Navigating College with Confidence: High School vs. College Accommodations Guide
Instruction and Grading: What to Expect in the Classroom
The way you learn and are tested changes significantly. In college, professors are not required to modify the curriculum or lower the standards of a course; they are only required to provide the accommodations that allow you to access that curriculum.
How PEC Group Supports College Students
Because Karen Veinbergs is an alumna of UCSD and personally benefited from accommodations for her dyslexia, she has built Psycho-Educational Consultants Group (PEC) to be a specialized resource for college-bound and current university students. We understand the specific documentation requirements that the OSD at UCSD, the Student Ability Success Center (SASC) at SDSU, and the Disability and Learning Difference Resource Center (DLDRC) at USD require.
We provide comprehensive School Neuropsychological Evaluations and Autism/Dyslexia/ADHD assessments specifically designed to highlight those "functional limitations" the universities are looking for. We don't just give you a label; we provide the narrative and the data that show exactly why you need extended time, note-taking assistance, or a reduced course load.
We also work closely with students at our local community colleges (like Mesa, Miramar, and Grossmont) who are planning to transfer. Often, a student might have accommodations at a community college that do not automatically transfer to a UC or CSU. As UCSD notes: "This may explain why some students may have received accommodations at another institution… but are not eligible currently to receive the same accommodations at UC San Diego." We help bridge that gap by providing updated, robust documentation that meets the higher standard of the university level.
Steps to Success
If you are a student or a parent of a student heading to college in San Diego, here is your checklist:
- Initiate Early: Contact the disability services office as soon as you are admitted.
- Gather Documentation: Check if your current testing is up to date (usually within the last 3 years).
- Schedule an Assessment: If your documentation is old or lacks "functional limitation" data, contact us for a comprehensive evaluation.
- Practice Self-Advocacy: Start practicing how to explain your needs to professors now.
- Focus on Well-being: Remember that accommodations are there to protect your mental health and academic integrity.
College is a time for growth and challenge. Don't let the lack of a proper accommodation plan hold you back from the experience you deserve. Whether you’re a Triton, an Aztec, a Torero, or a community college standout, PEC Group is here to help you navigate the process with confidence.
For more information on how we can support your transition to college, explore our Neuro-affirming services or sign up for our newsletter for regular tips on navigating educational hurdles.
