Post-Secondary Timeline

The following is a general outline for you to follow when creating your post-secondary plans.

9th Grade

• Think about what type of post-secondary education would be a good fit for you. Learn about your learning disability, your strengths and challenges, and the modifications that help you succeed so that you can advocate for yourself when you get to college. • Be sure you are beginning to take courses that will qualify you for post-secondary admission.

10th Grade

• Begin making plans to meet individually with the school counselor to create a post-secondary career plan, which will focus on career interest, transition options, and disability awareness. • Take a personality or job skills assessment through your school’s guidance office. • Attend the Groves Academy College Fair. • Investigate potential summer experiences: apply for a summer job, plan to participate in community sports and activities, investigate volunteer opportunities. • Start the college search early by using the following resources: - The K & W Guide to College for Students with Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - College counselors, websites and word of mouth - Collect and compare information on colleges and programs that interest you and seem to meet your needs

11th Grade

• Revisit your post-secondary career plan to be sure you are on track, or rework as necessary. • Review your academic plan to ensure you have the right classes to match your post-secondary plans. • Attend the Groves Academy College Fair. New exhibitors are added each year. • Students planning to attend college, take the ACT in the spring. Students may also want to consider taking an ACT

Prep Course. • Review student records to determine date of latest diagnostic testing. Students who plan to attend college and apply for accommodations, such as extended testing time or alternative text formats, must have testing completed within three years. • Begin visiting colleges and talking with admissions counselors, as well as support services counselors to find out what types of services are offered and how a student would access those services. Some colleges with special programs fill up quickly. Ask when applications for these programs are accepted and apply early.

12th Grade

• Update your post-secondary career plan and meet with the counselor throughout the year to ensure transition plan is in place. • Students applying to college, retake the ACT in the fall if necessary. • Attend the Groves Academy College Fair. New exhibitors are added each year. • Visit colleges of interest and/or job shadow careers of interest. • Review each college’s admissions requirements and application process. Be sure you know deadlines for application and admission. • Complete applications and financial aid forms, request letters of recommendation, write personal statements and send transcripts. Be sure to ask someone to proofread your essays and personal statements. • Be sure you have a plan for financing your post-secondary future! • Review programs and services available to students with LD/ADHD. • Choose a college or program that is a good fit!