Preparing to Succeed in College: For Special Needs Students

By Melissa Filkowski, Ed.D., LMFT

It's college application time again. Whether college is simply one option you are considering, or if you are deep in the application and decision process, some planning and preparation can help make it a successful experience. Parents can also play a valuable role in assisting in the transition to the adult environment of higher education. Particularly for students with special needs, it is important to understand some of the differences between K-12 and higher education systems in regards to receiving accommodations. Here are some tips to help make this process a positive experience:

Start with the end in mind:

Begin to funnel down the overwhelming number of colleges, majors (or technical program choices), and careers by starting with focusing on the end result. Clarify as much as you can, even vague concepts ("I like to work with my hands"). Many colleges offer classes in career and life planning and these are excellent sources to walk through an often difficult decision-making process. For students in high school, take advantage of your senior culminating project, career center, and counselors as great opportunities to sort through choices. The sooner students know a career and major pathway, the less time and money you will have to spend on unnecessary classes. Many competitive colleges will be looking for students who are "major-ready" meaning at least a tentative major has been selected and related course-work and any applicable real-life work (i.e. job shadowing, entry level work experience in the field, volunteer work) has begun.

Make the choice that's right for you:

Take time to think about your unique needs and interests and from there work backwards to see which colleges/majors/careers might be a good fit for YOU. Just like families, colleges have their own culture, pressures, and values. Try to discover what these are and how they might work for you. Look beyond the mission statement and advertising pitch to actual policies such as medical leave and time to degree. Ideally, a college will value you as a unique individual and be committed to your success while at the same time holding all students to high standards for achievement.

The application process:

Colleges may not require students to disclose disability status as part of the application process. If you choose to share medical information as part of your personal statement, do so carefully. When sharing information, don't simply state a diagnosis (or any other type of descriptor), but speak more deeply to its impact on your life, how you have grown from that experience, and how that helps you to potentially be a valuable member of that college's community.

Accommodations:

Higher education is required to provide accommodations to students with documented disabilities. However, this is done very differently than what students probably experienced during their K-12 career. As an adult learner, you are now responsible for providing appropriate documentation, requesting accommodations in a timely manner, and at times, advocating directly with faculty members. Here are some tips:

• Receive an updated evaluation from the appropriate medical professional within the year before attending college (colleges will not usually accept IEP's as valid documentation).
• Discuss appropriate accommodation recommendations with your medical professional and ask him or her to state these recommendations directly in the report. Examples of accommodations may include extended time on tests (often specified such as 1.5x), or assistance with note-taking. Accommodations must be appropriate to the diagnosis.
• Work closely with the Disability Services office (which may have different names) and make requests for accommodations as early as possible. Make sure to communicate any schedule changes or concerns as early as possible.
• As an adult student, you will be responsible for knowing and following all deadlines, policies and procedures. Be proactive and ask any questions. Don't wait for someone at the college to 'tell you' anything.

Strategies for success:

Universities really do want their students to be successful. In addition to disability accommodations, there are often a number of support services and programs available on most campuses. Take the time to learn about these resources and utilize any that may be appropriate for you and for which you qualify. These support services provide not only a supportive community, but staff members who know more about you and act as 'system navigators.'

Here are some other helpful strategies for success:

• If you are still in high school, take four years of math. Colleges will assess your math and English skills upon entry and although students have met the admission requirements to get in, many find themselves retaking remedial classes (which cost tuition and do not count toward graduation) if they have not had math recently. Take it for free in high school!
• If possible, visit potential colleges and meet with students, faculty, and disability services personnel if you will be needing accommodations. Ask any questions about your particular situation ahead of time. This is a good opportunity to get a feel for the culture.
• Take advantage of your college's orientation program(s) and any courses or workshops available on college success. These classes include valuable tips and strategies of successful college students.
• Once at college, build a community based on interests. Clubs and activities abound and these are great ways to meet students with similar interests. Research shows that involved students tend stay in college and graduate at a higher rate than students who are not connected.
• Plan for your physical and emotional well-being. If you have particular medical or psychological needs, prepare for care ahead of time. Connect with local professionals ahead of time and have any records sent in order to receive better care. Good self care is often a challenge for college students. Sufficient sleep, good eating habits, exercise, and following medication recommendations become even more critical; have a plan in place BEFORE things become challenging.

By planning ahead, the transition to college can be smoother and more enjoyable.

This article was written by:
Melissa Filkowski, Ed.D., LMFT
Collegiate Consulting
Tri-Cities number: (509) 392-3470

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