Navigating College Admissions for Neurodivergent Learners
During our last Ask an Expert webinar, we had the privilege of hearing Dr. Eric Endlich speak about what the college admissions process looks like for neurodivergent students. Dr. Endlich and his organization, Top College Consultants, advise neurodivergent students as they embark on their collegiate journeys.
The full webinar can be viewed below:
In addition to covering why selecting a university that fits student needs is important, Dr. Endlic detailed the unique challenges that neurodivergent students face within the college application and admissions process.
What are these unique challenges?
- Researching colleges/identifying options
- Identifying and accepting support needs
- Writing essays – anxiety, organization
- Transcript irregularities
- Deciding about disclosure
- Standardized testing
- Meeting application deadlines
To add onto the phenomenal conversation, we’ll debunk some common myths about the college application and admissions process.
Myth vs Facts
Myth: Gap year can disrupt student motivation.
Fact: Gap years can help students become college ready, bolster their resumes, and create more certainty in what students want to study.
Myth: College readiness expectations are different post-pandemic.
Fact: Universities have largely maintained their expectations despite setbacks caused by COVID.
Myth: Disclosing your disability could hurt your college application.
Fact: It is illegal for universities to discriminate on the basis of disability, and disclosure could provide explanation for academic struggles if applicable.
Myth: Colleges will provide the same accommodations students receive in high school through 504s and IEPs.
Fact: While (public) high schools legally have to ensure student success due to the IDEA laws, colleges respond to ADA standards and ensure accessibility.
Myth: College readiness is defined by academic capability.
Fact: There is a difference between being academically capable for college and ready for college.
College Capable
Students that can handle college-level academics
College Ready
Students can handle independence:
- Independently identify when they need help in any area.
- Independently seek our services, despite obstacles.
- Independently apply the supports they’ve assessed.
Myth: Colleges provide a great deal of support to students with disabilities.
Fact: While there are definitely support systems, college students are expected to self-advocate and reach out to pursue the support they need.
Myth: Students should attend the most high-ranking college that admits them.
Fact: Although a big name could be impressive on a resume, it is essential for students to select a university in which they can succeed socially and academically, which may not be one of their ‘reach’ schools.
Furthering the Conversation
Have any unanswered questions or wonderings? Email contact@learnfully.com! We will gladly continue this dialogue.
Resources
How to connect with Eric and his team:
www.topcollegeconsultants.com
info@TopCollegeConsultants.com
Phone: (617) 515 – 3568 or toll-free at (833) WE-APPLY
How to connect with our Learnfully team:
Facebook: @learnfully
Instagram: @hellolearnfully
Learnfully Blogs: www.learnfully.com/blogs
©2024 Learnfully, Inc. - Learnfully the Personalized Learning Platform | All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
