machichi wrote:
rocket1741 wrote:
I am a Rd3 applicant with a very low GMAT (low 600s). I also have been diagnosed with ADHD by a professional. Do you think it will be safe to disclose it to the adcom committee? What's Duke's policy on that? I have never taken the GMAT under special conditions, but now seriously considering it. Rest of my profile pretty strong, i think.
Just wanted to hear from the experts on this forum.
I would be leery of revealing that I had ADHD, especially if you're using it to say that's why you didn't do well on X, Y, or Z. The first question they'll ask themselves is "Will he be able to handle our MBA program then?" You don't want to tell them that you're not good at something without explaining how you've overcome it, and I don't see ADHD as something you just "overcome." I'd say you're better off retaking the GMAT with special conditions.
Important note: schools cannot discriminate based on disability, so it would in fact be illegal to reject you for this reason, but your low GMAT is reason in and of itself, so I wouldn't give them any more reason. That said, I am NOT AN EXPERT. I just want you to consider all sides and maybe call them yourself (without revealing your name).
I agree with Machichi's point - don't use the ADHD as an excuse for poor performance. Because if this is your explanation for the low GMAT, then it sounds like you haven't overcome the ADHD because the GMAT was so recent. That will raise questions in the minds of the adcom members.
Rocket no need to answer, but did your doc prescribe you meds? For me meds have certainly made me more focused and less hyperactive, so it's possible to overcome ADHD to some extent. They definitely helped me study efficiently for the GMAT, and they help me focus at work. I wish my insurance had covered ADHD during my undergrad.