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Pre-admissions campus interviews for students diagnosed with learning disabilities
Learning disabilities, campus interview. Be prepared.
Develop your list of questions for your campus interview: take awhile to do this and write them down as you think of them. Don't wait til the night before the interview. This is your chance, and an interviewer will be judging you by the kinds of questions you ask, the topics you ask about, and how you answer the questions the interviewer asks you.
Be able to answer questions about your learning disability and describe exactly what it is.
Be able to describe the type of special accommodations you will need.
Provide information that is new, rather than old reports or an old diagnosis.
Be ready to discuss extracurricular activities and volunteering:
Learn about extracurricular and volunteering in high school.
Be able to describe your strengths and weaknesses: Discuss these in a mature, factual way, and don't embellish either your strengths or your weaknesses. Let your answers show you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses, and that you work to improve yourself.
Plan to take notes Be sure to get the business card of the interviewer
Prepare yourself to be relaxed and open about who you are. You want to be relaxed and show your true self. Engage in earnest conversation with the interviewer.
Read over our
Am I ready for college
assessment guide to help you prepare for the interview.
Know your strengths and weaknesses
Understand the accommodations you will need as a college student
Know how to describe your learning disability and how it impacts your learning process
View the interview as an opportunity to present yourself in person, and shine!
Prepare a list of questions in advance Keep in mind that interviews, if required at all, will be required for all applicants to a special program, or qualifying for a special admissions program.
First thing:
Get the business card of your interviewer, who frequently will be the director of the program.
Listen carefully when interviewers you meet give you their names. and ask him or her to repeat if you are not sure.
Call that person by his or her name during the interview. UNLESS the interviewer gives you a first name ONLY, call him or her Ms., Mrs., or Mr.
Regard the interview as an opportunity. Many students never have interviews, and so colleges make their decisions with no personal contact with a prospective student.
Questions you or your parents might ask the interviewer during your conversation?
Who is the contact person for the learning disabilities programs?
What are your school's admission requirements?
Is there any flexibility in your admission policy?
Do you allow course substitutions?
What is the minimum GPA you require?
What is this college's application procedure?
Do you require a special application from learning disabled applicants in addition to the regular application?
What college entrance testing do you require?
Are there extra fees for the special programs offered to those with learning disabilities or physical handicaps?
Do you offer remedial or non-traditional classes for students with special needs?
What is your procedure for requesting course waivers or class substitution?
What services do you offer?
- Do you allow testing accommodations? Extra time for tests? Oral testing? Special environment?
- Note takers?
- Books on tape?
- Either professional or peer tutors? Which?
- Advisers with specialized training?
- Advocacy with professors?
- Use of calculators and computers in class with technical aids such as spell-checker?
- Are you allowed to tape lectures?
- Are you encouraged to meet with your professors and special services providers?
What are the academic qualifications and experience levels of the individuals who work with learning disabled?
How long has this school had a special services program?
How many LD students are enrolled in your special services programs?
Are students able to use these programs during their entire time in college? If not, how long?
Do you keep figures on the number of students in these programs who graduate?
Questions about any other topic that you and your parents have concerns about.
Questions your interviewer may ask you?
When was your learning disability first diagnosed?
Can you describe your disability?
How has your learning disability affected your learning?
Has your disability affected you socially?
What sort of special help or classes did you receive in high school?
What kind of accommodations will you need in college?
Can you (the student) discuss your strengths and weaknesses. Prepare for this one ahead of time so you can explain the learning process that goes with assessing one's weaknesses. What high school classes where difficult for you? Easy?
Are you comfortable with your learning disability?
Have you chosen a major? Over 50% of all college students change their majors at least once during college. If you have not selected a major, just mention that you plan to take your general education classes your first two years, and look at options of interest. Mention areas of interest to you.
Are you motivated to do your best and succeed in the college environment?
Will you be able to be assertive about your needs, and to act on your own behalf regarding accommodations and services?
Return to Learning Disabilities, campus interviews
Learning Disabilities, Main page
Learning Disabilities High School Calendar, Stay on your college track
HIgh School Senior Year Calendar for all students
Speakiing of interviews: Are you a high school athlete?
Back to Everything About College Main Page
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