“Should I share my child’s neuropsychological testing with admissions?” or “How do I share it without hurting their chances?” These are common questions parents often ask me when applying to schools. The thought of revealing learning profiles or testing can feel daunting, but the truth is that transparency isn’t a liability—it’s an asset. Schools genuinely appreciate this honesty, and sharing such insights can strengthen your child’s application by highlighting how the school can meet their needs. When approached thoughtfully, sharing testing not only sets your child up for success but also reflects positively on you as a parent.

Schools value honesty because it fosters trust and demonstrates a partnership mindset. Sharing testing or learning profiles shows you are not only invested in your child’s success but also in finding the right school environment for them. Admissions teams use this insight to assess whether their programs, resources, and faculty expertise align with your child’s needs. Ultimately, this helps ensure your child is set up to thrive.

Far from being a red flag, sharing testing reflects positively on parents. It shows maturity, advocacy, and a willingness to collaborate—traits schools value in the families they admit. By providing a full picture of your child, you also strengthen their application. Testing doesn’t diminish strengths; it highlights how the school can support your child in reaching their full potential.

Being transparent doesn’t mean oversharing or having to lead with your student’s testing either. When I work with students who have neuropsych testing, I help families understand and present testing in a way that frames it as a tool for understanding and growth. My preference is to share testing earlier in the admissions process, along with specific strategies that have helped a child succeed. This opens things up for a collaborative and productive conversation between parents and schools, and that can be a wonderful thing in so many ways!

There is no shame in having a student who learns differently nor should there be any shame in sharing testing or learning profiles. Doing so ensures that your child will be placed in a school where they can truly thrive. Transparency is not just about honesty; it’s about advocating for your child’s future while building a foundation of trust with the school. When families approach the admissions process openly, everyone benefits—most importantly, your student!