---
title: 'Checklist: Questions about colleges with special programs'
description: Some colleges have formal programs for students with learning and thinking differences. Read about those programs and if they may be right for your child.
slug: checklist-questions-about-colleges-with-special-programs
author: Victoria Scanlan Stefanakos
reviewer: Bob Cunningham, EdM
published: '2019-10-16T11:44:05.443Z'
thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/3FDCF70CF4984C2193A20E2F54518434/0b77b5c2ca89b92695547ef838037e88/77862926.jpg
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/checklist-questions-about-colleges-with-special-programs
lang: en
---

# 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](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/types-of-college-accommodations-and-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?

---

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