Mentioning disability?

[fresnelp]

Hi all,

Should one mention a learning or a visual disability in his/her statement? On the one hand if one's scores and achievements are high, mentioning about the disability would be a plus, because it would be a proof of will to succeed. On the other hand, the admission officers might have concerns about these applicants' ability to succeed through the program, hence they might deny admission. Any comments?

Peter

[chet]

good question!

I am going to as disability law is one of my areas of passion. Also, I never rec'd any accomodations for my disability (pre-ada) and I think I need to talk to my undergrad GPA.

In the end, it has to be with what you're comfortable.

p.s.

If you rec'd accommodation on the LSAT, that will be disclosed to the school, so in some way, they will already know.

[Ivy_Hopeful]

I believe that pointing out your disability in the app process is only positive when you have proven to triumph over adversity (GPA shows it!). Otherwise stuck with positive notations.  If you have done well despite this situation then it will be considered "in positive light" not negative. Good luck  

[ff]

I belive you are supposed to address the LD, overcoming odds, stuff in an addendum.

[zpops]

I left my disability completely off my app.  I know some people choose to use it when they've overcome it with good grades, but even so I felt like I'd be better off not letting schools know about my health problems, out of fear that the admissions people would do me a "favor" by not admitting me into a stressful school. . .

[blizzard of ozz]

I left my disability completely off my app.  I know some people choose to use it when they've overcome it with good grades, but even so I felt like I'd be better off not letting schools know about my health problems, out of fear that the admissions people would do me a "favor" by not admitting me into a stressful school. . .

Yeah, me too. They didn't accomodate me for my disability in UG either, maybe they should adjust my GPA to compensate. They insisted on my attending class sober. Those bastards didn't understand the nature of my horrible affliction, alcoholism.

[sarmstrong806]

I have decided to make my disability the focal point of my personal statement. It is not a learning disability, so it does not have much to do with my GPA. I plan on using it as an example of my perserverance and ability to overcome adversity.