Making the leap from high school to college is a big step for any young adult. College presents a huge learning curve for many students culturally, socially, and academically. For students navigating dyslexia in college, transitioning to life on a campus can be challenging. Dyslexic students should not be discouraged as they embark on their higher education journey. Students will have to aim to manage studying, test-taking, and courses in a new environment. It is important to find ways to manage your learning difference while achieving success. Students should know that there is plenty of support available for them; they just need to seek it out.
Attending a college that is just right for you as a student is great advice for any high school senior. But for seniors reviewing college accommodations for dyslexia, this advice is particularly pertinent. Students will want to be sure that the schools to which they are applying have an environment that works well for them. Does your senior want a college with smaller class sizes and a smaller student body? Would they like to attend a school with big, competitive sports teams or opportunities to play intramural sports? Does the school have comfortable spaces for studying? Does your dream college have a learning center with tutors and accessible professors? Would a college with particular supports for learning differences, such as Schreiner University in Kerrville, TX, be the best fit? There are a lot of things to consider. Seniors should figure out the size and style of school they want to attend, then ensure that their list of schools has plenty of resources for their learning profile as well.
Senior year is a great time to assess what kind of studious student you are. Do you need music and headphones to stay focused, or do you prefer total silence? Do lists and timers help with the management of your workload? Will you take notes by hand or record lectures instead? Do paper planners help you, or would you rather keep track of to-dos online? Will you make use of assistive technology like text-to-speech features? Are flashcards an essential study tool for you as a student? There is a lot to manage as a higher education student, and it is a good idea to look into the academic style of a college as you begin looking at places where you will be putting your study skills to the test. Working with a dedicated dyslexia specialist can help a senior to hone study skills for the next level before facing the unique challenges of dyslexia in college.
One skill that a senior can practice in high school that will translate very well to the next level is the ability to converse and communicate well with professors and other adults. In high school, it is a good idea for seniors of all learning styles to have a solid rapport with teachers, tutors, coaches, and counselors. These are the people that will eventually write recommendation letters and help guide seniors to their next educational institution.
For students preparing to utilize dyslexia accommodations in college, learning how to work with these important adults in their lives will be a very valuable skill. Students with learning differences in higher education have the big responsibility to communicate clearly with professors. If you are a student who will need adjustments in the classroom, proactive communication is essential. Discussing solutions and expectations with professors early in your campus career can help to set you up for long-term academic success.
The Americans with Disabilities Act helped to establish the prevention of discrimination on the basis of disability. For students navigating accommodations for dyslexia in college, this means that institutions are not allowed to discriminate against individuals with a learning difference. Seniors should know that at the next level, certain modifications exist. In addition, some learning resources are available, and those can be key to succeeding throughout your studies. Knowing your rights is one thing, but it is equally important to advocate for yourself. Assistive technology and other classroom adjustments will be provided as long as you take the initiative to ask for them.
Once high school seniors are accepted to a college, it is important to reach out to the school as soon as possible to secure your dyslexia college accommodations. Find out who your contact will be in the campus disability office, and work on getting documentation for your learning profile so that your adjustments will be in place once you start your educational career.
For high school seniors who are headed to a university campus, having a strong academic foundation is so important. At Dyslexia on Demand, Certified Academic Language Therapists work one-on-one with students to help provide the best possible outcomes. Sessions provide students with a therapeutic, distraction-free environment. Students are also equipped with strategies that will help them to become academically successful; this is so essential for high school seniors as they plan for their academic future.
Does your high school senior need to build a stronger academic foundation before tackling college accommodations for dyslexia? Dyslexia on Demand can help students with their individual needs as they become responsible, independent advocates for their own learning. Reach out to Dyslexia on Demand, or call 888-292-3906 to learn more.
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