Unique Considerations

The process of researching and selecting an appropriate college is a complex one for any student and their family. For a student with specials needs, the process can take on an even higher level of complexity. But there is good news! More and more colleges are providing services and developing support programs for students with special needs. The goal of this section is to provide insight to students and their families as to the additional steps they must follow to ensure that they find a college that will meet the needs of their student.

Self-Advocacy

The best gift we can give our students is to teach them the skills to advocate for themselves. Once a student leaves high school, the jurisdiction of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) ends – this is where the school identifies students and provides them with appropriate services. In college, the responsibility shifts to the student to obtain services and accommodations in their classes.

Earlier Planning

For students on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, early college planning is key, particularly for students needing specific support programs or services. While most of the college planning buzz occurs for students in their junior and senior years, students with IEPs/504s can begin their college research earlier.

Understanding Independence

Choosing a college, particularly for students with disabilities, requires making judgements about one’s personal level of independence. How far from home will they be comfortable while adjusting to the increased personal and academic demands of college?

Levels of Support

• Highly Structured Programs: These college programs provide comprehensive services for students with learning disabilities. They are more likely to have separate admissions processes and charge additional fees over and above the general tuition costs. The number of students accepted is limited to ensure ideal staff/student ratios.

• Coordinated Services: These services are provided to students who voluntarily identify themselves as needing academic help and/or accommodations to be successful in college. Students may submit a special application and the Director of Support Services may be involved in the admission decision. Traditionally, the onus for receiving these types of services is on the student to advocate for themselves. There are usually no additional fees for these services.

• Basic Services: Most colleges will provide basic services that comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Sometimes these services are directed by persons knowledgeable about learning disabilities, so it is valuable to determine this when researching your colleges. The degree of effectiveness of basic services varies from college to college, and is up to the student to seek out these services.

Resources for Students with Special Needs

As with all students, it is crucial for students with special needs to visit college campuses, to better understand the available services and resources on the college campus. When scheduling a campus visit, the student should make arrangements to meet with Disability Support Services (this name varies by campus). Doing so establishes the student’s ability to self-advocate. It will also allow the opportunity to ask faculty about what supports & resources are available to students.

Questions to ask Colleges Regarding Special Needs Accommodations

• What are the procedures and timelines for applying for and receiving eligible services?

• What accommodations are available on campus and how are they accessed?

• Are there additional costs for services?

• Are students with similar needs being serviced at this school? If so, how many?

• Are tutorial services available? If so, who administers them – peers or professionals?

• Are policies in place to protect the confidentiality of student records?

• Is there someone who will help my student obtain the necessary services and accommodations?

• Is there a professional available who is knowledgeable about learning disabilities, who will be available to help my student?

• Are there organized support groups for students with similar needs?

• Are there courses available to help students with time management, study skills, organization, test-taking, etc.?

Outside Resources to Consider

• K&W Guide to Colleges for Students with LD/ADHD (15th Edition) by Kravets and Wax

• Choices Booklet (A Postsecondary Planning Guide for Students with Disabilities)

• Learning Disabilities Association of American

• Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)

• National Center for Learning Disabilities

• CHADD: The National Resource on ADHD

• College Autism Spectrum

College Fairs for Students with Special Needs

The Choices College Fair and Options College Fair are regional post-secondary planning nights for students with disabilities who are college bound. For the most up-to-date information, and to view past presentations, please visit the Choices Fair website or the Options Fair website. Additionally, families can review the Choices College Disability Programs and Support Services Guide.

Students who are economically disadvantaged should leverage the resources available to them, which can include scholarships & grants, application fee waivers, ACT/SAT fee waivers, and more. If you believe you qualify for these services, contact your school counselor. Below are other resources to assist low income students with the college application process.

• Matriculate (Current college students who were also low income mentor others going through the college application process)

• Matchlighters Program (Ten free hours of college counseling for low income students)

• Questbridge (Program for juniors and seniors allowing for a free college summer program and other benefits)

Undocumented students face numerous hurdles when seeking postsecondary options (college, careers & the military). We hope that the resources below will help inform, educate, & assist undocumented students in District 203.

General Resources for Undocumented Students

• FastWeb.com: 8 Things All Undocumented Students Should Know About Applying to College

• BestColleges.com: College Guide for Undocumented Students

• National Immigration Law Center: Education Information

• National Immigration Law Center: Basic Facts

• National Immigration Law Center: Financial Aid & Scholarships

• Federal Student Aid: Financial Aid & Undocumented Students

Illinois-Specific Resources for Undocumented Students

• IACAC: College & University Information for Undocumented Students

• IACAC: Financial Aid for Undocumented Students

• Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights: Education Initiatives

• ISAC: Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid

Students who were born outside of the United States, and have not been granted approval as a U.S. Permanent Resident must apply to college as an international student, even if they've been attending Dist. 203 high schools for all four years. The application process for international students can vary from school to school, but below are some of the common themes/requirements that international students should be aware of:

• Complete your College Applications early!
  Since international students may have additional requirements to consider (listed below), it helps to have your application submitted as early as possible. This gives you time to complete any additional admissions requirements that a college/university may have. College applications typically open in the fall of your Senior year.

• Add the Schools You're Applying to in SchooLinks
  This gives your counselor the heads-up to submit your transcripts to the colleges/universities you're applying to. This process will be discussed as part of Senior Week, at the beginning of your Senior Year.

• If You Attended School Outside the U.S. for ANY Part of High School...
  You will need to order your official transcripts from your previous high school(s) to be sent to the colleges you're applying to. While colleges will need your Dist. 203 transcript, they will also require official transcripts sent from all schools you've attended during high school, sent directly from the schools you attended.

• Submit Your SAT/ACT Scores (if applicable)
  Some colleges & universities will require standardized test scores for admissions purposes. Other institutions may use standardized test scores for placement purposes. Please make sure you check with the schools you're applying to, and check your email frequently throughout Senior year, to make sure you're meeting this requirement (if applicable).

• Register for an English Proficiency Exam
  Even if you speak & write perfectly, you may still be required to take & submit scores from an English Proficiency exam. Many of these scores are valid for 2 years, so you may want to consider completing this during the summer between your Junior & Senior years. Examples of commonly used English Proficiency exams are linked below. Not all options are accepted at all colleges/universities, so please make sure to check with the schools you plan to apply to before registering for one of these exams:

  • TOEFL

  • Duolingo

  • IELTS

• Contact the Colleges/Universities You're Applying To
  While it may feel intimidating, contacting the colleges/universities you plan to apply to for guidance will be your ultimate resource! They can connect you with supports at their university, walk you though they entire application & student visa process, and let you know specifically what you'll need when you apply. The college admissions office staff is a wealth of information, and should be contacted anytime you have a question specific to applying as an international student.

If you have any additional questions throughout this process, please see your College & Career Counselor for added support.

Students who are residents of the United States and are interested in attending college in a different country will be considered international students and will typically have a different set of policies and procedures to follow when applying to college. Each country will have its own unique process that a student will need to learn about and become familiar with. To get started on this research, use the resources below:

• NACAC Guide to International Admissions

• International College Options

• The University Guys - Knowledge Guides

If you want to complete in NCAA sports at a Division I or Division II school, you need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, to make sure you stay on track to meet initial eligibility standards.

Student interested in competing at an NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) school, should visit the NAIA website.

College Athletics Timeline

• Freshmen Year

  • Look over the list of NCAA Approved Courses (Naperville Central CEEB: 143105 /  Naperville North CEEB: 143106)
    
    

• Sophomore Year

  • Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
    
    

• Junior Year

  • Check with your counselor to make sure you’ll graduate on time with the required number of NCAA core courses

  • Take the ACT or SAT and submit your scores to the NCAA using code: 9999

  • At the end of the year, request your official transcript through the NCAA Eligibility Center
    
    

• Senior Year

  • Finish your last NCAA core courses

  • Take the ACT or SAT again (if necessary) and submit your scores to the NCAA using code: 9999

  • Complete all academic and amateurism questions in your NCAA account

  • After you graduate, make sure to request your final official transcript is sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center

NCAA Eligibility Center Policy on Pass/Fail

A student must pass a course in order for the Eligibility Center to use the course in a student’s evaluation; therefore, they will not use a course if the student receives an F in a course. In Pass/Fail grading situations, the Eligibility Center will assign the high schools lowest passing grade for a course that receives a Pass grade on the transcript. For most high schools, the lowest passing grade is a D, so the Eligibility Center generally assigns a D to a Pass grade.

Additional Resources

• NACAC: Tips for Student-Athletes & their Families

• NCAA Initial Eligibility Course (Online; Free)

If a college or university admits fewer than 50% of its applicant pool, the school is considered selective. If a college or university admits fewer than 30% of its applicant pool, the school is considered highly-selective.

How do I get into one of these schools?

We need to make certain that students and parents understand that there is no ‘formula’ that will guarantee student admission to any college or university. However, through conversations with representatives and former students, we have compiled a list of what colleges and universities are looking at when they review applications.

1. High School Courses Taken: If you want to be considered at selective/highly-selective schools, you need to take the most appropriate & rigorous coursework available. Colleges want to see that you’ve challenged yourself and put academics first.
   
   

2. Grades & Grade Trends: Your grades in each class as well as your cumulative GPA will be a big part of the consideration. Highly selective schools want to see mostly "A" and "B" grades. A grade of a “C” as a freshman could be minimized if the student has earned “A” grades when they are a junior.
   
   

3. Test Scores: You will need to check with your specific institution regarding testing.
   
   

4. Extracurricular Activities: Leadership roles and depth of involvement are key. Colleges do not merely want to see a large list of clubs and organizations.
   
   

5. Student Essays: At some colleges, this can count for 10-20% of the admission decision. While writing ability is important, the essay also shows institutions how you think, feel, what you value, and how creative you are. Please have your essay proofread by parents & teachers.
   
   

6. Recommendations: Because recommendations are an important part of the admissions process, students should take this seriously. Have conversations with your teachers and counselor. Make sure that you are providing ample time for them to write your letter.
   
   

7. High School: Do you come from a high school that is rich in curricular offerings, and have you taken advantage of what they have to offer?
   
   

8. Geographic Distribution: Some schools want students from all fifty states; another may want 80-90% to come from its home state. Understand the competition and how it can vary depending on what schools you’ve chosen.
   
   

9. Demonstrated Interest: Colleges want you to want them. How are you proving this? Attend college representative visits at The PARC; email the college and ask for information on a specific program; and interview on campus, if offered.

Additional Resources

• "Selectivity Doesn't Equal Quality" (The Chicago Maroon, April 2019)

• "To Find the Best Fit, Ignore the Rankings" (Inside Higher Ed, October 2018)