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College Checklist

Complete step at least this far in advance of the first day of class.

(9 months)
1. _____ Decide on the degree program you will enroll in

Go to the College’s web site or get a copy of their Course Catalog to see what academic programs and degrees they offer. See what courses you will need to complete within your degree choice to make sure the degree you choose is a good fit for you. Use Career Cruising or other internet programs to locate schools which offer the types of degrees or training you are interested in. Keep in mind that it is much more affordable to attend a Community College as an in-district student. Community Colleges offer 1-year Certificates and 2-year Associate Degrees. Universities offer 4-year Bachelor degrees and graduate course work (Masters Degrees and PhD’s).

(6 months)
2. _____ Take the college entrance test (compass/asset)

Universities use your grades, attendance, class rank and the ACT & SAT tests to determine if you will be admitted. Community Colleges only require a short entrance test (the Compass or Asset test) which determines whether a student is ready for credit level college courses. If a student tests below a certain score in reading, writing or math, the student will need to successfully complete remedial (non-credit) courses in order to advance to credit level corse work. It is helpful to use the Compass test results as part of determining how difficult college may be for you and whether you may want to seek accommodations and academic help at college. Also, it is important to note that financial aid may work differently for remedial versus credit level classes. Contact the Community College to schedule a time to take their Compass or Asset entrance test.

(6-9 months)
3. _____ Apply for Financial Aid

Ask your high school guidance counselor about scholarships you may be able to apply for. The main source of financial aid for most students is FAFSA (free application for federal student aid). FAFSA is based on your family’s income level and you will need your family’s tax return to complete the application. FAFSA aid can include Pell and Map grants (you don’t pay grants back) or loans (which you do pay back). You can apply on the FAFSA web site at www.fafsa.ed.gov .
It is recommended that you contact the college’s financial aid office and schedule a time to complete the FAFSA application at the college when the financial aid office can help you complete the application on line using the college’s computer. Ask the college what information you will need to bring to complete the FAFSA. Send the application in on line - do not print it out and mail it as this can cause delays. Do the FAFSA application early - if you plan on starting college in August do not wait till June to do the application - do it in January or February if possible.

(6 months)
4. _____ Meet with college disability support service (DSS) to request accommodations

Based on a student’s disability, colleges and universities may be able to provide accommodations such as reduced course load, note takers, use of recording devices, extended time for taking tests, sign language interpreters and assistive technology aids. Unlike high school, in college it is the student’s responsibility to report to the college that they have a disability and they would like accommodations. This is done by contacting the college or university’s Disability Support Services office (listed below).

The student needs to provide documentation of their disability to the college. For example, if you have a learning disability, the college will need a copy of both your high school IEP and the High School Psychological Evaluation. (Note: college disability support require your high school psychological testing be re-done, not just reviewed, during your last 2 years in high school - they may not accept psychological testing more than 2-3 years old.)

It is important that before leaving high school to make sure to get a copy of all your high school records including your school transcript, updated psychological evaluation, state testing results and your Sr year IEP (listing what accommodations the high school provided you). Keep a master copy of these documents permanently at home and make copies as needed for colleges or other service providing agencies.

College and Disability Support Service contact information:

Carl Sandburg College
380 E. Main St.
Bushnell IL 61422
309-772-2177
Disability Support Services
Ellen Henderson Gasser
309-772-2177

Spoon River College
208 South Johnson
Macomb IL 61455
309-837-5727
Disability Support Services
Janet Munson
309-649-6273

Western Illinois University
1 University Circle
Macomb IL 61455
309-298-1414
Disability Support Services
Tara Miller
309-298-2512

(6 months)
5. _____ Meet with an academic advisor at the college

Before deciding on what college to attend, contact the school to schedule a visit/tour. Once you’ve chosen a school and decided on a degree or program of study, you will need to apply to the college and plan for registration. (Make sure you have completed step 2 above first.) At this time you will need to contact the college and schedule a time to meet with an academic advisor. The advisor will help you choose courses and complete your application and registration. Don’t wait too long to do this as colleges have strict deadlines for applying and registering.

Western Region Transition Planning

College Checklist