Planning for College

Where do I start?A plan for 10th, 11th &12th grade

10th GradeBe sure you have a letter from the College Board

acknowledging the testing modifications stated on your IEP

BE AWARE that it is at the discretion of the College Board whether to grant modifications– Additional testing may be required-be informed

http://www.collegeboard.com/ssd/student/index.html

Applying for Accommodations

Most students apply for accommodations with the assistance of their school. Parents and guardians must complete a consent form .The school's SSD Coordinator or counselor will then be able to request accommodations online.

Consent Form for Request for Accommodations

11th Grade TestingTake PSAT’sConsider benefits of SAT prep

– School sponsored classes– SAT Prep Courses

Community sponsored(library) National Franchises Private tutoring

Check SAT test date(s)Consider and check ACTs test date(s)

11th Grade ResumeStart developing a profile

Prepare the following:

Student Appraisal Form (click here)

Student Questionnaire (click here)

Autobiographical Record (click here) Parent Brag Sheet (click here)

Sample Activity Sheet (click here)

WHO ARE YOU????

11th GradeCollege Search

Exploration of Potential Colleges–Consider geography

What location are you interested in?– Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, West– Local (consider your commute)

Type of campus– City location– College town http://

www.petersons.com/college-search.aspx

11th GradeCollege Search

Consider size of the total student population– Is it?

Small – fewer than 5,000 studentsMedium – 5,000 - 15,000 studentsLarge – More than 15,000 students

11th Grade “Find the Comfortable Fit”

Meet with Guidance Counselor– Develop a list of potential colleges

Research using the internet– When visiting college websites consider :

College admission requirements Majors offered Prospective students link

– Remember to provide identifying information (SS#) if requested by the college. This allows colleges to keep track of each and any type of contact that a potential student initiates. This demonstrates intent and interest.

11th Grade“Find the Comfortable Fit”

Attend College Fairs– Get applications and brochures– Be sure to get the business card from the college

representative for future contactRemember the tracking process

Consider visiting colleges keeping in mind:– Special services program and level of service provided

Comprehensive-more intensive Supportive-less contact time How many LD specialists do they employ? Who provides tutoring

services?– Size of student body (student/teacher ratio)– Sign up for orientation and informational tours

11th Grade Considerations Applying as a Classified Student

Be able to describe your learning disability– Communicate strengths and weaknesses– Describe assistance needed to compensate for

disability Match your needs to the services provided

at potential colleges

11th GradeOther Considerations

Consider any special talents or interests– Athletics

Remember you must meet NCAA requirements and deadlines

Seek the advice of your school or club coach– Music/Art/Drama program

Remember to plan and organize your portfolio Participate in performances Seek the advice of your program director or teacher

Classified Students and College Requirements

Colleges are NOT required to waive any requirement– Example: Tom was not required to take a foreign

language in high school. Tom may be required to take a language at his college.

– BEWARE!! Some schools may waive an admission’s requirement , but not an exit requirement.It is possible for a student to get into a school without a language, but be required to take one to graduate.

BE SURE TO ASK BEFORE YOU CONSIDER A SCHOOL

Summer/Fall of Senior year

Consider potential topics for your college essay (you may want to request applications for any schools you are interested in)

Possible writing topics:-a person who had an influence on you

-an event or circumstance and its personal or academic impact-Describe a challenge you have faced and what it

taught you

**Colleges want to get to know who YOU areRemember to write from the HEART

12th Grade When you have narrowed your interests and college

choices– Attend orientations and open houses

Remember the tracking process

Consider Teacher Recommendations– Naviance– Seek advice from your guidance counselor

12th GradeTesting

Check to see if your potential colleges require specific testing to justify special services, program/testing modifications & language exemptions– WAITT– Achievement testing– Psychological or IQ Tests

Request evaluation from your school psychologist

12th GradeOrganization of Applications

Set up a folder for each college you are applying to Read through the application first before filling in

– See if an essay is required Make a checklist to include the following:

– application due date– SAT’s and other scores sent out from College Board – ACT’s sent out– FAFSA form sent (only sent once to all colleges)– teacher recommendations– interviews (if suggested or required)– send essay (if suggested or required)– completed application, with attached resume, to guidance with

application fee

12th GradeFacts to Know

Colleges are not mandated to follow the modifications and accommodations of an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)– Beyond high school, unless a students asks, no special

arrangements are provided, even if they are available Self-Advocacy Skills will be your key to success

– Identify yourself to faculty – Contact your learning specialist– Be prepared to make your own arrangements for

testing accommodations