Thoughts About College Readiness

During this time of year, parents and students are focusing more heavily on college applications.  Before getting too caught up in the process, it might be helpful to take a step back and consider the issue of college readiness.  Being successful at college takes more than academic skills.  Social skills, independent living skills, self-awareness and self-advocacy are all critical to success in a college setting.  However, families often wonder how best to determine college readiness.  This is complicated, as each student is different, and each school will provide different supports for the students.  Nevertheless, there are resources to consider. 

• Take a few minutes to complete this questionnaire from Landmark College.  It goes through many skills that are expected of college students.  Reviewing this will help you think through areas of skill that may need to be addressed before leaving home to college.  It might also help families focus more on the types of services they will seek from the disability offices of the colleges they are considering.
• Find a trusted person in your community such as teacher our counselor from high school, a therapist or extended family member.  Talk with them about their view of what it means to be ready for college. It is always helpful to get new perspectives, particularly on such an important life transition.
• Have a family discussion about the supports being provided both at school and at home to the student, including academics, time management, life skills and social skills.  Be aware of these supports and how impacted the student might be if the supports are no longer available after high school.  
  

Thinking about college readiness from multiple perspectives before making a college decision is important.  Reaching out to others during this time can help families learn more about resources available at colleges, as well as better understand areas to build on during the senior year of high school.