How to Succeed in College With Learning Disabilities

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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More and more students with learning disabilities are going to college and succeeding. Success depends on understanding the challenges, recognizing the differences between high school support systems and college systems and finding ways to adapt strategies to work in the college environment. Read on to learn how to succeed in college with learning disabilities.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Select the right college. Not all offer support services for learning disabilities, while others have extensive programs. Inquire.
Step 2

Understand self-determination. This is the term the experts use as a success indicator for students with learning disabilities in college. It means the ability take control of your learning environment and develop your own strategies.
Step 3

Look at what worked in high school. Organizational tools, use of a laptop, audio notes for studying--these are all strategies you can adapt to college.
Step 4

Choose courses carefully. Get advice from the college learning resource center or your advisor, if possible. Start with a good mix that has different approaches: lecture, seminar, lab and so on.
Step 5

Consider taking fewer courses at a time. Juggling less allows you to more effectively implement learning strategies and adapt new techniques.

Tips & Warnings

Learn to advocate for yourself. You are considered an adult in college. It is up to you.
Understand your learning disabilities in detail. If you have lived with them a long time, you may have been given a cursory explanation when you were younger. Ask someone to explain your situation to you in adult terms.
Remember, you aren't alone. Gather your own education team of faculty advisors, fellow students and even your parents, if you want.
What has always worked in the past may not work anymore. Learning centers and experts can help with new strategies.
Avoid making comparisons. Measure yourself only against yourself.

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