BES Blog /A Guide for Families of Neurodivergent Students

Preparing for College: the Final Stretch

Now that you’ve received your college admissions decisions—hopefully with multiple acceptances—it’s time to determine which college is the best fit for you. Beyond academics, consider where you will be happy, successful, and thrive. Remember, college readiness isn’t just about your grades; it’s also about advocating for yourself, managing your time effectively, and developing strong study habits.

Hopefully, you’ve done your research and know that these colleges are a good academic and social fit. If you have narrowed it down to two colleges and can’t decide - don’t stress over it - there’s no wrong choice. Both can offer a great experience. But if you’re still unsure, visit each college again, and spend some time on campus to see where you feel most at home.

Attending Accepted Students' Day can be particularly insightful. At this event, you can meet future classmates, engage with faculty, and immerse yourself in the campus environment. Pay attention to how you feel in these spaces and around your potential peers—comfort and a sense of belonging are key indicators of a good fit.

Ensuring the Right Support System

Before making your final decision, be sure to check in with the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) to confirm that they can provide the specific accommodations you need. Don’t leave this to chance—not every college offers the same level of support, and you want to be sure that your chosen school can meet your academic needs and support your social-emotional and personal growth. 

Planning for a Strong Start

Once you’ve committed to a college, take proactive steps to set yourself up for success:

• Schedule an early summer intake meeting with the college’s learning specialist to develop a personalized accommodations plan.
• Arrange a follow-up meeting during orientation week to connect with your learning specialist.
• Set up weekly check-ins with the learning specialist, especially if you have executive function challenges or ADHD. These meetings will help you stay on track and address issues before they become overwhelming. Make a commitment to continue these meetings for the entire first semester.

Preparing for Accessibility Services Intake Meeting

To ensure a smooth process when meeting with Accessibility Services, make sure you have:

• A neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluation completed within the past 3 years.
• If you’re 16 or older, an assessment using the WAIS (the adult version of the WISC).
• A list of recommended accommodations specifically tailored for college. You may need to request this from the psychologist who did your testing. It might also be listed in your IEP or 504 Plan.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a college is about more than just academics—it’s about finding a place where you will thrive both personally and academically. Taking these steps will help ensure you have the support you need for a successful college experience.