Differences between High School and College

     The Individual Education Plan (IEP) and/or 504 plan is used in high school. The IEP is the school’s responsibility until graduation or age 22. Students can be tested by the school or referred by parent to be eligible for an education plan.  In college, a student might need more documentation for category of disability.  Susan Walter, Transition Consultant in Illinois, describes a summary to support the transition.  One of the biggest changes is self-advocacy. In high school, the student is identified and supported by the parents and teachers. Parents typically advocated for the student or teachers would approach you if they believe you need assistance.  In college, it’s the students’ responsibility to identify themselves as someone who has a disability.  They must also request supports and arrange accommodations with teachers and professors themselves.  Professors are usually helpful, but expect the student to initiate.  Parents, who usually had access to all records in high school, do not have access to student records without the student’s written permission. Tutoring and support for studying may have been provided in high school as a service, but tutoring does not fall under disability services in college.  Students must find their own tutor through the general tutoring services at the school.  You have to management your assignments independently at college, while the high school schedules are well structured. Test modifications are included in the IEP in high school that can change essay’s to multiple choice as well as longer time and unique accommodations. In college, you are only allowed extended time, test proctors, and quite places to take the test.  Grading and test format changes are not generally available.  Professors expect you to keep up with the class, using the class syllabus.  Make-up tests are optional to professors, while they are readily available in high school. College is harder than high school for someone with a disability, but support disability services are still available.