Admission Requirements
Applicants for admission to the program and the University must submit the following to the Office of Admissions:

1. Completed admission application, together with a nonrefundable fee of $35. (Check the box on the application marked L.D. Checking this box will not affect the admission decision.)
2. An official high school transcript.
3. Official transcripts from any other colleges attended.
4. An essay. (See application instructions.)
5. SAT scores are highly recommended, but not required.
6. Freshman applicants must submit at least one letter of recommendation. (See application instructions).

Admission Criteria

The Learning Disabilities Program conducts a highly individualized assessment of each candidate's application and documentation. Criteria for admission include:

• Primary diagnosis of specific learning disability or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Other diagnoses will not be considered.
• Average to superior intelligence as measured by the WAIS-IV.
• Candidates will be socially mature and have demonstrated motivation to participate in the Program and to meet the intellectual challenges and responsibilities of university life. These qualities are assessed in interviews with the professional staff and through recommendations.
• Applicants will have succeeded in college preparatory courses and shown progress in their academic careers.
• Two letters of recommendation by professionals in the field (learning specialists, tutors, teachers, educational psychologists).

Required Documentation*
Students are required to submit the following to the office of the Learning Disabilities Program:

• A recent psycho-educational evaluation that provides clear evidence of a specific learning disability and/or AD/HD. Suggested reasonable accommodations must be included.
• The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition, (WAIS-IV), including index scores. The WASI (Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence) is not acceptable.
• Achievement: The Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement (WJ-III) or the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT). Either must be accompanied by a thorough interpretive report.
• The applicant’s most recent Individual Educational Plan (IEP).
• A completed application to the Learning Disabilities Program (in addition to the separate Admissions Application to the University).
• Two letters of recommendation by professionals in the field of learning disabilities.
• Transfer students must submit a high school transcript.
• Official attendance records.
• A statement from the guidance counselor that includes a complete explanation of the applicant's special education services.
• Appropriate candidates will require a personal interview.

The Learning Disabilities Program will conduct a comprehensive and individualized evaluation of each candidate's application and interview. Judgment of the professional staff will determine eligibility for the Program. Admission to the Learning Disabilities Program is limited. Applications, including all documentation, must be received by March 1. For information about admission to the Learning Disabilities Program call (516) 877-4710, or visit the Learning Disabilities Program website.

*The information requested is intended for use solely in connection with the University’s voluntary action efforts to overcome the effects of conditions that may have resulted in limited participation of qualified disabled students. Response to these items is voluntary and will be kept confidential and used only in accordance with this part. Refusal to provide this information will not subject the applicant to any adverse treatment by the University.


You can fill out an online application to the Learning Disabilities Program.

For an admissions application to Adelphi University, please visit the Office of Admissions site.