would a college accept students with aspergers?

[smeek14]

Hi, I am a 17 year old senior in high school with high functioning aspergers.  I am looking at some colleges around my area which include UNT, Texas A/M Commerce, ACU, Austin College, etc.  I am writing about aspergers in one of my essays and I am worried that if they see it, they will decline me.  

 

I would like to say that most people can hardly tell I have it.  It used to be very severe but is now quite mild.  I would have no problem living on my own and would need little accommodation.

 

Thanks!!!

[Br3tt96]

They might give you some handicaps, but they wouldn't decline you. The handicaps in a way are cool because they might give you more time on tests. If it doesn't show, then just act like you're 100% normal...

[JefferyD90]

Hi, I am a 17 year old senior in high school with high functioning aspergers.  I am looking at some colleges around my area which include UNT, Texas A/M Commerce, ACU, Austin College, etc.  I am writing about aspergers in one of my essays and I am worried that if they see it, they will decline me.  

 

I would like to say that most people can hardly tell I have it.  It used to be very severe but is now quite mild.  I would have no problem living on my own and would need little accommodation.

 

Thanks!!!

A public school CAN NOT discriminate.  You'll be fine.

[Wander Away]

It should not be the deciding factor of admission. However, if you are hanging around the average mark for GPA and/or extracurricular activities, it might count against you. 

[smeek14]

It should not be the deciding factor of admission. However, if you are hanging around the average mark for GPA and/or extracurricular activities, it might count against you. 

My ACT is a 21 and my gpa is a 3.4.  I do have Eagle Scout on my resume as well as many leadership positions.

[Guest]

A public school CAN NOT discriminate.  You'll be fine.

 

I'm sure there's a difference between discrimination and simply not having the trained staff or facilities to handle people with disabilities (not necessarily talking about you here OP) 

 

Then again, I don't know, that's just me speaking from common sense, don't really know anything about aspergers. 

[tomas710]

Hi, I am a 17 year old senior in high school with high functioning aspergers.  I am looking at some colleges around my area which include UNT, Texas A/M Commerce, ACU, Austin College, etc.  I am writing about aspergers in one of my essays and I am worried that if they see it, they will decline me.  

 

I would like to say that most people can hardly tell I have it.  It used to be very severe but is now quite mild.  I would have no problem living on my own and would need little accommodation.

 

Thanks!!!

In theory it shouldn't be a factor, since it counts as discrimination. However, i don't think most universities will see aspergers as a liability, it has nothing to do with how you will perform academically and it's not a condition that may leave you temporarily disable (unlike me, i'm bipolar). Right now, you got a choice, you can be open about who you are, consider aspergers as nothing more than a single aspect of your personality, and you can even be a role model for people like you. You could hide it, but the question is, would you want to be in an university that would discrimate you if they knew? So, i say go ahead, be you, let your record, grades and talent speak for you and if you happen to face discrimination, which i find very unlikely, you can face it head on and not hide from it. Look Temple Grandin up, the fact she was autistic helped her revolutionize the farming industry, you don't have a disability, you have a way of perceiving and interacting with things and people that's not typical, but that can be an advantage, it's up to you. I truly hope no college is fucking stupid enough to not accept a potential student for being a little different, and if that happens, stay strong, i promise, so many places will have you, the ones that may not, they are not worth a thought.

[ManWithBeard1990]

Mate, some of my profs have autism. Don't worry about it. As long as you are actually capable of doing the study you like, all is well. Trying to hide your real self is pointless and usually makes the situation worse. Assume people will accept you as you are with all your talents and flaws and if they don't it's their problem, not yours, and you'll be happier because of it. This is not a license to not try and be mindful of others as can sometimes be difficult for people with this condition, but rather to not be upset if someone else describes it as being different from others.

[smeek14]

Yea, it is nothing that will keep me from doing fine.  I'm just worried the colleges won't know that.

[tomas710]

Yea, it is nothing that will keep me from doing fine.  I'm just worried the colleges won't know that.

Well, if a college behaves like that you don't need them. You should never need to hide who you are over the fear of prejudice, we are better than that.

[smeek14]

In theory it shouldn't be a factor, since it counts as discrimination. However, i don't think most universities will see aspergers as a liability, it has nothing to do with how you will perform academically and it's not a condition that may leave you temporarily disable (unlike me, i'm bipolar). Right now, you got a choice, you can be open about who you are, consider aspergers as nothing more than a single aspect of your personality, and you can even be a role model for people like you. You could hide it, but the question is, would you want to be in an university that would discrimate you if they knew? So, i say go ahead, be you, let your record, grades and talent speak for you and if you happen to face discrimination, which i find very unlikely, you can face it head on and not hide from it. Look Temple Grandin up, the fact she was autistic helped her revolutionize the farming industry, you don't have a disability, you have a way of perceiving and interacting with things and people that's not typical, but that can be an advantage, it's up to you. I truly hope no college is fucking stupid enough to not accept a potential student for being a little different, and if that happens, stay strong, i promise, so many places will have you, the ones that may not, they are not worth a thought.

Thanks man.  Made my day.  Yea I won't try to hide it.

[Speedyv]

You might get some Handicap support or might simply just look at you as a normal student. I know this senior in special education that got in to UCLA.

[Shakaza]

My brother has Asperger's and he got accepted into Purdue University. I'm pretty sure they care more about your grades and performance in school than disabilities. You should be fine.

[soup]

Question for homework, does Aspergers actually exist?

 

Most Universities/colleges will fall over themselves to recruit/matriculate someone with "special needs" (lets not use the D word) so you should be fine.  If the Aspergers manifests itself as "just" some social awkwardness you will fit right in with all the other freshers .

[tomas710]

Thanks man.  Made my day.  Yea I won't try to hide it.

Awesome. Being bipolar i know how it feels that people will judge you for a label, but in the end, if they do, they are not worth it, and you'd be surprised how little most people care.

[dfsdfgfkjsefoiqzemnd]

As long as you don't have a problem working in groups and being in busy environments, there shouldn't really be a problem.  I never could do that, I only really functioned well in small schools with a more individual approach.

Schools nowadays are much better at following up on people that are on the spectrum, so don't be afraid to tell them about your Asperger's and how it may affect things.  I'm guessing you've already figured out what problems/challenges you face in certain situations. 

 

Most schools and academies have a school psychologist.  If yours has one, talk to that person so he/she can tell the teachers whatever they need to know. 

I know it's a big step to discuss this with total strangers, but don't be afraid to take it.  It'll pay off in the long run.  No matter how you look at it, you are not like the others and teachers need to know why that is. 

[SnafuPossum]

One of my delivery drivers is a aspy and she goes to Uni of Houston. you will be fine specially being at the high functioning end of Asperger, I am probably more socially awkward and have a harder time communicating with people then you. Goodluck in college!

[blackadder]

Yes. Be yourself

[TroubleKlef]

Most colleges would love someone like yourselves. If they don't, skip them.

[vXhanz]

I have to agree that I don't see a public or private college not accepting you because of your Aspergers. When you write your essay, write from your heart and use your words to demonstrate how you've overcome your Aspergers, or how you've had to adapt to different situations because of it. You'll be fine, just cast a wide net and hope for the best. Good luck in college.