Hey everyone. I want to delete this thread. Can you guys all delete your responses so I can delete it? Or can someone tell me how to delete this thread?
I assume you're worried about OBD's assumption Middlebury won't be inclined to admit you because of your dyslexia and that your post will be read by admissions?
I view this issue through a different prism.
There are approximately 170 enrolled students who have a self-reported disability. Middlebury's admissions officers are to be commended for admitting such a significant number of students with special needs. It's possible the next Tim Cordes will be a Middlebury graduate
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If you have a documentable learning disability, or other form of disability, [identify yourself!] Our office provides confidential services and accommodations for students who have special needs affecting their learning, vision, hearing, speech, mobility, and physical and psychological health.
The opportunity to be inspired by and learn from classmates who have the fortitude and courage to flourish and succeed despite having a disability is as valuable to a student's education as what is learned in the classroom.
You've demonstrated by your determination that having a disability doesn't equate to being disabled. That's an accomplishment to be extremely proud of!
^^ We recently had a similar discussion on the Wesleyan board and a current student was able to recall the following discussion with an adcom:
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3. The Admission Deans definitely want to know about any kind of learning disability, especially if it is a huge part of your identity. One dean who I asked said, "Every year we receive successful applications from students who focus their entire essay on their LD and how it has shaped them." BE HONEST. Yes, you are trying to showcase yourself in the best light, but being genuine is more important than withholding information about yourself from the people who are trying to help you. I'm not sure if you have started the Common App yet, but there is a space for extra information that hasn't come across in your application and you can use that space to talk about your LD, if you do not want to dedicate your entire essay to it. Feel free to also include a statement from a doctor if you think that would help explain your situation better.
You do if you're not including your disability as part of your application. Only after you're admitted can you submit the Special Needs Identification Form to request an accommodation. For most students, it would be beneficial to meet with Jodi Litchfield, Middlebury's ADA coordinator. Jodi meets regularly with prospective students to discuss their special needs and the services available through the college.
I also discussed this issue with a good friend who is an educator and consultant specializing in students with learning disabilities. He's a Middlebury alum as well.
He said in most cases he would advise a student to disclose their disability, especially if the standardized test scores aren't reflective of the student's ability. Many extremely bright students with a LD do poorly on standardized tests. Nothing new. He additionally commented that some of the best essays he's read are by students who wrote about their disability. Admittedly, it's only one individuals opinion, and I'm sure there are legitimate opposing views.
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Anyone admit to an academic disability and get in?
It's reasonable to assume that of the ~ 170 enrolled students with a disability--most are an academic disability-- a significant percentage acknowledged their special needs on the application.
I'm also aware of Stanford, Amherst, MIT, Vassar and Smith students/alums who acknowledged their academic disability during the application process.
mollylove30: in case you haven't heard or seen it: You should watch the movie: The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia (2012). The filmmaker's son was accepted to Middlebury after being waitlisted & the movie represents that Middlebury is very "dyslexic friendly." The filmaker's son made the Dean's List at Middlebury even though he believed he had to have been the admitted student with the lowest SAT scores in the history of Middlebury. I hope you disclosed your dyslexia in your application. Many, many colleges are becoming much more aware that dyslexia does not define intelligence. Rather, many are recognizing that high achieving dyslexics bring something special to there campuses and often are quite successful later in life. In the summer of 2011, 45 college admissions deans from across the country met at Stanford University to learn about high achieving dyslexic applicants. The goal of the seminar was "to help colleges realize that, because of their intelligence, out-of-the-box thinking, and perseverance, these students can add luster" to their schools. Check out the link & watch that movie: Dyslexia Study NYT August 1, 2011
Totally apply to Middlebury. You may want to do ED if it's your top choice. And, good luck! But to be honest: Middlebury is EXTREMELY hard to get into. 2 amazingly qualified kids from school did ED, and neither got in. Both had a legacy, both had scores over 2200, and one is a regionally famous musician. College is just plain tough!
