<p>My son attends a special ed school because of ADHD (distractible, not hyperactive type).
He’s entering senior year now. Here are his stats: grade point average about 3.8. SATS: Verbal 690, Math 660, Writing 720. Extracurriculars: playing the guitar (at all musical events at school and in his own band outside of school. He’s going to a music program for half the summer). </p>
<p>His school also has an internship component, meaning that he’s had part-time internships for three years. Last year he was a docent at a prestigious museum. This coming year he’ll be working for a music group, learning music recording software. His teacher recommendations will be stellar.</p>
<p>He’ll be taking a college course outside the school in the fall (because there are no AP courses at his school). He also volunteer-tutors the younger kids at his school.</p>
<p>He wants to go to a school like Vassar or Bard. The stats I see on various sites give him a 50-50 chance of these. We’re thinking he has an excellent chance of getting into Goucher and Hampshire. </p>
<p>Any other suggestions for good schools he might be able to get into? We’d like the schools to be no more than 3-4 hours from New York City where we live. </p>
<p>ALSO: are there any websites, or anything on this site, with sample essays, and particularly we wonder how to shape the “learning challenges” angle to our advantage rather than not mention it. On the other hand, we don’t want him to define himself on his application as “special ed.” More like, “here are my challenges; I have met them well and they have taught me this and that about myself and mankind and now I am eager to approach new challenges with the skills and character I have etc etc”</p>
<p>Any advice highly appreciated!</p>