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

Slide

READ

5 WAYS I USED MY GAP YEAR TO MY ADVANTAGE

Meet Jasmine, in her second year at a community college, hoping to make the leap to a four year university.

Meet Jasmine, in her second year at a community college, hoping to make the leap to a four year university.

Dominic Zullo shares how his gap year and preparation for college were similar to a band preparing for a show.

Slide

WATCH

jasmine's STORY

jasmine's STORY

jasmine's STORY

PART one:

PART one:

PART one:

meet jasmine

meet jasmine

meet jasmine

Meet Jasmine, in her second year at a community college, hoping to make the leap to a four year university.

Meet Jasmine, in her second year at a community college, hoping to make the leap to a four year university.

Meet Jasmine, in her second year at a community college, hoping to make the leap to a four year university.

PlayPlay
Slide

PODCAST EPISODE 19:

PODCAST EPISODE 19:

PODCAST EPISODE 19:

getting in

getting in

2022-23 Update on Choosing the right college

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.

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.

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.

00:00 / 00:00
Slide

READ

READ

READ

a certificate, or a program?

a certificate, or a program?

a certificate, or a program?

what are you really looking for?

what are you really looking for?

what are you really looking for?

by Dr. Jessica Keefhaver

by Dr. Jessica Keefhaver

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.

Figuring out what your goals are and what you want to learn can help ou choose a program that's a good fit.

Figuring out what your goals are and what you want to learn can help ou choose a program that's a good fit.

Slide

PODCAST EPISODE 6:

choosing the right college

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.

00:00 / 00:00
Slide

READ

READ

READ

Why “college living experience” is the right first step for me

Why “college living experience” is the right first step for me

Why “college living experience” is the right first step for me

by Eva Fetherman

by Eva Fetherman

by Eva Fetherman

I know that if I want to become a real actress I will need to have independence from my parents.

I know that if I want to become a real actress I will need to have independence from my parents.

I know that if I want to become a real actress I will need to have independence from my parents.

Slide

PODCAST EPISODE 23:

PODCAST EPISODE 23:

PODCAST EPISODE 23:

Academics, community + the deciding factor: A college aligned with my intentions

Academics, community + the deciding factor: A college aligned with my intentions

Academics, community + the deciding factor: A college aligned with my intentions

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 that, and their whole high school senior year in the college application and decision process.

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 that, and their whole high school senior year in the college application and decision process.

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 that, and their whole high school senior year in the college application and decision process.

River eating an apple
00:00 / 00:00
Slide

READ

READ

READ

managing college anxiety 101

managing college anxiety 101

managing college anxiety 101

by Dr. Eric Einlich, Ph.D.

by Dr. Eric Einlich, Ph.D.

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.

While many families worry about college admissions, autistic high school students and their parents may face even higher levels of stress.

While many families worry about college admissions, autistic high school students and their parents may face even higher levels of stress.

Slide

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.

00:00 / 00:00