In a past issue I wrote about helping a 2e child make the transition to college (see the July 2007 issue.) However, many factors not closely related to our children’s special needs are also important to consider. As we approach college application season, here are a few things for the prospective college student to think about.  

Setting. Are you a city kid who would be miserable without bus and subway service? Do you hate large cities and crave trees and farms? Remember that you are choosing your home for the next few years. You want to feel at home in your surroundings. Also consider whether you need easy access to pharmacies, specialized medical services, or other off-campus supports. If you do, be sure that if you choose a non-urban campus, it has easy access to the world outside the school (by commuter rail, by car – if you drive and will have a car at college – or by shuttle bus).

Size. Do you feel most comfortable in a small cozy environment or do you find it claustrophobic? Do you thrive on the bustle and opportunities of a large school or get overwhelmed by the thought of a campus with 20,000 other kids? Each person is different, and there’s no one correct answer. Depending on your personality and social needs, you may want a small liberal arts school or a huge university; or you may be equally happy at either or anywhere in between. If you aren’t sure, try to visit schools of various sizes and see how they feel.

Class Sizes/Access to Required Courses. Do you feel a need for small class sizes or are you just as happy to be in large lectures? Or do you feel that large lectures are fine for introductory courses, but know that you’ll want individual attention once you settle into a major? Do students in the majors you are considering often stay an extra year (paying more tuition and incurring more debt) because they couldn’t get places in all the courses they needed to graduate?

Extra-curricular Activities. We all need time for our interests and opportunities to meet others who share them. If you have a particular passion, be sure that the colleges you apply to have opportunities to pursue it. That will be where you refresh yourself and meet like-minded kids, as well as have fun. If you like informal sports, look for a school with an active intra-mural program. If you restore your soul with music, make sure that there’s an orchestra or choral group geared towards non-music majors. You are in college to learn, but there are also many hours of the day outside of class. Make sure that you can get what you need to be happy.

Social Fit. If you’re a free-spirit, will you be comfortable at a college where the campus looks like a page from the J. Crew catalog? If you’re a conservative Republican, will you feel isolated at a school known for its liberal activist students? While meeting people who are different from you is an important part of college, it can be hard if you feel completely isolated and at odds with your classmates. Especially if social relationships are difficult for you, you want a school where you’ll feel comfortable being yourself.

Pressure. Do you thrive or wilt under pressure? Will you be happiest at a school that’s competitive and high-pressure, or are you at your best in cooperative, supportive learning environments?

Four-year vs. Community College. For many students, starting out at the local community college and then transferring to a four-year school can be an excellent path. Community colleges usually offer good support services, flexibility, and staff who are used to non-traditional students. Many kids with special needs find the community colleges particularly helpful for taking classes in their areas of weakness, where they might founder at a larger school. Community colleges are also very open to part-time arrangements, which can be helpful for students who do best entering new situations gradually or with a mix of  work and school. They are also much less expensive than four-year schools, which can mean much less debt when you finish your education. One caveat – if you choose a community college, check in as soon as possible with your school’s transfer counselor for information on articulation agreements with local universities, how to maximize the number of courses you can transfer to your next school, and so forth.

Visit Schools. While you may not be able to visit all the schools you apply to, it’s best to visit any school where you have been accepted before making your final decision. If you can, stay over night in campus housing so that you can meet students. Make sure to visit the disability services office so that you can get a sense of whether they really are as friendly and supportive as they sound in the school catalog.

While all of these considerations are important for any college-bound student, they can be especially important for those with special needs. Feeling comfortable in your life at school will increase your ability to get what you need and prepare yourself for life after college.