ADHD Accommodations in College:How to Advocate for What You NeedWithout Shame or Struggle

I have ADHD, and I did not know this until I was diagnosed in 2021.

When I was earning my dual degrees, an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School and an MBA from Harvard Business School, I realized how much of my success came down to understanding how to play the game and how to ask for support. That insight helped me launch The Art of Applying® in 2010 with a $10,000 grant from Harvard Business School. Now, over 15 years later, my team and I have helped thousands of clients earn admission to top graduate programs and win over $30 million in merit scholarships.

But let’s back up to undergrad and college life, because that’s where many of the patterns—like silently struggling, feeling like we have to prove we’re “smart enough,” or powering through burnout—really start. For college students with ADHD, the pressure can be intense and isolating.

The Hidden Weight of ADHD in College

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, isn’t just about being “easily distracted” or “hyper.” For many people with ADHD, it’s a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects executive functions like working memory, time management, task initiation, and emotional regulation. College throws all of that into overdrive.

A typical day for someone with ADHD is constantly trying to stay afloat while the world assumes you’re just disorganized or careless. You might read the same paragraph three times and still not remember what it said. Or you start an assignment with the best of intentions… and then suddenly it’s 2 a.m., and you’re spiraling about why you can’t just do the thing like everyone else seems to.

You’re expected to manage multiple classes, juggle deadlines, self-direct your schedule, and navigate social dynamics without the built-in structure of high school. Without proper academic accommodations in college, many students with learning disabilities feel like they’re drowning in responsibilities while their peers seem to glide through.

It doesn’t mean you’re lazy or incapable. It means your brain works differently, and you deserve support that actually matches how you operate. ADHD may make studying harder, but accommodations for college students can make success possible.

You’re Not Alone, and You’re Not Broken

So many of our clients at The Art of Applying® come to us years after undergrad, finally understanding how much their ADHD, anxiety, or other learning disabilities impacted their academic journey. They wonder what could have been different if they’d had access to college accommodations or felt brave enough to ask for them.

Some of our team members at The Art of Applying know that “what if” feeling intimately. One shared how, in undergrad, they only got accommodations after a medical injury—and even then, it took a doctor’s note and courage to speak up. Imagine what would be possible if more students knew they didn’t have to hit rock bottom before asking for help.

If that’s you, or someone you love, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a current college student with ADHD, planning ahead for school, or supporting someone through the process, this post will break down exactly:

What ADHD accommodations in college are (and aren’t)How they can help improve executive functioning and academic performanceWhat the process looks like to request accommodations for ADHDSpecific accommodations that might applyWhat to do if you hit resistance from professors or the disability center

Let’s get into it.

Understanding ADHD Accommodations in College

Accommodations for ADHD in college are not about giving someone an unfair advantage. They are meant to level the playing field. ADHD impacts executive functions that are critical to student success in higher education, including:

Organizing course materials and timeSustaining attention during lecturesListening and taking notes effectivelyTaking tests under pressure

And if you’ve ever sat down for an exam only to feel your brain freeze or dart in five directions at once—you know that time pressure doesn’t bring out your best. That’s where accommodations come in to support how your brain processes, not to excuse effort.

When left unaddressed, ADHD can lead to functional impairments, poor academic performance, low self-esteem, and even dropping out. Student accommodations give students with disabilities, including ADHD, a legal right to support that reduces these barriers.

ADHD is Legally Considered a Disability

Yes, ADHD qualifies as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. That means if you’re a student with ADHD, your college is legally required to provide reasonable accommodations that support your success once you go through the proper assessment procedures.

This is important: accommodations are not automatically transferred from high school. IEP or special education services don’t carry over. A student may need updated documentation and must initiate the process themselves. It’s your legal right to receive accommodations, and while the process can feel intimidating, you’re not doing anything wrong by asking for support. On rare occasions, you might meet a grumpy professor with an attitude, but more often than not, the system works if you take action.

Common Accommodations for College Students with ADHD

While every accommodation plan should be customized, there are some common accommodations that help college students with ADHD achieve their academic goals. Here are examples:

1: Extended Time on Tests and AssignmentsOne of the most requested accommodations for ADHD in collegeHelps reduce pressure during exams and large projectsMight include extended test windows or flexible due dates2: Reduced Distraction or Separate Room TestingTaking tests in a quiet room with minimal distractionsUseful for managing hyperactivity and focus challenges3: Note Taking SupportAccess to a note taker or class notesPermission to record lecturesNote-taking services help students who struggle to listen and take notes simultaneously4: Assistive TechnologyText-to-speech tools, smart pens, and other toolsSupport for reading, writing, and organizing thoughts5: Flexible Attendance and Due DatesUseful for managing executive function deficits or emotional dysregulationStudent may request limited flexibility on handouts and assignments

This kind of flexibility can be a game-changer for students who wake up feeling overwhelmed or who get derailed by emotional dysregulation. One client told us, “I know I’m smart, but I struggle a lot with prioritization and getting started.” The right accommodation plan gives them breathing room—and the chance to actually show what they know.

6: Priority RegistrationHelps students build balanced schedulesUseful during the first semester and beyond

These academic accommodations are just examples. Every college must evaluate the request and ensure accommodations do not fundamentally alter course requirements.

Requesting ADHD Accommodations in College: Step-by-Step

You’ll need to advocate for yourself to get accommodations in college. Here’s how:

Step 1: Get an ADHD Diagnosis

If you haven’t been diagnosed yet, don’t panic. Many students are navigating symptoms without ever knowing what’s really going on. Some colleges offer low-cost or free testing through the student disability office—yes, every school has one (it may be called Accessibility Services or Student Support Services). Start there.

You’ll need a recent ADHD diagnosis from a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or neuropsychologist. The documentation should:

Describe your functional impairmentsRecommend specific accommodations

If you’re undiagnosed, ask your college if they offer testing through the disability center.

Step 2: Contact the Disability Services Office

Every college has one, sometimes called the disability services office or accessibility office. Schedule an appointment and bring your documentation.

Explain how ADHD affects your academic performance. Be ready to discuss your learning style and what accommodations would help.

Step 3: Receive and Share Your Accommodation Plan

Once approved, you’ll receive an official letter outlining your accommodations. You’ll need to share this with each professor, usually at the start of the semester.

What Professors Need to Know

Professors are legally obligated to accommodate students with approved plans. But they may not understand ADHD or know how to support a student with learning disabilities.

You don’t have to overshare. Stick to what’s in your plan.

You don’t owe anyone your diagnosis story, your medication routine, or your full life history. That said, clear and calm communication—like simply handing over your letter—often sets the tone for professors to take you seriously.

Example Script: “Dear Professor [name], I’m registered with the disability center and have an approved plan. Here’s my accommodation letter. Please let me know if you need anything else from me.”

If a professor refuses to honor your accommodations or questions your diagnosis, contact disability services immediately.

Beyond the Letter: How to Help College Students with ADHD Succeed

Getting accommodations for college is a powerful step, but students with learning differences also benefit from extra support. Here are some tips:

Build Structure and Study SkillsUse digital calendars, alarms, and remindersBreak tasks into micro-stepsReview the rubric and use scrap paper to sketch out assignmentsUse Tools You’ll Actually Use

We’re big fans of time-blocking apps, noise-canceling playlists, and “brain dumps” into Notion or even the Notes app. Use what works—ditch what doesn’t.

Apps for time management and focus (like Forest or Notion)Assistive technology tools for reading and writingDon’t WaitApply for accommodations early, ideally before your first semesterRemember, accommodations are available even mid-semester if neededWhat If You’re Denied ADHD Accommodations?

If your college denies your request:

Ask for clarification and appealContact an advocate or legal clinic (504 Advocate in America)Document every conversation

Pushback doesn’t mean you were wrong to ask. If you’re denied, take a breath. Then take notes. Ask why. Loop in an advocate if needed. You have every right to request the tools you need to succeed. Every college is required to evaluate requests fairly and not fundamentally alter academic expectations. But you may need to push.

From College and Beyond

ADHD in college can feel like an invisible barrier, but you don’t have to struggle in silence. The right academic accommodations, habits, and mindset can help you achieve your academic and personal goals.

If you’re looking ahead to grad school and wondering how to frame your ADHD story, how to request accommodations, or how to write about learning disabilities authentically, you’re in the right place. Just look at leaders like Damien Hooper-Campbell—Harvard grad, Chief Diversity Officer at eBay, and someone who’s managed his ADHD with medication and support. He’s living proof that your diagnosis doesn’t limit your potential—it shapes the way you thrive.

At The Art of Applying®, we’ve helped thousands of brilliant, nontraditional students, including many with ADHD, unlock their full potential and win life-changing scholarships.

You deserve a future that works with your brain, not against it.

Remember, you’re not broken. You’re just wired differently. And every accommodation is a step toward thriving, not just surviving.

Book a free Quick Call with my team if you’re ready to get strategic about your next steps.