My own college search as a prospective student who is blind is now in the rearview mirror, but as a parent who is blind, I remain very familiar with today’s college admissions process. My son is now a college student, and supporting him through his college search journey has brought back many memories while also offering new insights.
The College Search Process
The college search can be an exciting and busy time. There are campus visits to plan, applications to complete, and eventually decisions to make. Students who are blind or visually impaired experience all of these same steps, while also considering a few additional factors as they think about the next stage of their educational journey.
Finding the Right Fit
Some prospective students know exactly which college or university they want to attend. Others are unsure where to apply, and that is completely normal. Even if you have your heart set on a particular school, it is still important to take a step back and determine whether it is truly a good fit. Can you afford the cost of tuition, housing, and meals? Is the school a good academic match for your strengths, interests, and long-term goals?
What Students Often Consider
When considering colleges and universities, students often look at factors such as cost of attendance, academic standards and admission requirements, location, campus life, residence halls, programs of interest, and extracurricular opportunities. Each of these elements can play a role in shaping your overall college experience.
Researching Colleges from Home
There are many ways to explore colleges without ever setting foot on a campus. Traditional college guidebooks can be borrowed from a library. APH offers a publication titled College Bound: A Guide for Students with Visual Impairments” in both EPUB and print formats, and Federal Quota Funds can be used. The internet also provides countless resources for researching schools.
A college or university website can be a valuable starting point. These sites often include contact information for admissions, financial aid, and disability-related services. There are also websites dedicated to comparing and ranking colleges and universities, such as Niche. Tools like these can help narrow down options.
Other areas worth exploring include academic rigor, class sizes, graduation rates, internship opportunities, tuition structures, differences between in-state and out-of-state costs, and general overviews of financial aid and scholarships.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
The use of artificial intelligence tools, including text-based and voice-based options like ChatGPT, continues to grow. These tools can help gather information and make comparisons, especially when details are presented in charts or tables that may be difficult to navigate with screen reading software. For example, a student might ask about highly ranked programs in a particular major and then request a summary of how those programs differ. No matter which tools are used, it is always important to confirm information directly with the college or university.
The Importance of Campus Visits
Campus visits remain an important part of the college search process. Many high schools allow students to miss a certain number of days for college visits. Visiting a campus can give you a better sense of the atmosphere, physical layout, potential challenges, highlights, and available supports. It is also a valuable opportunity to ask questions about academic programs and accommodations.
What to Expect During a Visit
Many colleges offer structured visit days that include an information session and a guided campus tour. Some visits may also include lunch with current students or meetings with faculty or staff. While it is sometimes possible to stop by departments on your own, scheduling appointments in advance often leads to more meaningful conversations and clearer answers.
Choosing a Major or Exploring Options
Some students arrive at college knowing exactly what they want to study, while others are undecided. Both paths are valid. Most colleges require a set of core courses that all students complete, regardless of major. For students who are undecided, some schools offer exploratory or undeclared pathways to help identify interests over time.
Questions for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
As you move through the college search, there are important questions for students who are blind or visually impaired to consider. Does the college have an office that provides accommodations? Do you have experience advocating for the supports you need? Is self-advocacy something you are comfortable with, or does it feel challenging? Are you connected with Vocational Rehabilitation? These questions can help determine what type of environment will best support your success.
Understanding Accommodations and Support
Every school approaches accommodations differently. Some Offices for Students with Disabilities offer Orientation and Mobility instruction to help students learn the campus layout. If this is not available, Vocational Rehabilitation may be able to provide O&M services.
Learning the Campus and Building Confidence
One strategy that worked well for me was using a campus service called Safe Walk. This program was designed for students who needed to travel on campus after dark. By calling a designated phone number, two peer students would arrive within a short time and walk with you to your destination. I used this service not only for safety, but also as a way to become more familiar with campus routes and meet new people.
Applying to College
Once you have narrowed your options and identified schools that feel like a good fit, you can begin the application process. Many colleges clearly outline application requirements on their websites and offer webinars to explain the process in more detail. If you register for a session and cannot attend, the presentation is often recorded and archived for listening at your convenience.
Applying to multiple schools can feel overwhelming, but tools like the Common App allow students to apply to several colleges using one application. It is still important to carefully review each school’s requirements, as some may request additional materials.
Final Thoughts
There are many colleges and universities to choose from, and many ways to gather information. Best of luck as you make your decision and prepare to share the exciting news of where you will attend on signing day.