To let colleges know?

caligulashorse
Fri, 27 May 2011 06:44:41 +0000

I didn’t apply to the Ivy League, but I did apply to some decent schools. I would disclose it.

I experienced enough of the symptoms of Asperger’s to get a “extremely mild, atypical Asperger’s” diagnosis when I was 13. I don’t think I really have any of the symptoms anymore, but in any case, my high school experience was greatly impacted by the struggles with socializing I had. In order to put things into context, I chose to disclose my diagnostic history. Depending on the way you spin it, it can be a real boon for your application or absolutely slaughter it. If you write about how you’ve worked to overcome your struggles, you can come off as an impressive candidate who’s been through a lot and has emerged victorious in the end. I think that can make your application stand out.

But be careful not to make excuses or pity yourself (I’m not saying you sound like this, but this can be a pitfall for people with LD). Colleges don’t want to hear a sob story; they want to hear how you’ve overcome things.

If you’re at all interested in seeing how I framed Asperger’s in my essay, I’d be willing to show you.