Checklist: Questions about colleges with special programs

To meet the needs of students with learning and thinking differences, colleges offer a range of support services. Some even offer specialized programs, usually at an added cost. But how can you tell if a specialized program will be a good fit? Knowing what questions to ask, and which details to look for, can help you make a good choice. Use this checklist when you’re thinking about college support services.

Questions to ask the college

• Must a student be accepted through regular admissions before applying to the program?
• Does the program also consider students who were not accepted through regular admissions?
• Is there an additional fee for the program?
• What specific documentation of disability is required?
• Will documentation need to be updated each year? If so, at what cost?
• How easy is it to personalize the help a student gets in this program?
• Does the college have general resources like a writing center and tutoring services?
• How different are the specialized services from those offered to all students?
• What does the office of disabilities services offer, apart from the program?
• Does the staff from the disabilities office or learning center facilitate communication with faculty about a student’s challenges?
• Would a student still have access to a departmental advisor in addition to the disability office and learning center staff?
• Does a student have the option of transferring out of this program?
• How do students in the program feel about it? How did the program help them?

Questions for the student and family

• Are you comfortable with the disabilities services staff?
• What kind of benefits would this particular specialized program offer?