choosing a college
“I suggest go for it. Push forward. I usually took about three to five classes per semester, just to get a full understanding of all the various subjects I would learn, one semester at a time…”
—Jasmine
READ
five ways in used
my gap year to
my advantage
Dominic Zullo shares how his gap year and preparation for college were similar to a band preparing for a show.
WATCH
jasmine’s story, part one: meet jasmine
Meet Jasmine, in her second year at a community college, hoping to make the leap to a four year university.
LISTEN
podcast Episode 19
Choosing the right college – researching programs and comparing campus support
College admissions have changed in some significant ways since the pandemic. Hear important updates from Eric Endlich, a college admissions counselor who works mostly with students on the spectrum.
He’s got new insights about the relevance of standardized tests now; what colleges are looking for; application and essay strategies and what students on the spectrum should look for when they start applying and visiting schools.
READ
a certificate or a program?
what are you really looking for?
by Dr. Jessica Keefhaver
Figuring out what your goals are and what you want to learn can help ou choose a program that’s a good fit.
Choosing the right school can require lots of research, especially when you're on the Spectrum. It's not just finding a college with majors you are interested in, but also figuring out which schools have support services and programs that match your needs.
Eric Endlich has created a huge database on his website that lays it all out. He also advises students privately in his college counseling business that he founded because he saw too many students on the spectrum going off to college and having a hard time. He thought he could help, and now he’s switched his focus from psychotherapy to college admissions. Hear what he has to say about the range of options out there, and how to choose a college.
READ
Why “college living experience” is the right first step for me
by Eva Fetherman
I know that if I want to become a real actress I will need to have independence from my parents.
River was pretty clear about the kind of school that would work for them: Strong academics and a school community aligned with their intention to make a difference in the world.
Also important: affinity and support groups for them as a student with autism who identifies as LGBTQ. With a short college list that grew -and later contracted- there were high hopes, some rejection, an Early Decision 2 application, a safety school that came through with a scholarship, and a final decision that feels like a great fit. One bit of advice they heard, but didn’t take- Start on your personal statement essays during the summer. River talks about that, and their whole high school senior year in the college application and decision process.
READ
managing college anxiety 101
by Dr. Eric Einlich, Ph.D.
While many families worry about college admissions, autistic high school students and their parents may face even higher levels of stress.
River was pretty clear about the kind of school that would work for them: Strong academics and a school community aligned with their intention to make a difference in the world.
Also important: affinity and support groups for them as a student with autism who identifies as LGBTQ. With a short college list that grew -and later contracted- there were high hopes, some rejection, an Early Decision 2 application, a safety school that came through with a scholarship, and a final decision that feels like a great fit. One bit of advice they heard, but didn’t take- Start on your personal statement essays during the summer. River talks about that, and their whole high school senior year in the college application and decision process.
LISTEN
PODCAST EPISODE 7:
inclusive college opportunities
Many colleges and universities are opening up more offerings for students on the spectrum who are seeking a college experience without pursuing a degree. These certificate programs are often a good fit for students who are curious about a range of subjects, seek social settings, and want to gain independent living skills but may have intellectual disabilities or other challenges. In this episode, we hear from Charlie who is a student at the University of Nevada, Reno, and Jessica Keefhaver who runs the Path to Independence project there.
The Autism Goes To College project is brought to you with generous support from:
