your exams orally or dictated? Will they allow modifications, substitutions, or waivers of courses, major fields of studies or degree requirements depending on your needs?  

Hundreds of colleges and universities also have comprehensive on campus programs specially designed for students with learning disabilities to help you through the regular college program. Staffed by individuals trained in the area of learning
disabilities, these programs offer services — in addition to the standard services offered bythe campus as a whole services — that go above and beyond making a program accessible. So find out whether the schools you are interested in applying have these types of programs and whether they have an additional fee.

Campus Visits: Visit campuses, preferably while classes are in session, so that you can get an impression of campus daily life, or talk by telephone with the staff of the Disability Support Services Office or the learning disabilities program.

With a little extra planning, your learning disability shouldn’t hold you back. In fact it should might present you as the unique individual that you are!