Choosing the Right College: Key Questions for Students with Learning Disabilities

College is a significant step, and for neurodivergent students (those with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, and other neurological differences), finding the right support system is crucial for success. When visiting colleges, it's essential to connect with the disability services or accessibility services office (often called the "learning disabilities office" but with varying names) and ask targeted questions. These conversations will help you determine whether the school can meet your unique academic, social, and personal needs, recognizing that support exists on many levels, from universal design to individualized accommodations.

This blog post provides a comprehensive guide to the key questions you should ask. Each section includes a brief explanation of why the topic is important, what you're trying to find out, and a list of relevant questions to ask during your visit or phone call. By having these conversations, you'll be empowered to make an informed decision about where to invest your time and energy for the next four years. It's about finding a college that understands and supports your individual learning style and needs.

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Documentation and Eligibility

Before accessing accommodations, you must first qualify, which typically involves providing specific documentation—requirements that can vary by school. Understanding the process ensures you're prepared and avoid delays. Find out what paperwork is needed, how recent it must be, and how long approval takes so you can plan ahead and avoid surprises.

Questions to Ask:

• What documentation do you accept for accommodation requests?

• How recent must the documentation be?

• How do students apply for academic accommodations?

• How long does it take for them to be approved?

• Is there an appeal process if accommodations are denied?

• Can I submit documentation prior to admission to get a preliminary idea of whether it meets your requirements?

  
  

Available Accommodations and Services

While all colleges must provide a baseline level of support, the quality and extent of services beyond that can vary widely. It’s important to understand what specialized support each school offers and whether it aligns with what has helped you in the past. Look into services beyond standard accommodations, such as coaching, mentoring, or assistive technology training, that could help you thrive.

Questions to Ask:

• What are some of the most common accommodations for testing, classrooms, assignments, or elsewhere?

• Is tutoring available? For what subjects?

• Is professional and/or peer tutoring available? How are peer tutors trained?

• Who provides tutoring? Are tutors trained in strategies for neurodivergent learners?

• Do you offer any additional specialized services or supports for students with disabilities?

• What fees are involved for specialized services?

Staff and Expertise

The quality of support often depends on the expertise of the staff in the disability or accessibility services office. You’ll want to know who you’ll be working with and whether they have experience with your specific neurodivergence and needs. Look for reassurance that the staff is knowledgeable and equipped to provide support tailored to your learning style.

Questions to Ask:

• How many staff do you have?

• What is their background/training? What specific training do staff have related to specific learning disabilities (e.g., ADHD, autism, dyslexia)?

• What are the most common disabilities you serve?

  
  

Program Structure and Fees

Some colleges have specialized programs for students with learning disabilities that go beyond basic accommodations. These programs can offer additional resources but may come with extra costs. Knowing this upfront helps you make an informed decision. You want to know if there’s a dedicated program for students with learning disabilities or for neurodivergent students, how it works, and whether there are any associated fees.

Questions to Ask:

• Do you offer any coordinated programs for neurodiverse students?

• What does this program involve? What specific services are included (e.g., coaching, mentoring, social skills groups)?

• What is the cost of the program?

• What is the application process like for the program?

• Do you offer separate orientation for students with disabilities?

• Do you offer a summer transition program? What does the transition program cover (e.g., self-advocacy, time management, campus resources)?

Academic Support and Flexibility

Not all academic requirements or schedules work well for every student with learning disabilities. Flexibility in course requirements or registration can make your college experience much more manageable. You’re looking for options that allow you to tailor your academic experience, such as course waivers, priority registration, or assistive technology resources that meet your needs.

Questions to Ask:

• Are waivers available for certain academic requirements (e.g., foreign language courses, minimum course load)?

• Is priority registration available for students with disabilities?

• What resources do you have in terms of assistive technology?

• Can I request alternative testing formats (e.g., oral exams, take-home exams)?

• Does the college offer courses in different modalities (e.g., online, hybrid, in-person)?

• What is the typical class size for introductory courses?

Communication and Implementation

Having accommodations approved is just one step; ensuring they are implemented effectively is equally important. It’s crucial to understand how professors will be informed of your needs and what happens if issues arise. You want clarity on how accommodations are communicated to faculty and what steps are taken if there’s resistance or misunderstanding from professors.

Questions to Ask:

• What’s the process for communicating accommodations to professors?

• What happens if a professor won’t grant an accommodation?

• How often do students need to reapply or meet with staff to maintain their accommodations?

• Does the disability services office offer training or resources for faculty on supporting neurodivergent students?

Student Experience and Outcomes

The experiences of other students with learning disabilities can offer valuable insight into life at that college. Retention rates and outcomes also indicate how well students are supported over time. You’re trying to gauge whether students with learning disabilities feel supported and tend to succeed academically and beyond graduation.

Questions to Ask:

• How many students (or what percentage of the student body) do you serve?

• What is the school retention rate for students with learning disabilities?

• Do you track outcomes (e.g., retention, graduation, employment) for students with disabilities?

• Are there any support groups or clubs for students with disabilities?

Campus Integration and Accessibility

A college that values accessibility will go beyond legal requirements to foster an inclusive environment where all students feel supported. Accessibility should extend across academics, campus life, and physical spaces. You want to know how committed the college is to making accessibility part of its culture and actively promoting inclusion.

Questions to Ask:

• How is the Disability Services Office integrated throughout the school?

• How is disability incorporated into the institution’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts?

• What has the institution done to become more accessible to students with disabilities?

• Are there sensory-friendly spaces on campus?

By asking these questions during your visit or conversation with a college’s learning disabilities office, you'll gain valuable insight into whether that school can meet your needs academically, socially, and personally. Take notes during these discussions so you can compare schools later—and remember that finding a supportive environment will set you up for success!

If you want help finding the right fit school, please reach out by scheduling a Free Consultation.