Making the Transition to College
This is an exciting time in your life as you prepare to make the transition from high school to college. Students with learning disabilities are succeeding in a wide variety of colleges and universities if they have the ability, preparation, desire, and opportunity to do so. It makes sense that you will want a college that is large enough to appeal to your interests and small enough to meet your needs. As you begin to narrow down your college search according to course offerings, size, location, and finances, make sure that the support services you need are available.
You will be assuming new adult responsibilities. Also, you will be facing a less structured schedule, less supervision and making more decisions. Here are some helpful suggestions for college-bound students with learning disabilities (McGuire, 1987).
- Understand your learning disability and how you learn best before going to college.
- Develop strong study habits, especially time management skills.
- Have well-developed basic skills in grammar and math.
- Build self-confidence by taking on more difficult tasks.
- Try to develop writing skills for taking essay tests.
- Develop self-advocacy skills in order to ask professors for necessary accommodations.
- Seek help as soon as you are admitted to college.
- Be prepared to study hard and set realistic goals.