Should I disclose my ADHD in the Extenuating Circumstances statement for graduate school application to the University of Minnesota?

[blackpizza]

I have GPA below 3.0 so I need to write an Extenuating Circumstances statement, so is it ok to disclose my ADHD or will that affect my chances of getting accepted?

[Stoneman60]

This would appear to be a deeply personal decision with significant consequences. And without knowing the field you are perusing it's hard to do more than speak in generalities.

While it's important for one to be aware of this condition's impact on our performance and to take steps to address it, ADHD is not an excuse or a crutch. Society expects a certain level of performance and that really is what we should be aiming for. If certain accommodations need to be made to address the specific manifestations of your condition (ie more time to submit papers or take exams), it's fair to ask for that. You'll have some of those same options at a paying job.

UoM is a major educational institution. Generally they seek a diverse student body which is good. But they also want students who will succeed, excell and reflect well on the school. Your challenge is to convince them that your past GPA performance is not a good indication of your future performance. You'll need to address the reasons for your undergraduate performance, what you've learned and the steps you've taken to address those shortcomings. Just saying that you have ADD I doubt will be enough.

You clearly are to be commended for obtaining your undergraduate degree. A significant, if not a majority, of those accepted into a post secondary program drop out prior to graduation. You didn't. You persevered. You grades are not stellar, but perhaps there were other temporary mitigating circumstances that limited your study time, or ability to focus. Unfortunately ADD is not temporary, it's chronic. And it needs to be overcome long term. It is possible however.

You have alternatives. Apply to a less demanding program, or do some some additional work prior to applying at UoM that demonstrates your ability to perform at the necessary level. Line up a few real-life successes to point to.

I have a nephew by marriage. Suffers from severe learning disabilities. He and his mother wanted him to earn a bachelor's. He took fewer classes each term and didn't hold a job so he could focus completely on the workload. Took advantage of free tutoring whenever possible. It took him 6+ years to earn his B.A. But he was able to deliver the performance required by the school, has a degree, and is debt free (local public college/university). He's never going to be a Madison Ave lawyer or a broadcast journalist and his lack of work experience hindered his job options, but he accomplished what he set out to do.

Good luck.

[blackpizza in reply to Stoneman60]

This made it easy to make a decision. Thank you so much! Much appreciated!

[blackpizza in reply to Stoneman60]

I took your advice, which inspired me to write a good statement disclosing my condition. I thought I should share the good news that I got accepted into the Univerity of Minnesota! Since I didn't mention it before, the program I got into is Masters in Integrated Behavioral Health. I hope this inspires others to pursue what they seek! Again thank you so much for your heartfelt reply.

[Stoneman60 in reply to blackpizza]

Congratulations! That's awesome!

[blackpizza in reply to Stoneman60]

Thank you 😄

[CDJfromDET]

If ADHD IS the extenuating circumstance but you say it's something else, or don't say anything, what do you say when it comes up while you're there?

[allthelavender]

As someone who used to work in university student affairs, my advice is to disclose your condition, particularly if you were unaware of a diagnosis at the time. Communicate the growth you have made, and be reflective about how those circumstances have changed if that is the case. For example, what coping skills have you learned and practiced, and how do you better know yourself? What accommodations do you need to be successful in graduate school? Do you have a therapist or other healthcare provider who can document those accommodations? Above all, don’t let ADHD hold you back from pursuing a career you desire. If it is something you love, that hyperfocus will serve you well. Just be realistic about what you can handle and honor your strengths and challenges.

[blackpizza in reply to allthelavender]

Thank you this is helpful!!

[Synonymous-]

Would disclosure not open doors for support? I never dreamed of going on to college as I struggled throughout my academic years and am impressed by those who struggle similarly yet attain degrees! Well done getting to this point!