While there are several excellent colleges that have structured learning support programs for students with an NVLD and other learning disabilities, many who could greatly benefit from these programs get rejected from them. I believe a common reason for rejection is because the students don’t take enough challenging courses and their application doesn’t include enough non-academic activities. I believe one of the reasons for this is school counselors and resource room teachers don’t think the extra pressure this puts on students is necessary which through my own personal experience I know this isn’t true.
For example as I was starting high school I took Regents Biology and regular English and Social studies rather than the section for Resource Room students only. I knew from our own research it was necessary to go to college with structured support. This decision was one so few could understand though I trusted myself and by working hard and staying determined I was successful. As a result I stayed in a more rigorous academic program and continued non-academic activities so I would have a great application for college despite having an NVLD.
In addition, in the summer of 9th grade I chose to attend the Eagle Hill School summer program for students with learning Disabilities in Hardwick, Massachusetts. This type of program is more important for students with all learning disabilities than most realize as it helps the program director see that these students are committed to growing academically and socially. I understand that many programs are 5-7 weeks long and often a distance from home, however by attending students experience tremendous academic and social growth which makes attending a college with a structured support program a realistic goal.
Each year I continued my high school career I always took a full academic program and some still had some doubts. However they disappeared faster as I could now express my reasons for this which allowed me to have great support and enjoy success. My 11th and 12th grade Math teacher even wrote one of my recommendations and her incredible words about me made such a great impression as Math was very challenging for me. It was so helpful as we were told these programs like for one of your letters of recommendations to come from an 11th grade teacher that taught you in a course that was challenging for you as it shows your commitment to overcome your Learning Disability. Based on my personal experience I believe this is true and hope more and more students with an NVLD and other learning disabilities understand this.
Outside of academics I decided right away one of the things I was going to do was stay a three season runner. Like my academic course choices, so few could understand this decision however we believed it was necessary. By not giving up, my coaches honored me with a few sportsmanship and coaches awards and these honors were great for my transcript. In fact my Dean College Arch program recommendation questionnaire was completed by my coaches and I was told more than once it was a big reason for my acceptance as it showed I wanted to become part of the my school’s community. In addition to sports I was also always involved in Key Club and in the music program and I was blessed to receive great honors in these activities. This recognition increased my self-esteem and gave me the confidence I needed for college. Due to this I highly agree that commitments outside of the classroom are so important too in help in the college process.
One of the ways this path can be started is being open about your future as you start high school. This helps your school counselors and resource room teachers to have an understanding of what you are thinking and the reasoning for it. Open communication and awareness does wonders for being able to achieve success. Personally I know how true this is as my support circle knew my goals and each year we worked closely together so they could be reached.
Overall I truly agree with the opinion that the students who would benefit the most from a structured support program the most are the ones who are getting rejected, especially the NVLD students. Yes it is true they could be shooting too high by applying to Syracuse University’s Program rather than a place like Dean College but it may also be that their application is weaker. So please encourage these students to do things like always the most challenging academic courses and have experiences outside of the classroom as I strongly believe it will allow them to attend a college with a structured program that matches their academic and social goals.
Eileen
Eileen is a Project Social Ambassador and blogger for The NVLD Project. She loves helping others understand they can achieve their goals and dreams through hard work and dedication.
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