Presented by the Saint Francis Guidance and Counseling Department

1

Guide to the College Admissions Process for
Students with Learning Differences

• Presented by the Saint Francis Guidance and
  Counseling Department
• March 5, 2009

2
Preparing for the College Experience

• Preparing for the College Experience Presented
  by Nancy Redding Saint Francis High School,
  Learning Specialist, Guidance Counselor

3
Student Parent

• 1. What is my biggest fear about going to
  college?
• 2. What is the first thing I look for in a
  college?
• 3. What support or accommodation do I need to
  recreate in college?
• 4. What is your greatest strength/talent?

• 1. What is my biggest fear for my child as they
  go to college?
• 2. What is the first thing I look for in a
  college for my child?
• 3. What support or accommodation do I want to
  see recreated in college for my child?
• 4. What is your students greatest
  strength/talent?

4
High School versus College

• Difference in laws
• Parental Support
• Difference in Class Requirements
• Understanding Individual Learning Disability
• Management Skills
• Self-Advocacy

5

• SAT and ACT Testing
• with Accommodations

6
SAT

• Evaluation must be no older than 5 years.
• With proof of accommodations for 4 months at
  school for LD or ADD, can qualify for extra time.
• St. Francis will automatically apply for
  sophomores who are eligible and for others as
  they become eligible.

7
ACT

• Evaluation must be no older than 3 years.
• School must send in evaluation for every student
  for ACT to review.
• Qualifying for extended time may be more
  difficult, particularly for recently diagnosed
  students.
• Parent or student must let St. Francis know if
  they want to apply for extended time ACT.

8
Preparing Your Student for College Some
Important Considerations

• Is his/her testing up to date?
• Does he/she know strengths and areas of concern?
• Can my student be his/her own advocate?
• Do he/she use accommodations and strategies which
  are helpful ?

9
Is his/her testing up to date?

• If your student would like to use accommodations
  in college, testing should be no more than 3
  years old.
• Reports should contain clear diagnostic statement
  and outline functional limitations.
• The student should know their disability and how
  it affects themand be able to explain it to
  someone else.

10
Does he/she know their strengths and areas of
concern?

• Knowing strengths can help a student balance
  school and other areas of life.
• We build our future on our strengths.
• If students know their own learning style, they
  can often streamline the study process.
• Demystifying helps students to not define
  themselves by their disabilities.

11
Can my student be his/her own advocate?

• From college perspective, self-advocacy is one of
  the most important attributes for success.
• The student must believe that they are worth it
  in order to ask for accommodations.
• Self-advocacy should begin early in high school.
  Begin by meeting with one teacher and setting up
  appropriate accommodations for that class.

12
Does my student use accommodations strategies
which are helpful?

• Students must first know what accommodations are
  useful for them.
• Students should get in the habit of utilizing
  accommodations and support strategies while in
  high school.
• Self-knowledge of learning strengths can help
  student find study strategies which are most
  effective.

13
ReminderAccommodations and Strategies

• Using extended time
• No scantron
• Seating in most advantageous spot
• Using a computer for in-class essays
• Tape recording lectures
• Using a note-taker
• Listening to audio books
• Working with a tutor (CSF, teacher, other)

14

• Auditory Learner
• Use tape recorder
• Form study group
• Read aloud to yourself
• Talk yourself through math problems
• Rehearse information learned out loud
• Devise acronyms for information to be memorized
• Use other mnemonic devices

• Visual Learner
• Use graph and charts to organize information
• Use time lines for history
• Color code notes
• Use flash cards
• Draw picture on vocabulary cards
• Utilize mind maps to study (e.g., Inspiration)
• Attach a mental picture to vocabulary

15
A Sampling of Types of Services in Colleges

• Adaptive Technology Lab
• Extended time on quizzes and exams
• Exams administered in distraction-free room
• Alternative Testing formats (e.g. oral exams in
  lieu of written exams)
• Early Registration and Reduced Course load
• Readers
• Books on tape and enlarged handouts

• Use of a tape recorder to record lectures
• Talking calculators
• Spell checkers
• Note-taking services
• Advocacy Seminars
• Learning Disability Support Group
• Students might be required to provide their own
  equipment

16

• The most important thing that parents can teach
  their children is how to get along without them.
• Frank Clark

17
Making the Match with Colleges that Support
Students with Learning Differences

• Presented by Sherrie Tasnady, Saint Francis High
  School, Guidance Counselor

18
Things to Consider as You Begin College Selection

• Determine the necessary level of support.
• Check Class of 2008 Senior Exit Survey for
  Students Receiving Accommodations.
• Attend college fairs and visit colleges.
• Visit LD support program offices when visiting
  college campuses.
• Use the Internet and Guidebooks. Check college
  websites.

19
Making a Match

• Does the colleges support program match the
  needs of the student?
• Look beyond the brand name schools to colleges
  that may be a good match.
• Look for an environment where the student can be
  successful and feel optimistic about the future.

20
Who?

• Told early on he had a face that would scare
  children, this mildly dyslexic comedian got
  mainly Cs and Ds in school.
• Like a tortoise, I kept moving and never gave
  up, notes this famous celebrity.
• He was not deterred from applying to and
  eventually graduating from the esteemed Emerson
  college in Boston.
• The admissions officer said I wasnt what they
  wanted. But I sat outside his office 12 hours a
  day until he said hed let me in if I went to
  summer school. The tuition was 1,200. I took
  out my wallet and gave him 1,200 cash. I was
  already making good money in nightclubs.

21
Who?

• This Olympian who is diagnosed as AD/HD won eight
  gold medals.
• Michael showed swimming prowess on his back,
  then on his front, side, and every way in
  between. But in the classroom, he floundered. An
  inability to concentrate was his biggest problem.

22
College Support Programs
Structured or Fee Based Coordinated Services Basic Service
Comprehensive services Highly structured Moderate levels of support Student must seek out assistance in coordinating academic adjustments Provides the minimum amount of support necessary to comply with the law.
Structured programs work best with students who need close monitoring and high levels of human support. Moderate support programs require self advocacy and the ability to access program options. Basic support programs work well for students who know what works well for them in approaching class work and are willing to advocate for themselves as well as access the available accommodations. Students are independent, motivated, self accepting and aware.
23
Structured/ Fee Based

• Support is significant and students commit to a
  program
• Designated facilities/buildings for student
  support.
• Trained specialists in learning issues.
• Special programs and groups.
• Curriculum modifications.
• Assistance with advocacy.
• Academic monitoring and counseling.
• Students who consistently need services might
  benefit from exploring colleges with Structured
  Programs.

24
Examples of Structured or Fee Based Programs

• University of Arizona
• University of Denver
• Menlo College- no fee Academic Success Center
• Curry College, MA
• American University, Washington D.C
• Landmark College, Vermont
• Hofstra University, New York
• Mercyhurst College, PA
• Lynn University, FL
• California State University, Bakersfield LA
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• Mitchell College, CT
• University of San Francisco-in between structured
  and moderate

25
Why is the program at University of Arizona
called SALT?
26
SALT at the University of Arizona

• According to SALT legend, one student said, "As
  students with learning disabilities, we need a
  little more seasoning" hence the name, SALT.
• Actually, SALT stands for "Strategic Alternative
  Learning Techniques."
• SALT Fees for 2008-2009
• 2,200.00 per semester with complete access to
  Strategic Learning Specialists, SALT programs,
  and other SALT services such as Computer lab,
  Writer's Lab, Math Science Lab, individual
  tutoring, and psychological services.

27
Quiz

• Which city has more annual days of sunshine than
  San Diego or Miami Beach, some 300 sunny days a
  year?

28
University of Denver

• The Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP).
  philosophy emphasizes student responsibility,
  self-awareness, and self-advocacy.
• Founded in 1982 as a program for students with
  learning disabilities, the LEP has grown to serve
  over 200 students with learning challenges,
  learning disabilities, and ADHD each academic
  year.
• One-on-one student driven weekly support sessions
  with LEP Academic Counselors2) Individual,
  subject-specific tutoring through our LEP
  Tutoring Center 3) Extensive writing
  development4) Student groups and activities5)
  Leadership opportunities on a campus and
  state-wide level, including mentoring and Project
  Eye-to-Eye 4) Time management and organization
  skill development
• (Fee for service)

29
Quiz

• Which college calls itself Silicon Valleys
  Business School and just received a 20 million
  dollar grant?
• Menlo College currently offers an outstanding
  degree in management based on a strong core
  curriculum with concentrations in general
  management, international management, sports
  management, marketing communication, and
  information systems. It also offers a degree in
  liberal arts with concentrations in history,
  humanities, and psychology and a degree in mass
  communication.

30
Schools with Structured Academic/Transition
Support Programs for Freshman

• The Commitment Program at Regis University,
  Colorado.
• The College Success program at Holy Cross
  College, Indiana. (access to University of Notre
  Dame)
• The Transition to College Program at Menlo
  College, CA.
• As you look at the colleges that interest you,
  research their approach/support for entering
  students.

31
Coordinated/Moderate Services

• Support is in place but students must self
  advocate.
• There is at least one Learning Disabilities
  Specialist (may be part time)
• Services may include learning strategies
  instruction, counseling, tutoring, and some
  assistance with advocacy.
• High school students who typically request
  services as
• needed might benefit from exploring colleges
• with Coordinated Services.

32
Examples of Coordinated Services

• All UC, CSU, and CC campuses
• Boston College
• Boston University
• Brown University
• Cornell University
• Regis University
• Santa Clara
• University of Southern California
• University of Puget Sound

33
Basic Services

• Services are requested on a voluntary basis
• Academic Advising
• Adaptive Technology tutors
• Computer-based Note taking
• Exam Adjustments
• Lab Assistance
• Note taking
• Specialized Equipment Loan
• Students who require minimum accommodations might
  benefit from exploring colleges providing basic
  services.

34
Examples of Basic Services schools where students
felt supported

• University of Oregon
• Oregon State
• University of Redlands
• Loyola Marymount
• University of the Pacific
• Emory
• Marquette
• St Lawrence University
• Oberlin College
• Whittier College
• Southern Methodist University

35
Community College

• Advantages
• More time to mature and adjust to college level
  instruction.
• Access to familiar support networks, i.e., home,
  tutors, medical.
• Students can access resources through structured
  support programs. (no fee)
• Transfer Admission Agreements allow students to
  graduate from colleges they may not be able to
  attend as freshman.

36

• Which Community Colleges in CA are identified by
  counselors as ones that do a great job of
  preparing their graduates for a four year school?
  (There were only 11 on a nationwide list.)
• De AnzaFoothillMarymount(private)Santa Barbara
  City

37
California State Universities

• Taken from the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo website
• Are students eligible for special admission
  consideration because of a disability?
• No. All students are admitted to Cal Poly through
  the regular Multi-Criteria Admissions Policy
  (MCA). Any applicant who has fulfilled the CSU
  minimum admission requirements and is denied
  admission may appeal through the Admissions
  Office.
• A secondary review may be granted to applicants
  with verified disabilities who can demonstrate
  unusual or extenuating circumstances, beyond the
  presence of a disability, affecting their
  competitiveness for admission through the
  standard process.

38
San Diego State

• Student Disability Services provides qualified
  students with disabilities equal access to higher
  education through academic support services,
  technology and advocacy in order to promote their
  retention and graduation.
• Prior to Admission to SDSU
• Information AppointmentAny student, prospective
  student, family member, faculty or staff, or
  interested community member may schedule an
  appointment to learn more about Disabled Student
  Services.
• Admissions AssistanceProspective students are
  encouraged to contact the office early in the
  admissions process with any questions or concerns
  and for assistance in tracking paperwork through
  the admissions office. Students requiring special
  admissions consideration must provide
  documentation of their disability prior to
  receiving this assistance.

39
Long Beach State

• The Stephen Benson Program for Students with
  Learning Disabilities (SBP) was created to serve
  the needs of CSULB students who have a diagnosed
  learning disability.
• The program was established in 1980 and continues
  to be one of the most recognized postsecondary LD
  programs in the state. 
• Typically, the SBP serves approximately 450
  students with learning disabilities each
  semester.
• Students must apply to CSU Long Beach through the
  traditional application posted on
  www.csumentor.com
• A separate application must be filed to the
  Stephen Benson Program. http//www.csulb.edu/divi
  sions/students2/dss/programs/Stephen_Benson_Progra
  m/

40
CSU with housing
Campus Percent of Freshmen Living on Campus Campus Percent of Freshmen Living on Campus
Sonoma 90 Long Beach 22
Cal Poly SLO 70 Fresno 31
Cal Poly Pomona 70 Stanislaus 29
Chico 70 San Francisco 46
Humboldt 83 San Jose 3
Monterey Bay 85
San Diego 63
41
CSU Disabled Student Services Centers Links

• Cal Poly Pomona CSU Sacramento CSU San
  Bernardino San Diego State University San
  Francisco State University San Jose State
  University Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo CSU San
  Marcos Sonoma State University CSU Stanislaus

• CSU Bakersfield CSU Channel Islands CSU Chico
  CSU Dominguez Hills CSU East Bay CSU Fresno
  CSU Fullerton CSU Humboldt CSU Long Beach CSU
  Los Angeles CSU Monterey CSU Northridge

42
University of California

• Taken from UCLA web page
• All applicants, including those with
  disabilities, must meet the admission
  requirements of UCLA.
• Applicants may, if they desire, concisely
  describe disability-related challenges or
  concerns in their Personal Statement.
• All such disclosures are purely voluntary
  however, such disclosures will not be a negative
  or limiting factor in the process of admission
  consideration.
• Prospective students and applicants are invited
  to call or visit OSD to learn more about our
  services.
• We request that applicants do not submit their
  documentation to OSD until after they have been
  admitted to the university and have decided to
  attend. (OSD-Office for Students with
  Disabilities)

43
Students With Disabilities

• Academic support is available through readers,
  interpreters, note-takers, special test-taking
  arrangements and adaptive equipment.
• If you have a physical limitation or learning
  disability, contact the office that coordinates
  services for students with disabilities at the
  campus you wish to attend to discuss the program
  and your needs.
• Each campus's disability resources office can
  provide more specific information
• Berkeley Disabled Students' ProgramDavis
  Student Disability Center Irvine Disability
  Services - Contact InformationLos Angeles
  Office for Students with DisabilitiesMerced
  Division of Student Affairs - Contact
  InformationRiverside Services for Students
  with Disabilities (SSD) San Diego Office for
  Students with DisabilitiesSanta Barbara
  Disabled Students ProgramSanta Cruz Disability
  Resource Center

44
Private Colleges and Out of State Public

• What should I know when applying to the
  University of San Francisco as a student with a
  disability? Are there any special procedures?
• A All applicants must meet the entrance
  requirements (examples GPA, SAT, letters of
  recommendation). Once you are admitted,
  disclosure of your disability will allow you to
  work with faculty, staff, and SDS to obtain
  reasonable accommodations.

45
Summer Programs

• Saint Francis Guidance and Counseling website
• Link to Summer Programs. Summer Precollege
  Programs for Students with Disabilities is
  included.
• Landmark College Offers a Summer Session for
  Visiting Students
• http//www.landmark.edu/summer/index.html