Transition from High School to College Checklist
Freshman and Sophomore Years
Encourage your child’s participation in IEP meetings.
Review the current IEP with your child and teachers to make sure you understand what it means.
Throughout high school, help your child choose classes that will prepare him or her for college.
Help your child understand his or her disability, how it affects their learning, and what they can do to maximize their success.
Encourage your child to know their social, interpersonal, communication, and independent-living skills and needs.
Discuss various career options.
Each year, review with your child their high school transcript. Make sure they are completing the necessary courses for high school graduation.
Encourage participation in extracurricular, volunteer, and community activities.
Junior Year
Help your child make a list of colleges, and visit the college’s websites.
Later in the year, visit three to five college campuses. Have your child schedule meetings with the Admissions, Financial Aid, and Disability Support Services offices.
In the spring, contact the regional VR to determine eligibility for VR services.
Senior Year
Help your child submit applications for admission and financial aid to the colleges of choice.
Continue to visit college campuses. Depending upon your child’s needs, you may need to look into housing, transportation, and the accessibility of both.
Consider reading helpful materials available in bookstores, libraries, and on the internet about college choices.
Talk to the high school counselors, members of your IEP team, and personnel at the college Disability Support Services office.
