Prospective Student

Planning for College While Still In High School

The transition from high school to postsecondary education can be a smooth one with less anxiety and fewer surprises if a special education student and their family plan strategically and consistently throughout the high school journey A tool that can assist with this process is a series of checklists that should be followed and reflected on from the freshman to senior years so that the student is mentally, academically, and socially ready for the change of postsecondary setting. Thinking and planning ahead is a skill that will help students in the transition phases.

High School Freshman Year: Checklist

Start a graduation file to organize information related to work, school activities, and future plans so that necessary records and notes are in a centralized location.

Start a graduation file to organize records and future plans using tools like Google Docs.
Learn about and accept your disability.
Practice explaining the educational needs that stem from your disability.
Review and adjust your future goals in all IEP transition areas.
Participate actively in your IEP meetings.
Discuss your graduation plans and transition status with your support team.
Understand your strengths and weaknesses.

Develop strategies to use your strengths and support areas of need.
Know your accommodations and how to use them for academic success.
Choose classes that match your postsecondary goals, including college prep or skill-building options.
Use organizational and time management tools.

Helpful Resource: Track your goals and store your academic documents in from Disability Hub MN.

High School Sophmore Year: Checklist

Actively plan your IEP meetings with your case manager, and the student should speak on their own behalf.

Review freshman year checklist.
Continue to build your graduation file. Contents may include high school activities such as awards or recognitions, a list of hobbies or leisure activities, and immunization records.
Actively plan your IEP meetings with your case manager, and plan to speak on your own behalf.
Set academic goals that are achievable.
Practice requesting your own accommodations rather than relying on your case manager.
Use the GPS tool at to set goals and design future plans.
Investigate other service providers with your case manager who can offer assistance after graduation such as Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Security, mental health counselors, or a school or county social worker.
Begin to explore colleges, programs/degrees, and entrance requirements.
Discuss with your counselor college options, career choices, and preparation for college entrance exams.
Begin career exploration activities such as skill inventories, career aptitude, and career investigation.
Build your resume through school activities and volunteer experiences, as most scholarship and entrance applications place importance on student involvement.

Helpful Resource: Explore to support your test readiness.

High School Junior Year: Checklist

Explore assistive technology that may be helpful now and at the postsecondary level. Improve your skills to advocate for preparation for college.

Review progress made during your Freshman and Sophomore years.
Continue building your graduation file. Add items like scholarship applications, test scores, and recommendation letters.
Help your case manager plan and lead your IEP meeting. Set new IEP goals.
Learn when and how to talk about your educational needs with instructors.
Invite outside service providers (e.g., Voc Rehab, social workers, counselors) to your IEP meeting.
Explore assistive technology tools that can support your learning now and in the future.
Practice self-advocacy skills to prepare for postsecondary environments.
Strengthen your organization and time management skills with planners, calendars, or digital tools.

Begin narrowing down your career options and match them to postsecondary programs.
Attend college fairs, open houses, and weekend campus visit events.
Schedule in-depth visits to colleges or technical programs, especially with disability services offices.
Explore scholarships, including those offered by parent workplaces and local organizations.
Schedule and prepare for required tests like the ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer.
Take practice assessments online or attend test prep workshops.
Consider taking the ASVAB if military options are of interest.

Helpful Resource: Explore to support your test readiness.

High School Senior Year: Countdown Checklist

Finalize the graduation files. Include college applications, college visits, FAFSA, and financial aid information.

Continue to build your graduation file. Include items like college applications, FAFSA info, transcripts, IEP/504 Plan copies, and letters of recommendation.
Lead your own IEP meetings and clearly outline your postsecondary plans and goals.
Make your senior year feel more like college: manage your time, keep track of assignments, and use a planner or calendar consistently.
Develop an organized system for storing and accessing your class materials.
Challenge yourself academically. Take rigorous classes without modifications if possible.
Only use accommodations that are available at the postsecondary level and get familiar with how to access them independently.
Research and begin using assistive technology that can support you after high school.
Complete assignments on time and build strong habits for academic responsibility.
Practice self-advocacy by speaking with teachers and staff directly, instead of relying solely on your case manager.
Understand how disability support changes after high school. .

Complete and submit college applications and entrance essays. Most are available online—check deadlines early!
Meet with your counselor to discuss scholarships. Search online, but never pay for scholarship listings—they should be free.
Have financial aid and debt conversations with your family and counselor.
Submit the FAFSA early and know your college’s priority deadline.
Visit potential colleges. Schedule meetings with admissions and disability services to review documentation requirements and accommodations.
Retake the ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer if necessary to meet admission or scholarship criteria.

Tip: Prepare for financial aid season with and use to explore funding options.

First Year College Experience: Student with Disabilities Checklist

Attend orientation—even if offered multiple sessions, try to attend more than once to get comfortable.
Locate and register with Accessibility/Disability Services to begin receiving accommodations. Re-register each semester.
Identify the Student Success Center or Tutoring Center and explore available academic support options.
Connect with Academic Advising—understand course selection, degree planning, and program mapping.
Locate housing options, especially if accommodations are needed in a residential setting.
Learn about dining services—including meal plans, kitchen access, or dietary accommodations.

Set up your student communication tools (email/StarID) and check them regularly for critical messages.
Familiarize yourself with campus layout: library, disability office, advising, tutoring, health services.
Meet with disability staff and instructors early to establish accommodations for the semester.
Explore assistive technologies on campus and ensure they're set up (e.g., screen readers, note-taking aids).
Practice self-advocacy: communicate needs directly to instructors or staff.
Attend workshops or support groups (if offered) to connect with peers with disabilities.

Pro Tip: Use the college’s online student portal to find tutoring schedules, advisor contacts, and dining/housing portals. Contact your Accessibility Services early to submit documentation each semester.

Postsecondary Transitions — Resource Library