It’s among the most common questions I hear when I work with high school students navigating the admissions process, and the answer isn’t always straightforward.
Should students with ADHD or learning differences disclose it on the Common App?
As a college consultant, I’ve helped many students decide whether and how to disclose a learning difference in their application. When done thoughtfully, sharing this information can provide essential context, especially if your academic journey includes challenges you’ve worked hard to overcome.
Colleges want to understand the whole student, not just the numbers on a transcript. Explaining how a learning difference has shaped your experience can help admissions officers see your growth, resilience, and potential more clearly. It can also pave the way for support services once you’re on campus.
Different Ways to Disclose a Learning Difference on a College Application
Through your personal statement.
You can integrate your ADHD, dyslexia, ASD, or other learning differences into your essay to explain how they have shaped your experiences and academic journey. Perhaps you have discovered effective strategies, learned to advocate for yourself, or made significant improvements. This can make for a powerful essay by demonstrating your growth, resilience, and ability to overcome challenges.
Through the supplemental or additional information section on your application.
Some applications, including the Common App, have a section where you can provide additional context about your academic record, which could be used to explain your learning differences. You can use this section if you are not writing your main essay about your learning difference.
Through your counselor’s recommendation.
You can ask your counselor to mention your learning difference and how you have navigated it in their recommendation letter.
Two Key Questions to Ask Before You Disclose a Learning Difference
1. How significantly has it impacted your academic experience?
If your learning difference has played a significant role in shaping your academic performance, such as impacting your grades, course selection, or requiring accommodations, explaining it can offer helpful context to admissions officers. However, if its impact has been minimal, disclosure may not be necessary.
2. Are you comfortable sharing it?
Disclosing a learning difference is entirely optional and should reflect your comfort level. If you’re not ready to share, you can always wait until after acceptance, especially if you plan to request accommodations in college. In the meantime, it’s wise to research the disability support services at schools on your list to ensure they offer the resources you may need.
Personalized Guidance for a Confident College Application
Every student’s path to college is different, and your teen doesn’t have to navigate it alone. Whether they’re deciding how to share a learning difference or need support with essays, applications, or college list building, our college experts are here to help.
If you’re a parent helping your teen through this process, we invite you to schedule a free call with one of our Education Specialists today to get personalized advice and a clear plan for your teen’s next steps.