As a college admissions advisor specializing in supporting students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), I deeply understand the unique challenges families face throughout this process. My role is to offer guidance and reassurance to your students and family, helping you navigate the often complex path to higher education.
Recently, I received a call from a concerned parent whose child has an IEP, uncertain about their college prospects. Despite their child’s achievements—a junior in high school with an unweighted GPA of 3.37 and a weighted GPA of 4.12—the parents had valid concerns. Their child had an IEP since second grade, was unsure about their field of study, and scored 880 on the PSAT in tenth grade.
This experience perfectly illustrates why my expertise and services can make a significant difference for families facing similar situations.
The Promise of College Opportunities for Students with IEPs
It’s essential to know that there are over 4,000 colleges across the country that welcome students with IEPs and offer support tailored to their needs. While the assistance provided may differ among institutions, my expertise lies in helping you identify colleges that align with your child’s specific requirements. Together, we can turn uncertainty into confidence and ensure that each student finds the best-fit college to achieve their aspirations and goals.
My Background and Qualifications
With an extensive background in Special Education and Counseling, I bring over 30 years of experience in guiding families through the special education and college admissions processes.
I have an undergraduate degree in Special Education from Hood College and a graduate degree in Counseling from McDaniel College. For 8 years at the United Methodist Church in Frederick, MD, I ran a support group for parents of students with special education concerns. In addition, I worked as a Special Education Teacher for 8 years and a high school counselor for 22 years.
My deep knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) enables me to provide informed advice on the rights and accommodations available to students with IEPs.
How A College Admissions Expert Can Support Your Student’s College Journey
My approach focuses on understanding each student’s unique needs and goals, providing personalized guidance throughout the college application process. Here’s an overview of the services I offer:
Comprehensive Consultation
My process begins with in-depth interviews involving both students and parents. This initial step allows me to gain a thorough understanding of your student’s unique needs, career aspirations, and knowledge of the college admissions process. It also serves as an opportunity for us to build a strong foundation for our collaborative journey ahead.
Documentation Review
To gain a comprehensive understanding of each student’s unique situation, I carefully review their Individualized Education Program (IEP), psychological and educational testing results, academic transcripts, and standardized test scores.
By examining these critical documents, I can identify the student’s strengths, areas for improvement, and any potential gaps in their current support system. This thorough analysis helps me tailor my guidance to best serve the student, a family, and their specific needs throughout the college admissions process.
Testing and Accommodations
Recognizing that your student may benefit from additional testing, I offer personalized recommendations based on a thorough review of their documentation. Furthermore, I provide guidance in obtaining accommodations for standardized exams such as the SAT or ACT, ensuring that your child can perform to their full potential on these crucial tests.
Navigating the process of securing accommodations can be complex and overwhelming; my expertise allows me to support you in advocating for the appropriate resources to best facilitate your child’s success.
Career Exploration
A crucial aspect of my work with students involves exploring potential career paths that align with their interests, talents, and future goals. To facilitate this process, I offer guidance and tools such as the Strong + Myers Briggs assessments. By analyzing the results of these assessments, I help students gain valuable insights into their strengths, preferences, and potential career options.
This tailored approach allows each student to identify and pursue career opportunities that are both fulfilling and well-suited to their unique skills and interests.
College Research
To empower families to make informed decisions about their child’s educational future, I provide access to the comprehensive Maia Learning platform.
This innovative tool allows families to thoroughly research colleges and assess the support services offered at each institution. With this valuable resource at their fingertips, parents and students can easily compare colleges, evaluate programs, and determine which campuses offer the most suitable resources and support for students with IEPs. This step is crucial in ensuring that the student’s unique needs are met and their potential for success is maximized.
Campus Visits
A college visit can be an invaluable experience for both students and their families. I strongly encourage arranging campus visits early in the college admissions process, as this allows for firsthand evaluation of each institution’s compatibility with your student’s goals and needs.
During these visits, students can engage with faculty, staff, and current students, gaining insights into campus life, available resources, and the overall environment. By experiencing a college firsthand, you can make more informed decisions as a family and ensure that the selected institution aligns with your student’s aspirations and requirements.
Ongoing Support
My commitment to you and your child extends beyond the initial consultation and college planning stages. I provide ongoing support throughout the academic year, meeting with students regularly to offer assistance in a variety of areas.
This may include guidance on developing and honing executive functioning skills, strategies for maintaining strong academic performance, and support in completing the college application process. I work closely with students on tasks such as essay writing, crafting a compelling personal narrative, and requesting recommendation letters from teachers and mentors. By offering consistent and comprehensive support, I ensure that students feel confident and well-prepared as they navigate the path to higher education.
Post-Application Guidance
Even after college applications have been submitted, my dedication to each student’s success remains unwavering. I continue to provide support and guidance throughout the remainder of your child’s senior year, helping them maintain strong academic performance and make the most of their final high school months.
By staying actively engaged with students during this time, I ensure that they remain focused on their goals and are well-prepared for the transition to college. This ongoing support not only contributes to academic success but also fosters a sense of confidence and reassurance as students navigate the exciting journey to higher education.
If you believe my expertise can benefit your child’s college admissions journey, please contact me at 240-285-1920 or dianne@launchingcollegesuccess.com. I look forward to helping your student navigate this exciting process and successfully transition to college life.
