Given that self-advocacy is equated with success, establishing a positive relationship with a college or university needs to be a top priority. So, over the next couple of days, I’ll talk about how to go about establishing a relationship with the Office of Disability Services.
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Students with learning disabilities and ADHD are applying to colleges and universities at increased rates. And while colleges and universities are making progress in leveling the academic playing field for qualified students, campus attitudes and special services programs continue to vary. Unlike public schools, colleges and universities are required by law only to make “reasonable accommodations” for qualified students with learning challenges. Thinking about disability support programs in terms of three main categories will help students and their families determine which college support programs are a good fit.
“Basic” programs are also referred to as limited, self-directed or decentralized programs. And they only offer accommodations required by law, such as note-taking assistance and un-timed testing. Most colleges and universities fall into this category and are best suited for students who received consultative services only at the high school level. For students with on or near grade level reading, writing and math skills, strong self-advocacy, and consistent time management skills. The assistance of basic programs provide the necessary accommodations for academic success.
At the next level of support are programs described as “coordinated” services. These programs provide services beyond the required level. Students will have access to at least one specially trained staff member who may have input on admission decisions. And offer study skills classes, tutors, and other support services at no additional charge. These programs are typically best for students who demonstrated on or near grade level skills in high school. But needed support in requesting needed accommodations and in effectively managing their time.
Programs offering the highest level of support are described as “structured” or “proactive” programs. They often require students to sign a contract and charge additional fees ranging from $2,000 to $8,000 a year. They offer modified coursework and specially trained staff that monitor individual student progress. Fewer than 100 schools fall into this category.
To determine the best program for your student, students and their families should schedule a meeting with the Disability Services Program on campus. Sitting down with staff from the disability services program. Which every college and/or university should have. Will give you an opportunity to learn more about the program, the staff and the services available to students with learning challenges.
Once your family has had the opportunity to see the program and meet its representatives. You and your student will be better able to evaluate the college’s academic and extracurricular activities, college climate and its disability supports for getting you in – and out of – college.
Heather Creech
LD Educational Consultant
Earlier this week, the Washington Post published an interesting article on how high school students are sending out more college applications then ever before. Part of the reasoning behind this strategy is that students feel that since the college application process has become so competitive, they better apply to more schools, just to make sure they get in somewhere.
However, blindly applying to several schools, just to increase your chances, may not be the best option- and it is expensive! Doing the proper research and selecting the right schools that meet your ability, interest and profile can yield the results you are looking for. Working with a educational consultant can help ensure that you have an appropriate college list, which will help to cut down the stress that comes along with the college application process.
Katherine Price
Educational Consultant
So you still have not made your final decision? If our previous post on making the final decision did not help, here are some more tips.
Get to Know Your Classmates
Hopefully you had a chance to visit the colleges you were admitted to. If you did, you probably attended an admitted student event that included hundreds of other students who had also been admitted to the same school. What was your impression of your future potential classmates? Remember it is important to not only like the school you will be attending, but also the people who will be attending it with you.
If you did not have a chance to visit a school you can still get to know your classmates by jumping on-line. Colleges and universities are often creating Facebook groups or have chat rooms through their website where you can get to know other admitted students.
Get to Know the Campus
Again, if you did not have chance to visit a school as an admitted student, then pick up the phone. Call the admissions office and ask to speak with a current student (often times, they will also call you!). Ask as many question as you can think of. Talk about the social scene, the professors, opportunities for involvement, don’t be shy!
Don’t stop at speaking with students. Call the director of the visual arts program if you plan on being a performer. Ask to speak with the coach of the club softball team if that is something that is important to you. Admissions is often seen as a campus-wide effort, so don’t be afraid to ask to speak to campus professionals outside of the admissions office.
Money Talks
The financial aspect of the decision is perhaps one of the most important aspects. Our previous posts provided helpful articles in this department, but it might come down to one simple question: What is the best decision for your family?
Katherine Price
Educational Consultant
There appears to be an abundance of stories regarding financial aid in the media these days. With the May 1st deadline on the horizon and the unstable economy, financial aid is a hot topic. Sure a college education is an investment, but many families are struggling with the idea of taking on substantial amounts of debt in order accommodate the goal of higher education. While every family’s circumstances are different, it is important to take all of your options in to consideration. Here are some guidelines, from the media, to consider as you ponder your final decision in the next two weeks.
Educate Yourself
Make sure you know what you are looking at. There are two articles I came across that will shed some light on reading a financial aid package. USNews.com published a great article on all of the things you need to take into consideration when reading your financial aid package. From comparing different figures from different schools to how to think about debt upon graduation, this article covers it all.
USNews.com also published an article on just how to read your financial aid package. It provides examples of real financial aid letters from a few different institutions as well as markings that let you know what you are really looking at.
How to Ask For More Money
The most recent trend in financial aid articles includes information on how to ask for more money. NYTimes.com ran an article last week that talked about “getting a better deal”. Also, the CBS Morning Show recently ran a Financial Aid 101 segment that offered advice on how to ask for more money.
One word of caution, some schools are not going to be willing to play this game. There are several factors that the schools are going to take into consideration when they are looking at your situation. Unfortunately, one of those factors is going to be how bad they want you as a student. Reality is that every school wants the “best of the best” in their freshmen class. If you have higher SAT scores than the average admitted student or you offer some sort of unique talent, then you may have some leverage.
Some really competitive schools are not going to reconsider aid offers at all. Why? Because they don’t have to. They will have no problem making their class, so they won’t need to do anything extra to help seal the deal.
Most schools will reconsider you package if your financial situation has changed since you submitted your application. Losing a job or acquiring some unforeseen expense may help you obtain more financial aid.
If you are really struggling with where to attend because of financial aid, then in some cases it really does not hurt to ask. That way at least you will know that you did everything you could to even the financial score with the colleges you are trying to decide between.
Katherine Price
Educational Consultant
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