Congratulations! You or your student has been accepted to college — but now what? While getting into college is a huge achievement, making the right decision and planning the next steps can feel overwhelming, especially for students with disabilities. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with three crucial actions to take after college acceptance to ensure a smoother transition and long-term success.
✅ Step 1: Apply for Disability Accommodations ASAP
One of the most overlooked (but vital) tasks is applying for disability accommodations before the semester starts. Every college has its own requirements, and the earlier you begin, the better.
- Why now? Waiting until the semester begins can delay access and create unnecessary hurdles.
- What to expect: Some schools may request a full neuropsychological evaluation, while others might accept IEPs or 504 Plans.
- Tip: Use a tool like the College Services Planner to compare disability service requirements at each school you’ve been accepted to.
Even if you’re unsure if you will be using accommodations, applying for and being found eligible for them ensures they’re ready if or when they are.
Need more help with seeking accommodations? Here are a few blog posts to help guide you further.
Four Steps to Get Disability Accommodations for College Students.
A Parent’s Guide to College Disability Documentation Requirements
What Accommodations Can My Child Request in College?
✅ Step 2: Evaluate Academic and Mental Health Support Services
Colleges offer more than just classes — their support services can make or break a student’s experience, especially those with learning or mental health needs.
- Key resources to investigate:
- Writing centers
- Tutoring services
- Counseling centers
- Office hours
- Peer mentoring
- Real talk: Many students don’t know where these services are or how to access them until it’s too late.
Students with dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, or depression can benefit tremendously from campus-based support services. Planning ahead is key to thriving in the first semester — not just surviving.
✅ Step 3: Be Realistic About Finances
Let’s be honest: finances can derail even the best college plans. It’s one of the top stressors for college students and a leading reason for dropout.
- Consider these questions:
- Can you afford the tuition without extreme loans?
- What will loan payments look like after graduation?
- How will your student manage money on their own?
Financial literacy is a must. Students should know how to budget and manage their meal plan, so they’re not scrambling before finals. Unfortunately, food insecurity is on the rise — and many campuses now have food banks as a result.
💡 Hard truth: If affording a particular school means sacrificing basic needs, it might not be the right fit — no matter how perfect it seems otherwise.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a college isn’t just about location, prestige, or even the major. It’s about ensuring access to the right college services, support, and affordability. These three steps — applying for accommodations, understanding support services, and evaluating finances — can help your student (and your family) make a smart, informed, and empowering decision about what to do after college acceptance.
Grab the College Services Planner today and use it for each school to compare apples to apples. It’s your go-to guide for making a college decision that’s not just exciting — but sustainable.
