Applicants with disabilities considering Villanova University should follow the standard application process. Candidates are encouraged to use appropriate accommodations when taking the standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT. Prospective students who expect to request services while at Villanova are welcome to meet with LSS to discuss disability related questions.

Legally, the student does not need to reveal a disabling condition, and colleges do not ask about it. The Admissions Department may not consider disabilities as part of criteria used to measure whether someone is a qualified candidate for admission. The student always has the option of self-disclosing their disability. Students may choose to write a personal essay revealing their academic accomplishments and the perseverance and determination they have demonstrated to become good students. Similar letters from teachers could also be beneficial. Use the personal essay to your advantage.

If the student chooses to self-disclose to the admission department, that does not mean that confidential documentation needs to be sent with your application. It is best to send confidential documents, such as IEP’s, Psychoeducational testing reports, etc. to the disability service provider. Send this as soon as the student has formally accepted admission to the college. The confidential documents will then remain with the service director responsible for working with the student to receive accommodations.

Many of your questions regarding admissions can be answered by consulting the Undergraduate Admissions web site or Graduate School web site.