For many families, the college planning conversation focuses on GPA, test scores, and applications. But for students with learning differences, there’s another critical piece that often gets missed until it becomes urgent: documentation and planning for college accommodations.
Here’s what you need to know—what worked in high school will not automatically follow you to college.
Colleges operate under different systems and laws, and without up-to-date, appropriate documentation, students can start their first semester without the support they need. This happens to students with learning differences every year—and it’s avoidable with the right planning.
The Shift from High School to College
Understanding this transition is key.
In high school (IEP/504 plans), the goal is success.
- Support is built into the system
- Schools identify needs and provide services
- Parents are part of the process
In college (ADA accommodations), the goal is access.
- Students must self-identify needs
- Documentation must meet institutional standards
- Accommodations must be requested and approved by the student
This is not just a procedural shift—it’s a responsibility shift. And preparation matters.
Why Junior Year Matters
Most colleges expect recent psychoeducational testing (typically within 3 years) that reflects current academic functioning.
Junior year is the ideal time to:
- Update outdated evaluations
- Use documentation for SAT/ACT accommodations
- Understand what accommodations are appropriate at the college level
- Avoid delays once college begins
Waiting until senior year—or after acceptance—can create unnecessary stress, and delay access to support.
What Colleges Are Looking For
Disability services offices are evaluating documentation with a specific lens. In most cases, they expect:
- A clear, current diagnosis
- Use of standardized, age-appropriate testing measures
- A description of how the disability impacts academic performance
- A direct connection between those impacts and recommended accommodations
- A comprehensive report from a qualified professional
Not all evaluations meet these standards. Accommodation request requirements should be listed on the disability services webpage, ensure you check the requirements of each college you are considering, as they vary.
Common College Accommodations
College accommodations are designed to provide access. While approvals vary by institution, these are among the most commonly granted:
Testing Accommodations
- Extended time (typically time-and-a-half or double time)
- Reduced-distraction testing environments
Classroom Access
- Note-taking support or access to shared notes
- Permission to record lectures
- Advance access to slides or materials
Technology Supports
- Text-to-speech and speech-to-text software
- Audio textbooks and digital formats
Flexibility (when supported by documentation)
- Extended deadlines in specific situations
- Reduced course loads (depending on the institution)
Academic Planning
- Priority registration
- Access to academic coaching or specialized support programs
What We Encourage Students to Do Now
At this stage, the goal is not just to “get testing done”—it’s to be strategic.
- Be proactive, not reactive. Timelines for testing and documentation can be longer than expected.
- Use this process to build self-advocacy. Students should understand their learning profile and what supports are effective.
- Stay organized. Keep all documentation accessible.
- Research ahead. Each college has its own documentation guidelines and accommodation process.
Avoidable Mistakes We See Often
- Relying on outdated evaluations
- Assuming high school accommodations will transfer automatically
- Waiting too long to start the process
These are all preventable with early, informed planning.
How CampusGPS Supports This Process
At CampusGPS, we approach this differently.
We don’t just focus on college admissions—we help families think holistically about college readiness, including how students will be supported once they arrive on campus.
That includes:
- Guidance on timing and strategy for updated testing
- Support interpreting evaluation reports
- Helping students identify and request appropriate accommodations
- Preparing students to advocate for themselves in a college setting
Take the Next Step
If your student has a learning difference, junior year is the time to act—not later.
CampusGPS partners with families to make sure nothing is missed in the transition from high school to college, especially when it comes to accommodations and support.
Let’s build a plan that sets your student up for success from day one.