Preparing for College with Learning Differences
Preparing for College with Learning Differences: Tips for Students and Parents
Transitioning from high school to college is a significant milestone, and for students with learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or executive functioning challenges, the shift can present unique hurdles. However, with thoughtful planning, self-advocacy, and the right support systems in place, students can receive college testing accommodations. These will help you thrive in higher education. Here are practical tips to help you and your student prepare for this exciting new chapter.
- Understand the Laws and Your Rights
Unlike high school, where services are provided under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), colleges operate under ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These laws ensure access, not success, so students must actively request accommodations.
Tip for Parents: By ninth grade help your teen understand their diagnosis and how it impacts their learning. Discuss how accommodations help.
- Update Evaluations and Documentation
Colleges often require current documentation of a learning difference to grant accommodations. A comprehensive psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluation within the last 3-5 years is typically needed.
Tip for Students: Work with us to ensure documentation includes specific diagnoses, functional limitations, and recommended accommodations. We test college students and we provide psychoeducational testing for LSAT, GRE, MCAT, and professional boards.
- Learn and Practice Self-Advocacy Skills
In college, students are expected to take charge of their own learning needs. This means contacting the disability services office, attending meetings, and communicating with professors about accommodations.
Tip: Practice self-advocacy in high school—ask for help when you need it, schedule your own appointments, and take responsibility for organizing materials.
- Explore Campus Support Services
Most colleges have an office of disability services, tutoring centers, and academic coaching. Some even offer specialized programs for students with learning differences, though these may come with an extra cost. Learn about college disability support at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida.
Tip: Visit the campus and schedule an in person or Zoom meeting with the disability services office to ask questions about the types of support available. Be prepared to briefly explain how your disability affects you and why you require accommodations.
- Practice Independent Living Skills
College life involves more than academics. Students must manage time, organize materials, plan meals, do laundry, and navigate new social situations.
Tip: Start building these skills at home—use a planner or calendar app, learn budgeting basics, and practice routines like doing laundry or managing a daily to-do list. Daily practice will make these lifelong good habits. This year, read or listen to the book, “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… and Maybe the World.“
- Choose the Right College Fit
Every college has a different culture, size, level of support, and learning environment. Some students thrive at large universities while others prefer smaller schools with a more personal touch. A smaller Florida college with support is Rollins College.
Tip: When visiting colleges, ask about class sizes, availability of one-on-one support, and how professors accommodate students with learning differences.
Consider a Summer Bridge Program
Many colleges offer summer transition programs for incoming students with learning differences. These can help ease the transition by teaching academic skills, building confidence, and familiarizing students with the campus.
Tip: Look into bridge programs as early as spring of senior year and apply promptly—they often fill up quickly.
- Encourage Emotional Readiness
College can be a rollercoaster of emotions including excitement, anxiety, and sometimes homesickness. Students with learning differences may also deal with lower self-esteem or frustration if academic challenges resurface.
Tip: Promote open conversations about mental health, and consider support from a therapist or counselor to ease the emotional transition.
Final Thoughts
The transition to college with a learning difference is not just about academic preparation. It’s about fostering independence, resilience, and self-awareness. With the right tools and mindset, students will succeed in college and grow into confident, capable adults.
We test high school and college students for college testing accommodations. We also test for GRE accommodations, MCAT accommodations, LSAT accommodations, and technical school accommodation. The college testing accommodations paperwork is thorough and gives specific recommendations such as 100% extended time, individual testing room, stop the clock brain breaks, and others. Contact us if you need new or updated testing for college or graduate school examinations. We have years and years of experience with this type of testing. Call us at (561) 625 4125
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