How does a 504 plan for ADD affect college admissions?

My ninth grader was just diagnosed with an possible ADD and psychiatrist recommended 504 plan. She also has depression. She used to have high GPA until 2 months ago.

I heard that selective colleges look less favorably on applicants with 504 plans. Someone told me that the fact that the student is on 504 plan (not the diagnosis itself) will be released by high schools to colleges as a part of student's file. Is this true?

If you work in college admissions and familiar with this issue or have high schoolers on 504 plans please comment from your experience.  

Psychiatrist also recommended small dose of Vyvanse. If your children took it was it helpful for them?

Parent Replies

New responses are no longer being accepted.

My son is ADHD and is now in college, He took a variety of ADHD meds, Concerta being the best fit for him. Sometimes you have to find the right med -- the first one you try isn't always the best one. But he told me life was much better on the meds -- he said "I can hear the teacher better."  I recommend you try meds -- a short acting dose is out of your kid's system quickly, and you can observe the results and make a decision then.

Short Answer:  504 plans should be confidential ......but to allay your concerns, just ask your student's counselor in High School. Good luck!

Many students have 504 plans. There's no need to disclose that. Once your child is admitted you should research the services available to disabled students. I know many students with 504 plans who were admitted to UCs and other highly selective colleges. The grades, the test scores, the essays, and the recommendations are what matters. If your daughter's challenges have had an effect on those indicators it could be a problem, and sometimes students in that situation choose to discuss the difficulties in their essays.