What are the requirements to attend these programs?
To be eligible to apply for the programs listed in Think College Search, students should have a documented intellectual disability. They may also have other disabilities such as autism, vision impairments, etc.
Each program has its own criteria for admission - but it will NOT include a regular high school diploma, SAT or ACT scores or a specific grade point average from high school. Because these programs use an alternative admission process, the standard things often asked for in a college admission process like a diploma, test scores and grades will not apply, but things like desire to go to college, wanting to live more independently and get a job after college will be important.
Find programs you are interested in and review their admission criteria on our website and then visit the program's website or call to find out more detail.
What do you mean by the term intellectual disability?
Intellectual disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning (reasoning, learning, problem solving) and in adaptive behavior, which covers a range of everyday social and practical skills. This disability originates before the age of 18. To learn more about intellectual disability, visit this page featuring several frequently asked questions about intellectual disability.
What is IPSE, or "inclusive postsecondary education"?
People use several terms to describe these relatively new programs that offer a college education to students with intellectual disability. Many use the term "inclusive postsecondary education, or IPSE, to refer to this group of programs. Fundamentally, these are programs that offer an alternative admission process, and/or additional supports so that the unique needs of students with intellectual disability can be met. Students typically earn a certificate of some kind rather than a degree through these programs.
Even though the word "inclusive" is in the name, programs vary as to the degree to which students are fully included in all aspects of college life, including college classes and residence halls. You need to ask questions to determine the level of inclusion that is available at a specific college program.
Do some of the programs in your listing serve students that are transition-aged and still in high school?
Yes, there are about 100 programs in our listing that serve students in high school. About half of them support ONLY students in high school from certain school districts, and these are clearly marked. We refer to these programs as "college-based transition services". The other half serve BOTH high school students and students who have left high school. These programs may or may not limit access for high school students to those from specific districts.
What are college-based transition services?
College-based transition services refers to programs that are partnerships between school district(s) and a college or university that accept ONLY transition-aged students from those district(s). In these programs, transition services provided under IDEA occur on a college campus. These programs are only open to transition aged students in the partner school districts and are indicated in our database with an icon and text indicating that they only serve students from specific school districts.
Are there summer programs available for students to experience college life before attending full time?
Yes, there are a variety of different summer program options offered by college programs. Some are to prepare students who have been accepted into the program for the upcoming Fall, and there are also many that are for any student who wished to experience a bit of college life. Some are residential, some are during the day only, and they vary in length. To see a listing of summer programs Think College has compiled from info provided to them by the programs, review this Excel spreadsheet.