College Next Year?

Finishing high school soon … and wondering what’s next?

If you have ADHD or learning disabilities of any sort, additional factors may take on importance in figuring out what’s next, in particular:  

This blog post will address assessing your readiness for college, and options to consider if you are uncertain if college is right for you at this point. A subsequent post will address, if college is your choice, what to look for in a college to make sure you get the services and support you need for success.

Landmark College recommends planning ahead to assure you’re college-ready with the following skills that are key to success in college life both academically and personally:

• 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. 

Interested in college but not sure how to find the right fit? 

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?