PART II: PREPARE

Colleges differ in their support programs for students with learning disabilities. Most colleges offer at least a basic program for ‘reasonable accommodations, while others offer a more comprehensive support program.

BASIC PROGRAM:

• Basic testing and program accommodations

• Learning and Writing Centers available to all students

• Student must disclose disability upon admissions

• Disability Contact Person wears many hats and may have no specialized training

INTERMEDIATE PROGRAM:

• Learning Centers specifically for students with disabilities

• Mix of peers and professional tutors

• Support with writing and/or study skills

• Testing and program accommodations

• There may be a fee

COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM:

• Coordinator has expertise in learning disabilities

• Wide range of tutorial supports

• Structured and individualized approach

• Advisement and early registration

• Frequent monitoring of student progress

• Special application and may include a summer transition program for freshmen

• There may be a substantial fee

If your child will be asking for any level of accommodations in college you must submit a comprehensive neuropsychological or psycho educational evaluation which gives clear and specific evidence of the disability, states a diagnosis, and specifies limitations on academic functioning in the diagnostic summary statement. Do not submit IEP's. They are not considered documentation. Learning weaknesses or differences do not constitute a learning disability. Test results should include scaled or standard scores and percentiles.

Some colleges allow the assessment to be no more than 3 years old; but most colleges insist that the testing be no more than 1 year old please (check with the college to verify). The test must be given by a certified and/or licensed professional.

Aptitude Testing: Accepted Measures:

Report must include full scale and subtest scores and percentiles.Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III)

Achievement Testing: Accepted Measures:

Report must include full scale and subtest scores and percentiles; grade equivalents are not acceptable.The Wechsler Individual Achievement Test II (WIAT II)

The support your child will need in college should help plan their college choices. Once the preliminary details have been decided a complete high school map will make sure yourchild is well prepared for a successful transition.

In 9th Grade your child should:

• Begin a Transition Portfolio, saving such items as report cards, diplomas and certificates; a list of awards and honors you receive; a list of all school and community activities you take part in; a list of offices you hold in these organizations; and a list of volunteer or paid jobs you hold. Update this file every semester.

• Volunteer for a community project. Become involved in at least one extracurricular activity.

• Over the summer, take part in academic Enrichment Programs and special summer workshops and camps for music, science, engineering, writing, filmmaking, theater, language and other subjects that interest you. (Many of these are held on college campuses.)

• Meet regularly with your guidance counselor to discuss your course schedule, academic performance, and college interests. Your counselor can offer you advice to help you prepare for the important journey you will soon be taking.

• Explore different colleges through their websites. You can learn more about what they offer in terms of academic programs, campus life, scholarships, etc.

In 10th Grade your child should:

• Continue extracurricular activities. Remember to add them to your portfolio.

• Continue participation in academic enrichment programs, summer workshops, and camps with specialty focuses such as music, arts, science, etc.

• Take interest and skills assessments to help you explore careers options.

In 11th Grade your child should:

• Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss colleges and their requirements.

• Continue involvement in school- or community-based extracurricular activities.

• Consider people to ask for recommendations - teachers, counselors, employers, etc.

• Decide which colleges most interest you.

• Make a list of 10 colleges that you would like to learn more about and possibly attend.

• Write or e-mail these schools to request information and an application for admission. Be sure to ask about special admissions requirements, financial aid, and deadlines.

• Talk to college representatives at Attend college fairs.

• Take advantage of opportunities to visit colleges and talk to students.

• Investigate the availability of scholarships provided by organizations such as corporations, labor unions, professional associations, religious organizations, and credit unions.

• If applicable, go on the internet or to the library and look for directories of scholarships for women, minorities, and disabled students.

• Register for and take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT).

• Take the SAT’s in May.

• Investigate the availability of financial aid from federal, state, local, and private sources. Call the Student Aid Hotline at the U.S. Department of Education (1-800-4FED- AID) for a student guide to Federal financial aid. Talk to your guidance counselor for more information.

In 12th Grade your child should:

• Narrow your college choices to 5. Fill out applications.

• Register for SAT (this will be done in school)

• Write required entrance essays. (See section on how to write entrance essays)

• Request and collect recommendation letters.

• Take SAT

• Complete applications (See section on mistakes to avoid)

• Complete financial aid applications and college’s own financial aid application (This should be done in January with tax information.)

• Visit the colleges again and ask questions to make sure that the college can meet your individual needs. (See section on questions to ask College Representatives)

• Once acceptances begin to arrive, choose college you will attend and complete any necessary paper work. (Financial Aid, Deposits, Acceptance confirmation etc.)

Taking the time to plan and preparefor this exciting new journey will help ensure that your child’s transition to post-secondary school will be successful.