The transition from high school to college is daunting for most students, but the anxiety is exaggerated for most students with learning disabilities. They wonder if they’ll be able to keep up and fit in and not flunk out.

Here are some tips to help identify the college that represents a good fit both academically and socially:

Understand your disability and its impact. Write down the specific areas that present difficulties for you. Be able to identify the range of problems you might encounter at college and more importantly, be able to articulate the kinds of help that would improve your situation. Examples might be extended testing times, note takers, reading machines, tutors, etc.

Understand your strengths. What kinds of compensatory skills have you developed to accommodate your learning differences?

Begin researching colleges with types of programs that meet your needs. Check out “The K&W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities” or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Princeton Review.

Seriously evaluate a variety of college search factors including: housing options, your parents’ recommendations, disability services options, cost and the location and size of the school. Large schools may offer more support, activities and more majors, etc. but they also may require you to take more initiative to meet your needs.

Visit campuses while classes are in session. Meet with admissions and special support service coordinators. Ask to meet students participating in their programs and see what they think of the support programs.

Prepare for an interview. This is where it’s really important for the student, not the parent, to be able to clearly articulate their challenges and the support they need.

Obtain letters of recommendation. Letters from counselors, teachers and case managers should address your learning style, academic achievement subjects which you have mastered, etc., obstacles you’ve overcome and a variety of personal characteristics such as your attitude, self-discipline, etc.