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Has anybody had a Learning Disability in college?
I know it's a little off topic but to me, my 9-5 is at the university.
I was talking with my chemistry professor about my grade and the fact that I absolutely cannot comprehend her math problems on the tests/quizzes. She gives us these long, drawn out tests full of word problems with questions within questions of which we only have 50 minutes to complete! She said I should get tested for a LD on campus so she can make accommodations if necessary.
For me, I've always had problems in math for as long as I can remember. I remember being the only kid in elementary/intermediate school who didn't know how to tell time or my times tables.. In high school, I just failed it all, period until I finally got an "easy" teacher who gave passing grades away like candy. In college, I had to take college algebra and statistics which I did great in because I learned to reprogram my graphing calculator to give me the answers. Now there's chemistry. The only department that basically has graphing calculator detectors go off upon entering the building. It's killing my GPA and making me want to switch majors just so I can avoid "GENERAL" chemistry (I'm a bio major).
I've never known about learning disabilities in my life. I've always just assumed I was dumb, even in elementary school. My parents had to talk to my teachers about putting me in "special" classes which they never explained to me about. And they always asked why I couldn't do simple math. It wasn't simple to me. I was embarrassed that I was stupid. I was eventually told by a doctor in middle school that I had ADHD. Cool. But that was that. Nothing done about it.
I have noticed that I switch up my numbers on a daily basis but I think that happens to everybody.
I don't know how it all works in school if I do have one..
Re: Has anybody had a Learning Disability in college?
I don't think it can hurt to get yourself tested. There are disorders involving numbers, I have a couple of students who have a form of dislexia but with numbers (it has a name but I forget it right now). There is more math in organic chemistry so if you have that in your future I would definitly look into getting some help. If nothing else you could get yourself some extra time on tests or a connection for some help.
I was diagnosed with an attention issue (I guess the 80's version of ADD) when I was a kid, but have always been able to manage. I've never done well in math, partly because I just hate it, and partly because I'm simply not good at it. During my first two years of college, I had a major that was heavy in science. I took one science course and one math course and knew there just was no way I could make it in that major - especially since the career I wanted would require a master's degree.
Maybe you will be diagnosed with an LD and can find a way to work around it. However, if it turns out that you don't have an LD or that you still struggle after accommodations, ask yourself if this is the right major for you. I'm a strong believer that a college major should be based on our strengths. I believe one will have the most success both in school and in your career if you are honest with yourself about assessing your strengths and weaknesses, and playing to your strengths. If you struggle with math to the point of making failing grades in high school and only got through math courses in college because of a calculator that figured the problems out for you, I just can't imagine majoring in a science. What kind of career do you want after college? It seems like you would continue to struggle in your career as well (unless, of course you are diagnosed with an LD and can learn ways to learn the material).
Good luck.
I'm a special education teacher, and I used to work at a disability services office during my undergrad years in college.
You should definitely see about getting tested, and if you qualify as an individual with a learning disability, you can legally get some modifications and/or accommodations. Many colleges have some sort of disability services office which offers support for individuals with disabilities.
Some options that may be available to you should you qualify for services are:
1. Extended time on tests
2. Alternative testing accommodations (you can test in another area of the university)
3. Tutoring (you can get this even if you don't qualify for special services)
What you need to do:
Find out if there is some sort of disability services office on campus (it may be under a different name - student support maybe?) If so, talk to them and see what steps you would have to follow to get tested. They can answer any questions you have and will help lead you in the proper direction. HTH!
Definitely look into getting tested. Either on campus, off campus or both. At my college they put in each syllabus the information about applying at the office for students with disabilities and they have to make testing accomodations for you. Teachers here are very willing to work with you if you have the paperwork and others will work with you if you even without it.
Get tested. I was diagnosed with Dyscalculia in college and my "symptoms" sound a lot like yours. Once they figured out what was "wrong" with me, it explained a lot about me and it was nice to not feel so stupid all the time. I've since learned a lot of tricks to make living with this a lot easier. Once I got the diagnosis, I got extra time on tests, and they found me a dedicated tutor who was in an Ed. Psych program and was learning how to remediate disabilities like mine- it really helped.
Yes, get tested. Many people who struggle with either math or reading/writing have learning disabilities. My best friend has a "non-verbal learning disorder". She doesn't do well with comprehension when reading things or writing herself, but does well with lectures, books on tape, and verbalizing the material. Her accommodations through college and grad school have included extra time on tests, having tests read to her, textbooks on tape, tutors, and test taking assistance for writing essays.
The PP who suggested reconsidering your major also has a valid point. Math and chem are foundations for the sciences. It might be difficult for you to be successful in any type of applied science unless you can find accommodations that help you apply the math skills.
One of my best friends is severely dyslexic, and has a hard time with graphs and HAS to have a calculator for anything beyond basic addition and subtraction. Since she's been diagnosed, she has it on record with the campus she needs an isolated area to be tested in, no time limits and a calculator. Granted, our university doesn't have the best accommodations, but if you get tested and diagnosed, the university is legally required to accommodate you.