Applying to College with Learning Differences
For students and families of students with learning differences, the most commonly asked question in the college research process tends to be “what schools have the best resources?”
The reality is that the majority of colleges in the U.S. offer a great deal of support, though the types and levels of accommodations vary and may come at an additional cost on top of tuition. In most circumstances, it makes sense for students with learning differences to determine their general college preferences (i.e. geographic location, school size, availability of majors, etc.) to establish a list of schools that may be a good fit, and then research the available supports at those schools.
Campus visits are a great way of gauging whether schools’ services will meet your needs, and should include an evaluation of the available supports and a meeting with the head of those services, if possible.
-
Is there a specific learning center for students with learning disabilities? What services does this center offer?
Is there a general academic support center? Who staffs it?
Is there a fee associated with any of the supports or services available?
How big is the office of disability services?
What kind of advisers are available if help is needed?
Are tutors peers or specialists?
At what point is documentation of a student’s learning disability needed? In what form? How recent do the results need to be?
What does one need to do to get extended time on tests and exams?
Does the school have a foreign language requirement? Are waivers granted? How?
The Beacon College Office reached out to various colleges to gain more insight on this question. Read the responses from individual colleges, including American, Bard, Grinnell, Smith, Stony Brook, and many more.
What kind of information should be on your application regarding a learning disability?
-
Is the entire campus wheelchair accessible? Find out how this might impact your ability to move around campus and attend the classes of your choice or to live in a dorm.
Be clear in advance what your specific needs are and discuss them with admissions offices at the schools to which you are applying. Consider your comfort level – will you need to ask for help when you need it or is the school proactive about anticipating your needs?
Does the school provide readers, signers, note-takers and other kinds of aids for visually, hearing, or motor-impaired students?
Exploring Pathways of Support
Collegiate support for students with learning differences exists across a wide spectrum.
Schools’ Offices of Disability Services (or Student Support Services) can help with services and accommodations, while some colleges have specific Comprehensive Learning Support Programs, typically available for a supplemental fee on top of tuition. Finally, some colleges are specific to students with learning differences, integrating things like executive functioning into their curriculum.
-
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with disabilities and requires colleges to make their programming accessible.
These laws mean that institutions must provide modifications to policies, practices, procedures, and building entrances, as well as assistive technology, testing accommodations and other forms of support that should be individually designed to meet the needs of the student with a disability.
Students seeking accommodations will need to present documentation that may vary and often includes all or some of the following: a recent neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluation, medical documents, self-reported statement, IEP, 504, and/or explanation of previous accommodations.
Dataverse's Directory of Colleges with Strong Learning Support Services
-
In addition to meeting the legally outlined baseline of support services, some colleges also offer comprehensive learning support programs, These are dedicated to providing a solid foundation for student success through targeted interventions. These are most often fee-based services. Generally, an array of services are offered, including but not limited to academic coaching, 1-1 advising, executive function skill building, time management training, etc. The necessary support services provided by qualified profess ionals will look different at every college, and depending on the need of each student, pricing and scheduling will vary.
Examples include SALT at the University of Arizona, Bridges to Adelphi, Institute for Achievement and Learning at Lynn University.
-
Some colleges and universities are dedicated exclusively to students with disabilities.
These institutions integrate support services into their curriculum and programming, so students do not have to apply. The supports and services are generally comprehensive, entailing executive functioning coaching, academic advising, individualized instruction, and educational technology.
Examples include Beacon College, Landmark College, Mitchell College.