Using an ADHD Diagnosis for Financial Aid Appeals

[ollie_himself]

Hello!

I am a new member here. I'm wondering if anyone has resources on using an ADHD Diagnosis for major decision appeals.

For context, I attempted college a handful of times and always either dropped out, or failed out to the point where I don't qualify for more financial aid assistance. Now that I am diagnosed and treated for ADHD, I know that my previous performance at college was because I was suffering from this without any treatment.

I'd love to go back to college and complete my degree, but I simply can't pay out of pocket. Any tips would be amazing!

Thank you.

[MagnoliaJones]

Hi there! I have a similar experience of stopping and starting college, though overall my (undiagnosed at the time) ADHD was not the major part of that (at least I don't think anyway...). I was just recently diagnosed at 37 in the first year of my Ph.D. program, so I do know the struggles of trying to manage that with what is needed to succeed in college. In previous applications, personal statements, etc. I did want to explain that my alcoholism was the major contributing factor in my various stops and starts but also wanted to express how that experience made me stronger and put me in a better position to finish what I started once I found sobriety.

So I think you can bring up ADHD but how you frame it is what's important. So instead of being like, "I have ADHD and can't do anything and need money, please help me." (Not that I think that's what you'd say or are saying right now, but sometimes without careful framing, that's how things these things can come across.) Instead say something like, "Despite the struggles that come with ADHD which have derailed me in the past, which I have only recently come to know, I am still committed to finishing my degree. Unfortunately, paying for college is another challenge for me, largely because my previous stints have made me ineligible for funding and financial support. Funding is the only way that I'll be able to pursue this dream of mine, and any consideration will be greatly appreciated."

And then look for scholarships, grants, programs, etc. that might be aimed toward folks struggling with mental health, along with any others that you might qualify for such as low-income, first-gen, underrepresented, etc. Consider reaching out to the student disability services at the institution where you're applying as they might have some ideas as well. Also, be in touch with the colleges where you failed or dropped out to the point of ineligibility and see what you can do to fix that. For me, it meant going to community college, taking one or two classes at a time, and paying for those out of pocket (I had to save of course, but the cost was much lower with fewer classes and at a community college) until I met their standards of progress and then I became eligible for loans and stuff again.

I've written tons of personal statements and applications (the majority of which have been successful), so feel free to message me if you'd like any support with that. I'm happy to help. But either, best of luck with this!!

[75ADHDgal]

Yes! First discuss this with an attorney- find out what your options are . Second discuss this with your Psychiatrist and therapist and see if they would be willing to write letters discussing your diagnosis and the fact that you have had this for all of your life - we are born with it - does not all of a sudden happen- Then did you pay back the financial aid? - if not there is not way you can get more . Owing the government or the bank for past aid will disqualify you. You have to make sure your balance is zero before attempting to ask them for more !Now first I suggest you try a Junior College - they cost a lot less than a four year university. And generally they have more help . Then you need to contact the disability office at the College and get your doctors to complete the necessary forms so you can get additional help - like more time to complete tests and assignments of tutors. If I had my ADHD diagnosis when I was in college and Grad school ,things would have be so much easier for me. But I did get help at the JCC and that helped me slide into the four year university with less effort.