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BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL
Enroll in a well-balanced portfolio of challenging courses, including classes in English, math, science, technology, history, geography, foreign language, and fine arts. Review high school course offerings and pinpoint which classes will prepare you best for college. Make sure your plan of study is added to your IEP transition plan. Work to address any basic skills deficits in reading, math, writing, and oral language. Sharpen your skills with smartphones, computers, and the Internet. Develop a full toolbox of study skills and learning strategies you can use in high school and beyond.
FRESHMAN YEAR
Increase your knowledge of your disability and how it may affect academic performance. Practice explaining your own strengths and challenges to others. Work with your transition team and guidance counselor to register for courses and ensure you have the credits needed for your high school diploma. Start a transition portfolio of disability documentation, letters of support, verification of test accommodations used on statewide assessments, copies of past IEPs, and school records. Begin identifying adaptations and modifications you can use in college to support your learning. Be sure that at least one annual goal on your IEP addresses postsecondary or other vocational transition activities. Prepare for and pass all end-of-course exams.
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Conduct research on colleges. Talk to guidance counselors, go to college fairs, and chat with college representatives who visit high schools. Review college disability documentation guidelines. Work with parents to make sure your disability documentation records are current. Find out how to prepare disability documentation for college. Identify and apply for high-stakes test accommodations. Prepare for and take the PSAT to gauge how prepared you are for the SAT. Acquire and expand on specific study skills, such as using the library, reading with auxiliary aids and assistive technologies, and writing a term paper. Develop fluency with assistive technologies you can use in college.
JUNIOR YEAR
Consider possible career goals and college majors that support those goals. Identify a short list of potential colleges that are a good fit for your goals, interests, and abilities (and have the disability support services you need). Use college catalogs and websites to research information about admissions, prerequisites, tech requirements, housing, campus life, and disability services. If the website has a place to submit a question, send queries to admissions and disability services personnel in preparation for your campus visit. Plan campus tours, including a visit to the disability services office. Be prepared to talk to postsecondary disability service personnel about access to support services. Consider retaking high-stakes entrance exams, if necessary. Start working on college application essays (high school English teachers and guidance counselors can usually help you prepare for this). Request letters of recommendation from teachers and other staff.
SENIOR YEAR
Meet with your guidance counselor early in the year to review your transition portfolio and identify materials you need for your college application. Talk to the guidance counselor about receiving a Summary of Performance to include in your transition portfolio. Continue to develop self-advocacy skills and study skills for college. If your target colleges require an admissions interview, practice before the interview by role-playing with the transition coordinator or guidance counselor. Go on final campus tours. Bring a list of questions about academics, disability services, and more—admissions procedures, financial aid, housing, social activities, athletics, etc. Review how to complete college application forms online. Fill out college applications (most colleges require applications to be filed by December of senior year). Ask your guidance counselor to review completed applications 2-3 weeks before the deadline. Wait for a letter of acceptance—letters will probably begin to arrive in mid-March. If multiple acceptance letters arrive, congratulations! Consider second campus visits or follow-up phone calls to ease your final decision. Write a short acceptance letter and mail it early along with any deposits and housing requests. CELEBRATE your awesome achievement!