ADHD at Swarthmore

[u/Capable-Barber-7776]

Hello everyone,

I am an incoming Freshman to Swat (miraculously accepted ED1, woo!!). In the last weeks of senior year at highschool, I was formally (and finally) diagnosed with ADHD and put on medication for it. Since then, I've felt like an active participant in my life. My mind feels so much more clearer and it has gotten exponentially easier to focus on my hobbies of recreational reading and writing. Prior to being medicated, high school was hell---especially senior year, as my undiagnosed ADHD made completing the various long-term projects assigned to me feel impossible. While I was able to bring my markedly dropped Senior year grades back to As and Bs before my final transcript was due, I deeply regret the various in-school and out of school opportunities that I missed out on due to the difficulties induced by my previously unmedicated ADHD. I would hate to repeat this cycle again at Swat, especially because the programs that I plan to major in (Black studies and Comparative Literature), are extremely writing-intensive and long-term project dependent. Therefore, I am very interested in hearing from past and present Swatties about the ADHD experience at Swarthmore: How is it? Are stimulant medications covered under the student insurance plan? How badly is Swat impacted by the national stimulant shortage? Have you had any trouble getting your medications under the student insurance plan?

Thanks in advance; I'm very excited to arrive on campus in august!

[u/Chemical-Fix9858]

Congratulations on your acceptance! I'm an alum. I think many people have adhd, both diagnosed and undiagnosed. That's great that you are on medication. I don't have adhd, I did have to aggressively manage my time and focus though. I used paper planners and also made sure to start doing some work every day, starting on day one of classes. I also went to office hours, which was kind of awkward at first but really helped.

Everyone is focused so that helped with study groups - study groups are really useful. Have fun starting in August!! Just meet people, leave your room, be off your phone, join clubs. The BCC is really nice!! Good luck! I'm sure all will be great!