11/20/98

College Applications and the Learning Disabled

Q: As a parent of a high school senior with a Learning Disability, are we wrong to expect our son to handle the college application process independently? He's very disorganized and forgetful. We've tried day planners and time management programs to remind him of his obligations. When confronted with missed appointments or school assignments, he goes into action, but soon forgets them again. We're afraid this will be his style for the rest of his life.

A: When you get into it, you and your son will discover that the college application process is exceptionally complex. Certainly he should actively participate in the process, but he will also need your help. He'll also need input from a high school guidance counselor to help him select target schools based on his interests and occupational goals and to compile the necessary documentation to go with each application. Most colleges offer support services to Learning Disabled students, so be sure your son requests that information from each college he's considering.

Every application requires thoughtful answers to one or more essay questions, answers that students must formulate on their own. You can help with basic editing, but not with the actual writing. Time spent on these essays will be time well spent. College admission committees give considerable weight to student essays when making their admissions decisions.

You and your son will need to work together to arrange mutually convenient times to visit favored colleges, preferably when classes are in session and students are on campus to answer your son's questions. He may wish to arrange an overnight visit when he's narrowed his choices to one or two schools.

This is probably not the best time to concern yourself with questions about lifelong learning styles. Better to focus your energies on working together through the complicated college search and application process, knowing that the transition from high school to college will be a major learning experience for you and your son, a learning experience that will extend well into his first weeks and months in college. He'll continue to improve independent work and study skills as he matures and as he defines his personal goals.

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.