Declare learning disability status?

[RowaH]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if it would be a good idea to declare LD status when entering university first year. There are a number of benefits to this, such as increased scholarships and increased time for testing, but there are also a number of risks, such as the potential for bias on my med school application.

I have strong documentation concerning my LD status, so it won't be a problem. By the way, my LD is related to slow reading speeds. My educational psychologist determined that I had a VERY low processing speed, both quantitatively and qualitatively.

 

[Cranial Gavage]

I was wondering if it would be a good idea to declare LD status when entering university first year. There are a number of benefits to this, such as increased scholarships and increased time for testing, but there are also a number of risks, such as the potential for bias on my med school application.

Tell us a little more about what you mean by "declaring" LD status. I'm not sure what this means or where it would appear in your record.

My initial response is that medical schools probably would not see that information. They require official college transcripts, MCAT scores, GPA, Letters of Recommendation, and various essays. You need to find out if your LD status would appear on your transcript or not. (Ask your advisor.)

Declaring LD may substantially enhance your college experience as you indicated above. Focus on the undergraduate coursework for now, and worry about the rest later.

 

[stellastarr]

I don't think it shows up anywhere on your transcript, but if does show up if you use special accomodations for the MCAT.

If you truly need the extra time then take advantage of it when it's offered to you in undergrad, but I personally wouldn't feel comfortable taking the MCAT under special conditions and having that as part of my record.

 

[doinmybest5840]

I don't think it shows up anywhere on your transcript, but if does show up if you use special accomodations for the MCAT.

If you truly need the extra time then take advantage of it when it's offered to you in undergrad, but I personally wouldn't feel comfortable taking the MCAT under special conditions and having that as part of my record.

I agree with this post. If it is going to be part of your record, I would say to do your best without it. I would personally be worried about negative bias because of a learning disorder, or people not really knowing what it is and thinking you're making stuff up. I don't think many people realize that slow reading can actually be for a reason other than a dislike for reading and/or laziness, and assume that anybody who "reads slowly" just isn't trying. At least, that's the impression I've gotten with a lot of people (my brother is very intelligent but also reads slowly). Anyway, it really depends how slowly you actually read. Depending on your speed, most classes may be fine. A lot of my classes tend to give 30-60 minutes extra (e.g. make a test that is supposed to take 60 minutes but give the class 90-120 minutes to do it for people who like to take their time or read slowly). You may only need it in certain classes, in which case it might not be a problem in regards to showing up on some sort of record. Honestly though, I have no idea if that ever shows up.

 

[futuredrcrawfor]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if it would be a good idea to declare LD status when entering university first year. There are a number of benefits to this, such as increased scholarships and increased time for testing, but there are also a number of risks, such as the potential for bias on my med school application.

I have strong documentation concerning my LD status, so it won't be a problem. By the way, my LD is related to slow reading speeds. My educational psychologist determined that I had a VERY low processing speed, both quantitatively and qualitatively.

my brother has the same issues and is VERY low (ie 3% processing speed) some was pre-existing the rest from a accident that left him with broken skull, neck, back, ribs...

I would recommend it cuz with the slow processing speed taking test can be very stressful. Also check out the Center for Blind and Dyslexic online. My brothers neuropsychologist recommended it and they actually will provide you almost all your college books on audio format- I think there is an app fee and then like 35 dollars a year. I checked out of curiosity and they had all my books (orgo, bio, chem, phys, etc)...you do sign a contract stating you wont share and you have to buy some software cuz it can make the audio go to a page, paragraph, or even a word you want with the click of a button.

So if you are interested in that program go for it! I considered getting testing as one side of the family has major learning issues but haven't made a final decision. Mainly cuz I score well on test and have always been in the "gifted classes" so I don't think I would get approved even though I mask the condition well.

 

[RowaH]

Hey that's excellent advice, thanks! ^_^

I've made my decision - declare it in university, and keep quiet thereafter.

 

[luv2sd]

Hey that's excellent advice, thanks! ^_^

I've made my decision - declare it in university, and keep quiet thereafter.

and declare again once you get into medical school?

 

[inthecity]

LD and testing accommodations should definitely not appear on your University transcript - in fact it is illegal to do so I believe. However, should you apply and be granted extended time on the MCAT, that will be reported to AMCAS and ad coms will see it. They are supposed to not discriminate, but I have heard mixed opinions. But I do know that MCAT extended time is painfully hard to get and quite a long ordeal Definitely seek class examination accommodations though; it's your right as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

[RowaH]

. . . it's your right as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Actually I'm Canadian

 

[Dr_Dan_the_man]

just out of curiosity what will you do about the MCAT?
The test is designed to evaluate your ability to process information in a TIMED setting (expecially the VR section)

do they allow any additional time for ppl with LD's?
Because otherwise that may be an impossible hurdle.

 

[RowaH]

Perhaps I'm being optimistic, perhaps I'm being naive, but I plan on writing the MCAT normally, since I want to eradicate this LD before the MCAT. I don't know how I'll do it, or even if I do it, but I'm sure as hell hoping I will

 

[littlealex]

Slow processing speed? It sounds like a euphemism for retxxxed...

Regardless, you have an uphill battle from here, take all the advantages you can get to even the playing field.

 

[RowaH]

I'm thinking of eradicating my disability through drugs and training. Going to take a MAOI next week (EMSAM patch) for its nootropic properties. Perhaps I'll even go for adderall.

EDIT: Not concurrently with the MAOI of course!