Do Colleges Know If You Have Learning Disabilities?

I'm worried about disclosing my learning disabilities on my application. Do colleges know about any disabilities automatically, or is it completely on me to share this information and explain how it affects my academics?

Students are not required to disclose their learning disabilities in their college applications and admission officers will not, and cannot, access any disability-related records without your explicit permission due to laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). These laws are designed to protect your privacy.

Yet, it may be beneficial to disclose your disability when you feel that it's an essential part of your story or if it has significantly impacted your academic experience. You might choose to explain extenuating circumstances, share personal growth from navigating a learning disability, or highlight your ability to overcome challenges. Consider this sharing as part of the personal insight you bring to your application—it may help contextualize your academic performance for the admissions committee and provide them with a fuller understanding of you as an individual.

Remember, colleges are prohibited by law from discriminating against a student because they have a disability and in fact, they usually provide support mechanisms, accommodations, and resources for students with learning disabilities. However, it's important to research the specific accommodations a school offers to ensure they match your needs.

So, in summary, colleges do not automatically know if you have learning disabilities. It's entirely your choice to disclose your disability and explain how it has influenced your academic journey.