- readiness for college
- fatigue coming out of high school
- your learning style
- specific programs and services you might need for success in college
- help in sorting through your options
- support in preparing for your next steps.
- academic skills
- self-understanding
- self-advocacy
- executive function skills such as time management and organization as well as
- motivation and confidence.
For more about readiness in each of these areas, and resources to promote readiness, see my series of blog posts starting with: http://lizahmann.blogspot.com/2010/03/college-readiness-and-adhd-academic.html
Another resource for exploring and developing readiness is Maitland & Quinn’s excellent book Ready for Take-off: Preparing your Teen with ADHD or LD for College
Feeling uncertain about moving right into college?
There can be great wisdom in holding off on college and allowing a teen and his/her brain some time to mature. Consider the following options:
A well-planned gap year can allow time for maturation as well as exploration and regeneration after a challenging high school experience. Gap years can be local, elsewhere in the US, or overseas and can involve a wide range of interesting opportunities. http://www.kidsenabled.org/articles/index.php/200803/path-to-college-the-gap-year/
Advantages can be significant when trying college on for size at a local community college, whether for a summer, a semester or longer. These schools typically serve a wide range of learners, and many offer a variety of supports and accommodations to assist students with diverse learning profiles. Credits can later be transferred to a four-year college or university.
Non-degree programs that offer a college-type experience are also worth a look if college seems a bit daunting for one reason or another. These programs promoting independent living and social skills are often associated with a college and sometimes lead to a certificate or to a certain number of credits toward a degree. http://kaarme.com/Learning_Disability_College_Programs
If college-style learning is just not a good fit, other options include employment, trade school, an apprenticeship, job corps, or the military.
A subsequent blog post will address this topic in detail, addressing the following questions:
- What is your learning style?
- What type of on-campus support do you need for success?
- What other options are there?
- Where can you get more information about appropriate college options?
- Where can you find support and assistance in navigating this big decision?
Leave a Reply