Please help! I have been trying for literally years to get some sort of high school proficiency, but due to a math learning difference, I flunk that portion of the test every time! I just moved to the area of my preferred college and I am so discouraged because I feel like I will never get to start. I have tried close to everything. Is there any sort of altered version of the test or special help I can receive? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you so very much,
Amanda
Dear Amanda:
Your letter indicates that your math disability has prevented you from passing any high school proficiency exam. You should check the LDOnline article on Requesting Accommodations for the GED and other tests.
It is unclear from your question, but if you have a documented learning disability in math, you may be entitled to accommodations on the proficiency exam, which might allow you to pass it. You may also want to consider reaching out to the Disability Services office of the college you are interested in. Although it would be unusual for them to waive the need for a diploma, under some rare circumstances, a small number of colleges may admit students despite the absence of a diploma if they meet all other requirements and have a specific reason such as this.
In addition, if you have met the other requirements for a regular diploma from your high school, you might consider whether there are online or community college math courses which could take to satisfy your need for math credits and get the math credit you need to actually obtain your high school diploma.
Two organizations that have useful information on college accommodations are the HEATH Resource Center and the Association on Higher Education and Disability. In addition, you might want to consult a guide of colleges for students with learning disabilities, such as the K & W Guide to Colleges for Students with LD and ADHD or the Peterson Guide. They have excellent information on admission requirements and accommodations for students who may otherwise be candidates for college, but may not meet all the regular criteria for admission.