If you are reading (or listening to) this post, you likely believe that earning an MBA will advance your career. But maybe you are wondering if the process of applying and successfully gaining acceptance to an MBA program would be hindered by a physical disability, such as paralysis or a hearing or visual impairment, or a diagnosed learning disability, such as dyslexia or ADHD.
The good news is that the entire process—from testing and applying all the way through acceptance to an MBA program—is structured to provide accommodations when needed. And it’s important to remember that admissions personnel at all major MBA programs consider the whole person when reviewing applicants. Read on for more guidance on applying to your dream MBA program!
Visits
Make sure you decide early what business schools are of interest to you. Like every student, you should visit as many schools as you can before applying. This is even more important for those with a disability. If your target schools have a disabilities coordinator (or staff with a similar title), contact them in advance to help maximize your visit. These people work collaboratively with current and prospective students to address their particular needs, both academic and non-academic.
Testing
The GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, and Executive Assessment allow accommodations for those who need them. To apply for an accommodation, you will need to submit a letter of diagnosis from a physician with your test application form. What kinds of accommodations might you receive?
- Extra test time
- Extra break time
- Allowance for medical equipment
- Sign language interpreter
- Test reader and test recorder (recording device)
- Monitor with a larger font
You might have heard that it is difficult to get these accommodations, but it really isn’t hard as long as you prepare early. Aim to obtain the required documentation BEFORE you even begin to study for the test.
Recently, I spoke with a test prep specialist about some clients who had been diagnosed with ADHD but did not apply for accommodations, and they earned slightly above average scores. His feeling was that most people who have ADHD find that their scores increase when they have extra test-taking time, and therefore it can be helpful to apply for this accommodation.
It’s also important to understand that admissions committees won’t know that you had extra time to complete your tests unless you tell them. And in our conversations with some admissions committee application readers, they indicated that they would expect applicants with disabilities to have been granted extra time to complete their exams.
Application
As mentioned earlier, most programs take a holistic approach to reviewing your application, and test scores are just one component. Your academic and professional history as well as your essays also factor into the admissions committee’s decision.
Most business school applications ask for information about a physical disability. But if you have a learning disability, you do not need to disclose this information unless you want to. It’s your choice.
As someone who is living with a disability and has put yourself in a position to apply for an MBA, you might already have a good understanding of how to turn challenges into strengths. This is something that many MBA applicants have a hard time articulating, and this skill can be valuable when writing application essays and interviewing.
In the end, don’t let any disabilities deter you from applying to MBA programs. Although the entire process usually takes more than a year—from deciding where to apply to being accepted—many resources are available along the way to help you succeed in your quest.
Erik and his associates at Stratus Admissions Counseling have successfully worked with many MBA candidates with disabilities, including those who are visually or hearing impaired and those living with ADHD or dyslexia. To learn more about how they can help you on your MBA journey, sign up for a FREE 30-minute consultation!