Resources for Your Transition to College

Strategies for Success

  • Set realistic goals and priorities for coursework.
  • Be prepared to request “reasonable accommodation” in course work so you can learn and demonstrate your knowledge of course material.
  • If you use books in an alternate format, order them as soon as you know what courses you will be studying for the following semester. If you do not have a source for alternate format textbooks, speak with the SDSS Coordinator.
  • Become knowledgeable and comfortable about describing your disability so you can advocate for yourself with faculty.
  • Keep only one calendar with all relevant dates, assignments, and appointments. Do not try to keep a schedule in your head.
  • Sit in the front of the classroom to maximize your contact and to reduce distractions.
  • Use a digital recorder during lectures. Listen to the recording while you review your written notes as soon as possible after class to refresh your memory and to fill in any gaps.
  • Estimate how long a given class assignment will take, generally planning on two to three hours outside of class for every hour in class.
  • Build in study breaks; fatigue is a big time waster.
  • If you learn better by listening to others and then discussing what you have learned, start a study group at the beginning of the course to meet regularly each week.
  • Make notes of any questions you might have so that they can be answered before the next exam.
  • If you are having trouble or feel overwhelmed, talk with the professor immediately.
  • If you know that you are weak in a content area, set up tutorial assistance during the first week of classes.
  • Do not hesitate to seek help. It is critical that you link up with the Academic Support Center before you fall behind in your work.

Books

  • Answers to Distraction
    by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey
  • Attention Disorder in Adults: A Different Way of Thinking
    by Lynn Weiss
  • Becoming a Master Student
    by Dave Ellis (Highly recommended for all students)
  • College Survival: Get the Real Scoop on College Life from Students
    by Greg Gottesman and friends
  • Driven to Distraction
    by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey
  • Learning Outside the Line: Two Ivy League Students with LD and ADHD Give You the Tools
    by Jonathan Mooney and David Cole
  • Succeeding Against the Odds
    by Sally L. Smith
  • Survival Guide for College Students with ADD or LD
    by Kathleen G. Nadea
  • What Does Everybody Else Know that I Don’t?
    by Michele Novotni
  • You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid, or Crazy?!
    by Kate Kelly

Organizations