Reply to Did your kid write about/refer to their disability/SN in their college essay?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I worked in college admissions for a few years at a top SLAC. I would say that writing about disability can be done well, in the same way that writing about disadvantages in general can be done well. But, it certainly can be done poorly and in a manner that undermines your admissions chances. I think it depends on the disability, the types of supports you need, how well the disability is managed and how likely it is to be an issue at school and whether the school has the appropriate supports. It’s so much easier to write a good compelling issue about a learning disorder like dyslexia or about adhd than it is to write a good essay about major mental health issues, severe eating disorders, major behavioral issues, etc. Especially if the disability is likely yo be triggered or poorly managed in a new and unfamiliar environment. And I’d also say that if the school has inadequate disability supports for your kid, that’s probably an indicator that a disability related topic could work against you at that school.[/quote]

Thank you. Her main issue is dyspraxia/motor planning. It impacts all areas of her life, and I don’t necessarily think she’ll require a ton of support beyond an understanding of her particular struggles and how they  might manifest. [/quote]

I honestly cannot understand why anyone would think it was a good idea to write about basically being very, very clumsy unless it was something more philosophical or funny and self-depracating. I say this as the mom of a kid with significant dyspraxia. [/quote]

Dyspraxia impacted her greatly and when it was time to start the essay, it was what she wanted to share - but the essay wasn’t *about* her disability (it really is a disability for my DD) - it was only mentioned as something that impacted her and that she pushed through (her list of extracurriculars will hopefully demonstrate that).

We have only sent applications to two schools so far, and there are several due on 11/15 - should she change the essay? She is applying to schools with at least a 75% acceptance rate. UMBC is her reach.

Dyspraxia is a part of who she is, and always will be, but I don’t want to hurt her chances.

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