College admissions can be a gratifying time for neurodivergent students. But the journey toward that letter of acceptance is often just as, if not more daunting. Fears about overall academic performance, navigating complex admissions systems, test scores, and how admissions officers may perceive their differences can be significant sources of high school stress.  

Even after college move-in day, anxieties usually persist. The autonomy, momentum, and new friendships that are much-loved aspects of the college experience can be perceived as severance from important family and teachers back at home, uncertainty about new classes, and struggles to find new friend circles.  

College success for neurodivergent learners goes beyond academic support, and involves:  

• An understanding of the admissions process 
• Embracing the legal rights offered to students 
• The support of family, educators, and the college community to help students adjust and develop 

With a proper understanding of the available resources and where to receive guidance during the college admissions process, neurodivergent students can thrive in college settings and build independent lives for themselves as they reach adulthood.  

The Admissions Process Explained 

Many colleges are known for excelling in specific subjects or programs and tend to attract students with those interests. For example, the University of California–Davis and Cornell University are widely recognized for their veterinary programs, while the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania are known for business and marketing. 

College admissions are not one-size-fits-all. A school that fits one student’s strengths, learning style, and goals may not be the right environment for another. For neurodivergent students especially, finding the right academic and support environment matters just as much as prestige or rankings. This way of thinking, however, can lead to fears that colleges do not recognize cognitive diversity. Many neurodivergent students fear that their dream school is looking for a very specific kind of talent in their chosen field that they don’t conform to. This is an incorrect assumption. Admissions officers certainly like high academic achievement and a solid transcript. Equally, if not more eye-catching are well-rounded students who can think independently and demonstrate growth over the course of their academic career.  

College essays provide an opportunity to impress admissions officers beyond the transcript. This gives students the opportunity to showcase the following: 

• Personal strengths and motivations 
• Distinct interests and hobbies 
• What you hope to achieve in college, and the steps you’ve taken in high school to get there 

Framing your college essays as something distinguishing you as a person, specifically in the context of personal growth, allows admissions officers the chance to see your potential for growth and resolve to succeed.  

 Choosing the right school is important, for many reasons. Certain universities offer programs designed to help students with learning disabilities, such as: 

• American University (Washington, DC) 
• Hofstra University (Hempstead, NY) 
• Kean University (Union, NJ) 
• Northeastern University (Boston, MA) 
• University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ) 

Additionally, several educational institutions cater exclusively to students with learning disabilities, like: 

• Landmark College (Putney, V.T.) 
• Beacon College (Leesburg, F.L.) 

Such programs can make the learning and social experience more in-line with students’ specific needs.  

Legal Rights & Academic Support 

 Like high schools, American colleges provide academic assistance to neurodivergent students. However, the administration of these services varies. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, are the guidelines followed at the K-12 level, while the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the main legislation for college policies.  

The IDEA and ADA share several requirements, including:  

• Note-taking support 
• Extra time on exams 
• Housing accommodations 

The key differences between each policy boil down to the level of independence students are offered and the role parents and schools play in the process. Under IDEA, students receive what is known as an “individualized education plan,” or IEP for short. The necessary evaluations for IEP eligibility are provided by the school, at no cost to the student or their family. Teachers are expected to play a more active role in students’ learning experiences. They remind students of deadlines, initiate contact if it seems help is needed, and exams or worksheets can be more easily redone in bad scenarios.  

This is not how ADA. accommodations at the college level operate. As most college students are legal adults and often living independently, more responsibility is put on the student to advocate for themselves and their personal needs.  

Students with an IEP in high school do not legally need to identify themselves as such and are only encouraged to apply for ADA support if it helps with academic challenges. Those who do wish for an evaluation, however, must receive from the school at their own expense and choice. Students with such accommodations must advocate for themselves and make professors aware they need help. Professors also don’t have to change deadlines or basic curriculums beyond extra time and modified notes for notetaking.  

Though the switch from more active academic support in high school to greater self-advocacy in college is a change neurodivergent students might struggle with at first, academic guidance offered by the ADA is available to provide invaluable support in the switch to college life.  

Beyond the Classroom 

Classes and academia are far from the only changes brought on by college. Making new friends, joining clubs, and living independently are also major hallmarks of higher education. Support outside the classroom can greatly help neurodivergent students make a more comfortable transition into college life.  

Affinity clubs like the International Disability Alliance or Active Minds can help neurodivergent students build friendships with people who relate to their experiences and be part of important advocacy and causes. Clubs in general can be a great way to: 

• Meet a variety of new people 
• Explore campus life 
• Pursue new interests and hobbies (or stay connected to pre-existing pursuits) 
• Find experiences that boost resumes (in the case of academic or major-oriented clubs) 

For some additional academic support, many colleges offer peer-to-peer tutoring services that help students build their skills or better understand confusing information. One-on-one tutoring can be a more personal and direct way of learning than classes.  

Lastly, many colleges offer living accommodations to help neurodivergent students. These can include priority selection for single-person dorms, or quiet floors/residence halls offering lower sensory stimuli.  

The Test Prep Score Advantage 

As a tutoring and test prep company, we at Test Prep Score understand the struggles prospecting students deal with in college admissions and adjusting to independent freshman life. Neurodivergent students can face extra challenges.  

Fortunately, with the right support, routines, and study sessions, college success can come a lot easier than many expect.  

Looking for academic support, whether online or in-person? You’re in the right place. Give us a call or visit our Find a Tutor page to find tutoring services near you.