Learning Services Program for Freshmen with LD Admissions procedures for students applying to the Learning Services Program

All applicants apply through the regular admissions process. In addition, students applying to the Learning Services Program must submit a supplementary application, documentation of a learning disability, and a high school transcript to the Academic Support Center.

Steps for applying to American University

1. We encourage prospective students to visit campus. Visit options include a student-led campus tour and an information session by the Admissions staff, individual day visits, overnights, interviews, and open houses. You may reserve a tour/information session or make other visit arrangements through the Admissions Welcome Center at 202-885-6000, <afa@american.edu>. Interviews are strongly encouraged but not required for admission. Visit the Admissions Web site and click on Visiting AU to find out more about tour and open house times as well as our regular on-line chats and virtual conversations. The AU Preview Day open houses provide a more extensive orientation to the university and take place in August, October, and November. You may visit the Academic Support Center during these open houses to obtain information about the Learning Services Program, or you may schedule an appointment prior to your campus visit by calling 202-885-3360.

2.You can request an undergraduate viewbook/application and financial aid information from Undergraduate Admissions, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016-8001, <afa@american.edu>, 202-885-6000. You may also Apply On-line. There is no application fee for applying on-line. We also accept the paper (not on-line) Common Application–but please note your interest in the Learning Services Program directly on the application or attach a cover sheet. The AU paper application or the paper Common Application must be accompanied by the $45 application fee. The application deadline is November 15 for Early Decision and January 15 for Regular Decision applicants to the fall semester.

3. You should arrange to have your high school guidance office send an official transcript, a midyear report as soon as it is available, and letters of recommendation from the guidance counselor and a teacher. Please request that the testing agency send your SAT or ACT scores directly to Admissions. Applicants may submit nonstandard or standard SAT or ACT scores. AU’s SAT institution code is 5007; our ACT institution code is 0648.

Qualifications needed for acceptance to American University

The academic credentials of successful applicants with learning disabilities fall within the range of regular admissions criteria, recognizing that students with learning disabilities have varied profiles. The mean high school grade point average (GPA) has been 3.55 for regularly admitted students and 3.28 for students admitted to the Learning Services Program. In general, entering freshmen have completed 14 to 17 Carnegie Units (academic subjects) at the secondary level. The mean combined SAT score for regularly admitted students for 2006-2007 was 1283 and the mean for students admitted to the Learning Services Program was 1203. The mid-50% for the ACT for regular admits was 26-30 and for the Learning Services Program it was 27. Admissions decisions are made based on the high school record, standardized test scores, essays, recommendations, and evidence of leadership and/or creativity.

If one qualifies for admission to American University, what need is there for a support program?

All students can benefit from developing more efficient reading, writing, and study skills, but for students with learning disabilities, these skills are crucial. Often the compensatory strategies that have worked for students in the past are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of college-level courses. The program can help you develop new coping strategies.

Required Documentation

To be considered for this program, applicants must submit a supplementary application and documentation of a learning disability directly to the coordinator of the Learning Services Program. Students should provide current documentation from a qualified professional which assists in determining reasonable accommodations at the university. For students applying to the Learning Services Program, this generally means a psychoeducational evaluation administered during high school which includes a cognitive assessment, such as the WAIS-III, and tests of educational achievement, such as the Woodcock-Johnson-Revised Tests of Achievement, in reading, math, and written language. To be most helpful to students in understanding their disability and in determining accommodations, a diagnosis and rationale for recommended accommodations should be included.

Services are available to all students, regardless whether LD identification is made during the admissions process

The Academic Support Center provides academic support to all students, as well as assistance with accommodations for students with learning disabilities. Services include individual sessions with an Academic Support Center counselor, study skills workshops, writing assistance, peer tutoring (for a modest fee) and the use of the Counseling Center. The availability of the program coordinator and the special design of the College Writing classes are the primary factors that distinguish the Learning Services Program from traditional support services for all other students.

Learning Services Program FAQs

What happens during weekly meetings in the ASC?

Throughout your freshman year, you will have the opportunity to meet regularly with the program coordinator for individual sessions that will help you further develop college-level reading, writing, and study strategies. This individualized support may help you earn better grades and build the skills you will need in future courses. In addition, students can address issues regarding time management, transition to college, and self-advocacy.

Is there support for me after the first year?

After your first year, an Academic Support Center counselor will be available to provide academic support on an as-needed basis and for assisting with classroom accommodations. Other resources available to you, as well as to all students, include the Writing Lab, peer tutors, and the use of the Counseling Center.

What happens if I don't understand the material in one or more of my courses?

If you are having difficulty with course content as opposed to the basic skills necessary to be successful in the course, then you can request a peer tutor to help you learn the subject matter. These tutors are undergraduate or graduate students who have been screened by the coordinator of Tutoring Services. As a Learning Services Program participant, you can request tutors without charge throughout your years at American University.

Can I receive assistance to deal with personal concerns?

The transition from high school to college is a major one. An important goal of the program is to help you cope with all of the changes that you will be experiencing. Individual evaluations and group counseling is available through the Counseling Center or by referral to a mental health professional in the Washington area.

How is my schedule of classes planned?

In addition to discussing your course schedule with your Learning Services Program counselor, you will be assigned an academic advisor within your school or college, who has had experience working with students with learning disabilities. Freshmen enrolled in the program have the same course requirements as all other students, including College Writing. It is recommended that students enrolled in the program take 12-14 credits per semester, at least during the first semester or year. The university recognizes full-time status as 12-17 credits.

Will my professors and university staff know about my learning disability?

Your academic advisor is automatically informed of your disability so that you can be advised according to your specific needs. With your written permission, we will identify you as a student with learning disabilities through letters to your professors each semester and other staff whom you wish to inform. The staff of the program is also available to talk with professors and others whenever necessary, but we only do so with your permission. Professors are accustomed to receiving this information and will respect your privacy.Confidentiality is an important policy of the Academic Support Center and the decision about informing others of your learning disability is yours. Of course, if you request accommodations, faculty will need to be notified of your disability. Any data shared outside the center regarding the Learning Services Program is group data only and is used anonymously.

What modifications in classroom procedures are available for me?

All modifications are based upon your diagnostic testing, educational recommendations, and specific course requirements. Possible accommodations may include time extensions and use of computers for tests and examinations. Textbooks on tape are available through Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D); if you need this accommodation, we suggest you register as early as possible with RFB&D. Modifications are made with the understanding that every student is held to the same academic standards, although students with learning disabilities may meet these standards through nontraditional means. Assistance is provided to help you in making any of the necessary arrangements.

Is computer support available?

The Academic Support Center computer testing room is reserved for students with disabilities. The lab has Dell desktops/IBM compatible PCs and uses MS Word software. There are also computers with voice-activated software programs available at selected sites on campus. We recommend that you are prepared to use computers and word processing programs; many courses require computer competency.

What is the fee for participating in the Learning Service Program?

There is a one-time fee of $2,000 for the freshman program paid at the time of your first tuition bill. The fee also covers additional tutoring costs for as long as you are enrolled at the university. The university reserves the right to change the Learning Services Program fee at any time. Should fee changes occur, they will be posted on www.american.edu/asc.

How well can I expect to do at American University?

Overall, students in the Learning Services Program have been successful in their studies. Typically, the overall grade point average for the freshman year has been approximately 2.9 and many of our students go on to pursue graduate and professional degrees after completing their undergraduate studies. The Learning Services Program offers the support and services you will need to achieve your goals. The real answer to the question of how well you can expect to do is up to you!


University Requirements Necessary for Graduation

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

There is an admissions requirement of two years of the same foreign language at the high school level. With appropriate documentation of a learning disability, this requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis. Although there is no university foreign language requirement, please note that certain majors do require the study of a foreign language.

WRITING

To fulfill the university's English competency requirement, all freshmen must successfully complete two semesters of College Writing. One section of this course is reserved for students in the Learning Services Program and is taught by a professor familiar with learning disabilities. A professional writing tutor and the Learning Services Program coordinator are available to help with the writing assignments in this course. Assistance with papers in other courses is available in the Academic Support Center's Writing Lab

MATHEMATICS

The university mathematics competency requirement may be met by successful completion at American University of one of several specified mathematics courses (Finite Mathematics or a course that has Finite Mathematics as a prerequisite). The university catalog describes Finite Mathematics as: a review of algebra, sets, linear equations and inequalities, nonlinear inequalities, interest problems, systems of linear equations, linear programming, functions and graphs, and elementary data analysis. Adequate preparation is crucial to the successful completion of this course. A special section of Finite Mathematics is offered to students with a history of math difficulties. This special section meets three, rather than two, days per week and is taught by a professor who is familiar with math disabilities. The standards of this section are identical to the standards all other sections of Finite Mathematics.

GENERAL EDUCATION

In addition, all students take a two-course sequence in each of five curricular areas (The Creative Arts, Traditions that Shape the Western World, Global and Multicultural Perspective, Social Institutions and Behavior, and the Natural Sciences) to fulfill their General Education requirements. Please refer to the university catalog for more detailed information.

Thank you for your interest in the Learning Services Program at American University

Please direct all inquiries and correspondence regarding the Learning Services Program to:

Learning Services Program
American University
Mary Graydon Center 243
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016-8027
Phone: 202-885-3360; Fax: 202-885-1042
E-mail: asc@american.edu