Tips for college

[just_ok]

I'm a rising senior in high school struggling with ADHD and looking to apply to colleges in the US as an international student! Does anyone have any tips or advice? Or know if the schools have any support system?

[MagnoliaJones]

Hi there! I don't have experience applying to schools as an international student, but I was diagnosed with ADHD last year after I started a Ph.D. program.

As far as support systems at schools, most (if not all) colleges and universities have an office for disability resources (or a similar name such as student services) that works with students to get the support they need in the classroom. You will want to see if the schools you're applying to offer these services. My university recognizes ADHD as a condition that requires extra support and I can ask for accommodations.

That looks a little different at the graduate level, but for an undergraduate, this could be asking for help with notetaking (for example other students in the class volunteer to take notes and then you receive them), getting class presentation slides ahead of time, flexible deadlines on assignments, or taking exams outside of the classroom where you can have more time and are then accommodated in a quieter, less distracting environment.

You will have to seek out and set up these services yourself, and you will likely have to provide documentation of your diagnosis, but the center should then help you talk with your professors about what your needs are. Self-advocacy is hard, but once you enter adult life and college, that is what's expected of you. So, really think about what you need and ask for that, versus going to see someone and hoping they'll figure it out for you. The more you know about what you might need ahead of time, the easier it will be for others to help you.

You can also look at what student groups are available not only for general social life but there might be ADHD or other support groups that could be beneficial to you.

I hope that's helpful! Good luck to you!

[just_ok in reply to MagnoliaJones]

Thank you!!!