General Information for Students with Learning Differences

For students and families of students with learning differences, the most commonly asked question in the college research process tends to be “what schools have the best resources?”.

The reality is that the majority of colleges in the U.S. offer a great deal of support, though the types and levels of accommodations vary and may come at an additional cost on top of tuition.  In most circumstances, it makes sense for students with learning differences to determine their general college preferences (i.e. geographic location, school size, availability of majors, etc.) to establish a list of schools that may be a good fit, and then research the available supports at those schools.

The K&W Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities is a helpful resource with information about the specific supports available at many colleges.  Beyond that, campus visits are a great way of gauging whether schools’ services will meet your needs, and should include an evaluation of the available supports and a meeting with the head of those services, if possible. 

When you visit colleges, think about asking the following questions relating to learning differences:

• Is there a specific learning center for students with learning disabilities?  What services does this center offer?

• Is there a general academic support center?  Who staffs it? 

• Is there a fee associated with any of the supports or services available?

• How big is the office of disability services?

• What kind of advisers are available if help is needed? 

• Are tutors peers or specialists? 

• At what point is documentation of a student’s learning disability needed?  In what form? How recent do the results need to be?

• What does one need to do to get extended time on tests and exams? 

• Does the school have a foreign language requirement?  Are waivers granted?  How? 

  • The Beacon College Office reached out to various colleges to gain more insight on this question. Read the responses from individual colleges, including American, Bard, Grinnell, Smith, Stony Brook, and many more.

• What kind of information should be on your application regarding a learning disability? 

Think about asking the following questions relating to physical disabilities:

• Is the entire campus wheelchair accessible?  Find out how this might impact your ability to move around campus and attend the classes of your choice or to live in a dorm.

• Be clear in advance what your specific needs are and discuss them with admissions offices at the schools to which you are applying.  Consider your comfort level – will you need to ask for help when you need it or is the school proactive about anticipating your needs?  

• Does the school provide readers, signers, note-takers and other kinds of aids for visually, hearing, or motor-impaired students?