A Neurodivergent Student’s Guide to Preparing for the Transition to College

The transition from high school to college is a major milestone.  As you prepare for this transition, it is important to keep in mind that the way accommodations are handled in college is different and you are responsible for taking ownership of your learning experience.  Here is a list of important considerations for you to think about as you explore your post-secondary options. 

1. Understand Your Learning Profile

Develop a solid understanding of your learning profile so that you can determine what you need to be successful.  What are your strengths and areas of challenge?  

Practice explaining what helps you succeed verbally and in writing.  Whether you need a quiet space for exams, use of text-to-speech software, or visual examples to understand a concept, knowing your learning profile will help you identify what your needs are. 

2. The Rules Change Between High School and College

The laws that protect you change as you transition to a post-secondary educational setting.  In high school, the goal of the law is to make sure you succeed which means schools can make modifications to the curriculum if needed.  In college, the goal of the law is to provide access.  Since colleges are only required to provide access, all students are held to the same expectations regardless of a disability.  It is important to understand this shift in your rights as a college student with learning differences.

3. Review Your Current Accommodations

Review the accommodations you currently receive at your high school.  If any of them modify what you are learning or how you are tested (ex. fewer test questions), create a plan to slowly phase those out.  Colleges are only required to make learning accessible if there is a documented need (ex. extended time testing), but they are not required to modify curriculum in any way.  Now is an ideal time to practice handling standard expectations while you still have your high school’s support so you know exactly what tools to rely on when you arrive at your college campus. 

4. Strengthen Your Resilience

College will be full of trial and error.  The secret to success in college is not being perfect, it’s being resilient.  Develop strong self-advocacy, self-determination, executive function and problem solving skills.  Bouncing back is a skill that you can start training for now.

5. Shop Around for the Right Support

Not all colleges handle disability services the same way.  When you are looking at schools, ask about the support services they offer.  Determine if the school offers a Comprehensive Support Program; a fee based program where weekly support is provided by a learning specialist.  Review details to verify what supports and services are provided through the Accessibility Office.  Ensure that the schools you are interested in will be able to provide you with the accommodations you need. 

6. Pick the College That Fits You

It is easy to be swept up in school rankings, big sports names, or where your friends are heading off to, but your college experience is about you.  Look for the school campus where you feel most comfortable, where the environment matches your needs, and where you can see yourself thriving academically and socially. 

Every student deserves an academic envirornment where they can truly thrive. Stephanie specializes in matching students with learning differences to the boarding schools and colleges where they will find long-term success. Connect with her directly at stephanie@thebertramgroup.com‍ ‍

About Stephanie Mitchell, The Bertram Group Partner, LD/ADHD/ASD Boarding School and College/Transition Advising

Since 2008, Stephanie has been working in college placement and transition planning and more recently added boarding school advising to her areas of expertise. Her specialty is in aiding students with learning differences in finding appropriate boarding school and post-secondary options through a comprehensive and individualized process. Her focus is to identify and address each student’s individual strengths, needs, and preferences while supporting families in selecting appropriate academic settings. Through aligning strengths, interests, and needs within the environment, building awareness, and formulating an in-depth understanding of their learning profile, she aids students in finding continued success in settings that fit their needs.