Versed Editors's blog

By: Larry Liu, The Spike Lab

We all know how it feels to be motivated. It’s a state characterized by clarity, focus, and boundless energy. We’re willing to run through brick walls to achieve our goals. Yet for many high schoolers, it can be hard to tap into this feeling. And many parents who want to help operate under false beliefs about motivation. These beliefs can lead to actions that are counterproductive and ultimately de-motivating. And yet, self-motivation for students is important.

During my work at The Spike Lab, I’ve seen firsthand the huge benefits available to students who can successfully self-motivate. The good news is that the ability to self-motivate is a superpower that any student can learn and practice. Whether the goal is launching a Spike or earning a stellar GPA, high schoolers can improve their odds of success by understanding the basics of motivation.

In this article, I’ll dispel some common misconceptions about self-motivation for students, use an example from science to help us better understand motivation, and offer practical tips for young people looking to stay motivated.

 

What motivation is…and what it isn’t

Because motivation is something we feel, a precise definition can be hard to pin down. Just because we know how it feels to be motivated doesn’t mean we know what causes this feeling.

Generally speaking, motivation is a force that wills a person to do a task. It’s the drive that underlies most of our behavior. More specifically, Nir Eyal claims that motivation springs from a desire to avoid discomfort. Echoing this idea, writer Steven Pressfield (paraphrased in this article by James Clear) defines motivation by saying that “at some point, the pain of not doing something becomes greater than the pain of doing it.”

Before getting more specific on our definition of motivation (and discussing strategies for conquering discomfort), let’s start by clearing the air on what motivation isn’t.

BECOMING A MOTIVATED PERSON ISN’T AN END GOAL IN ITSELF.

Being motivated isn’t like being a certified scuba instructor or being a tennis champ. There’s no course you can take to become motivated. It’s not the final destination of a trip – it’s the fuel that powers many cars.

BEING “MOTIVATED” ISN’T A CONSTANT STATE.

Even in high-performers, motivation can wax and wane over the course of a project. Motivation definitely isn’t something that some people are just born with.

MOTIVATION CAN’T BE IMPOSED.

Rewards and punishments (extrinsic motivation) can be especially dangerous because they often work in the short term. But studies have found that too much extrinsic motivation can leave kids unprepared for the real world.

Any of these misconceptions can lead to unproductive behavior. With regard to the last point, you may wonder, “is all extrinsic motivation bad?” The answer is no. It’s unrealistic to deny extrinsic motivation as a major factor in our world, as many of us work hard to pursue the school or career of our dreams. Good self-motivation practices for students should balance extrinsic and intrinsic forces.

 

The basic mechanics of self-motivation for students

How can parents tell if their student is motivated? Physics gives us a useful metaphor for understanding how motivation acts upon a person. According to Newton’s laws, all bodies in motion have direction, speed, and acceleration. Each of these three properties reveals a basic truth about motivation.

Direction. For an object to move, it needs to travel in a generally consistent direction for a sustained amount of time. Any object that is constantly changing directions will ultimately not travel very far. Likewise, any motivated person will be able to tell you what single goal they’re working toward.

Speed. Unsurprisingly, a moving object must also move toward its goal. The change in position over time is known as the object’s speed. How quickly is the person approaching their goal? Are they closer today than they were last week? Simply describing the goal isn’t enough. A student who can self-motivate will demonstrate progress toward that goal over time.

Acceleration. Direction and speed are crucial, but the most important property of self-motivation is acceleration. This is also known as the rate of change. We can know a person’s acceleration by asking a simple question: is their speed increasing or decreasing over time?

People who are feeling motivated will usually be able to tell you where they’re headed, how fast they’re going, and how quickly they’re speeding up. So how do we master this superpower?

 

Self-determination and self-motivation for students

When we talk about motivation (especially for students) we should always talk about self-motivation. This framing turns motivation into an ability that we can practice through specific techniques, just like time management. Becoming a great self-motivator requires an understanding of the basic conditions that cause someone to become…yes, motivated.

According to Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory, deep down we are all motivated by a desire for growth and fulfillment in life. We want to improve. Deci and Ryan argue that growth happens when we practice self-determination. We can become more intrinsically motivated, more self-motivated, by increasing our self-determination.

We cultivate our self-determination when we pursue goals that meet our needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Autonomy is our perceived ability to exercise freedom and control over our work. Competence means feeling like we have the skills required to get a job done. Finally, a task’s relatedness is its perceived connection to our social circles and the broader community.

Let’s return to discomfort for a moment. If motivation springs from self-determination and from discomfort, then the two things must be related. For high school students, discomfort often arises when trying new things or doing work in subjects that they’re not “good at.” These moments can motivate students to retreat from new experiences. But instead of shrinking away, these are moments when students can flip the script and own their self-determination. Discomfort should come from staying stagnant, from not increasing self-determination, from not growing.

So, how does one increase their self-determination? Students who want to increase their self-determination should focus on their goals, attitudes, and habits.

 

Goals on self-motivation for students

Because motivation is the means to an end, one of the most important things we can do is choose the end that’s right for us. The best goals are the ones that align with the principles of self-determination. We must choose the goal for ourselves, the goal must make use of our specific competencies, and we must believe the goal will have some impact on the world around us.

Sometimes we don’t know if a specific goal is right for us. In many cases, we hesitate to start because we don’t know if we’ll be sufficiently motivated. The best thing to do is set a general direction, and just get going. Then, ask yourself why certain aspects of the project are more motivating than others and use findings to hone down on a specific direction.

 

Attitudes and habits to build self-motivation for students

Just having the right goal isn’t enough. The truth is that many of our tasks aren’t directly related to our goals in life (chores, perhaps?). And even if we have an excellent goal, the path won’t be entirely smooth. Therefore, it’s important to adopt the corresponding attitudes and habits in order to increase motivation.

Having the right attitude can simply mean shifting your perspective. Dr. Tsz Lun Chu suggests that we can help motivate ourselves to perform tasks that are low in relatedness and autonomy by framing them in a new light. Great examples of this shift include expressing gratitude for having the opportunity to do something.

Good habits can also dramatically increase our chances of staying motivated. James Clear writes that “motivation is often the result of action, not the cause of it.” When things get tough, we can fall back on habits as basic as waking up at the same time every morning. Often, all we need to do is start a task in order to follow through.

 

More strategies on self-motivation for students

Ultimately, motivation is a feeling that arises from certain behaviors. In my career as a teacher and cofounder of The Spike Lab, I’ve noticed some common strategies that can help students motivate themselves. Use these tips to break through discomfort and become more self-motivated.

 

Have more “why” conversations.

Self-motivated people are willing to assess their motivation. They take an honest, nuanced view and figure out which aspects of their current project they’re motivated to work on and which aspects they aren’t. If your motivation to learn a skill or take a step forward is low, you can help yourself understand the bigger picture.

 

Be intentional and specific with your goals.

Another example from James Clear. Saying that you’ll go for a run tomorrow is one thing, but saying you’ll go for a run tomorrow at 6:00 AM through the Maple St trail is another. People who set the second kind of goal are more likely to follow through.

 

Break goals into subgoals.

Sometimes we lose motivation because we’ve broken off more than we can chew. If a goal seems too big, break it down into a smaller task and set your sights on that.

 

Recruit allies.

Using peers, family, or a coach for support can also be incredibly powerful. These people can hold you accountable and help you when motivation inevitably starts to drop.

 

Practice.

Practice different self-motivation techniques and figure out what’s right for you. In addition to the techniques I’ve mentioned, some people like to reward themselves for completing different goals.

 

Rest.

Don’t forget to rest. You don’t have to burn the candle at both ends all the time. If you have a plan, trust that it will carry you to success. If you know how to manage your time and self-motivate, victory is assured.

 

For parents: How to motivate your child

Just like misconceptions about motivation can damage a student’s ability to self-motivate, healthy involvement from parents can make a big impact for the better. Rather than imposing extrinsic motivation, help your child practice self-motivation. Parents can do this by providing support rather than criticism, and inspiring rather than controlling. One of the best things parents can do is to model the curiosity and wonder that leads us to form new interests and hobbies.

At The Spike Lab, we’ve noticed that strong social connectivity can make a world of difference in a student’s Spike. Students benefit from having a person around them to spark curiosity and provide encouragement.

 

Reprinted with permission from the Spike Lab. The original article can be found here.

 

About Larry Liu and The Spike Lab

 

Larry is an educator and co-founder of The Spike Lab. He was a high school teacher for six years, during which he taught AP Psychology, AP English, IB Physics, Robotics, Game Design, and Special Ed English. He has designed and run student leadership programs in the US, China, Mexico, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. Larry is an expert on growth mindset and founded an education consulting company that coaches school leaders throughout the US.

 

Before The Spike Lab, Larry became an experienced entrepreneurship coach, mentoring the founders of early stage startups through recognized startup accelerator programs like 4.0 Schools, the CUNY Student Accelerator, and The New School’s New Challenge. Larry speaks English and Mandarin fluently and currently lives in Taipei.

 

The Spike Lab is dedicated to helping students across the world find their passions and build a “Spike,” a project that has real-world impact and is uniquely impressive.Our coaches are top college graduates and world-class experts at teaching entrepreneurship. Students work 1-1 with a coach to develop skills to succeed in the modern world, through high school, college, and their careers after.

 

For additional insights, check out:

Do High School Students Need a Focus?

Build A Person, Not A Resume™

6 Steps to Better Grades

How to Help Your Teens Manage Their Time

 

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Rejections hurt. As the last of the colleges release their regular decision acceptances this week, there will be a lot of disappointments felt by students and parents alike. There will be many heartbreaks from dream school rejections, but also many surprises, disappointments, and even anger from rejections that come from schools that we thought were “high likelys.” Students that have worked incredibly hard for the last 4 years may feel that this is the end of the world. But it is important to note that this is a setback, one of many setbacks that are thrown their way in life, that they can overcome towards other achievements in life. 

 

There are plenty of examples of inspiring people who have also been rejected from their dream colleges, but went on to achieve great success. Barak Obama was rejected from Swarthmore, went on to Occidental college, and transferred to Columbia. Science fiction legend Isaac Asimov was rejected from Columbia, and went on to study at the City University of New York, and the rest is history. Supreme court justice Antonin Scalia and comedian Tina Fey were both rejected from Princeton, and this did not stop them from achieving the highest levels of success in their fields.

 

Rejection is a part of life. As painful as it is to watch your child suffer, it is also a learning experience, and an opportunity to grow. In the meanwhile, here are 9 things that parents can do to help your teens move past the let down.

 

 

Let your teen feel the pain

Rather than jumping to solutions and rationalizations, experts recommend that both students and parents take time to let the news sink in, feel the disappointments, and acknowledge those feelings. Time will heal most things, and most teens will rebound from sadness relatively quickly. Let the feelings sink in, mourn for a short period of time, and be ready to move on.

 

They are not alone

Almost every student in their school will have experienced rejections. They are in good company. The acceptance rates have been declining for every selective college, and even for schools that were not historically selective. Unfortunately there are many reasons for this trend beyond your teen’s control - everything from demographics (the number of high school graduates have been increasing and will peak in 2025), the fact that higher % of HS students are applying to college than ever, more students are applying to more schools than ever, to test optional policies that encourage more students to apply to more selective schools. More applications mean more rejections. 

 

This is not personal

Although it is easy to think that universities found something deficient in your specific application, the truth is that every college received too many qualified applicants than they have space for, and had to reject students that would do perfectly well there. Across the board, 2021-2022 applications were up about 13% from 2019-2020 year. UCLA received almost 150,000 applications. The University of Michigan received over 80,000 applications last year. Most Ivies receive over 50,000 applications. There is no way that these schools are actually carefully considering a student’s full application in any meaningful way. The schools cannot possibly know who the student is, what their talents are, and what they truly bring to the campus. This is not about you, the student. It is unfortunately the process.

 

This is NOT about the parents, parents can make it better or worse

Parents are aware that what we hoped and dreamed for our child, is not necessarily what the child wants, or even what is right for the child. Often the rejection hurts us, the parents, more than the child. How we express our disappointment to our children can make this process better or worse. It is important to not project our feelings and help our seniors process their feelings. More often than not, your child’s biggest concern is disappointing you. This is the time to step up and reassure your child that you want what is best for them, and taking risks, even when it involves rejections, is an important part of life, and something they will get more comfortable with over time.

 

Don’t second guess or dwell on What Ifs

There will be many what ifs running through you and your child’s mind. What if he didn’t sign up for that AP course that he bombed. What if she didn’t focus so much on sports. What if we had sent him to a private school. What if we picked a different teacher for recommendations. This will be amplified when you hear that someone with lower grades, or generic extracurricular profile, or no test scores, [feel free to insert],  got accepted into a school that your daughter did not get into. It is impossible to know why one student got in over another. There are so many factors that go into the process that dwelling on this will only make recovering from the rejections that much harder. This is not a perfect process, and your child deserves better than to give such an imperfect process so much weight. 

 

Take time away from social media and friends that makes this harder, and come back when ready

Social media can be difficult during these times. Everyone will be celebrating and posting their schools, and if your child is not yet ready to pick a school and move on, it may make sense to take a break from social media for some time until they are ready to re-engage. Also, it is not unusual for teens to want to avoid a subset of friends that may make this process harder. It is OK to take a break for a few days, and not have to socialize with certain people who may make this process even more painful than it is.

 

Celebrate the acceptances

Do celebrate the schools that have accepted your senior. There is nothing more exhilarating than schools that truly want you to attend their institution and are wooing you. Attend Admitted Student Days, meet lots of students that are excited about these schools, and know that there are schools that are thrilled to have them join their community. 

 

Talk to other parents and older students that have been through it all

So many college students reflect back on their rejection from a particular school and realize in hindsight that the rejection was the best thing that could have happened to them, as where they ended up was the best outcome they could have hoped for. Almost all students move on, and come to love where they end up. There are countless stories like these. 

 

Know that there are other options

There are other options out there, if you and your child feel that none of the schools they have gotten into is quite right, or the worst case scenario happens, and your child does not get accepted into any schools. Believe it or not, there are many colleges that accept students throughout the summer on a rolling basis. Students can attend community college, and transfer (this saves a lot of money!). Students can take a gap year and apply the following year.

 

If you would like to speak to one of our advisors about choosing between colleges, or want to explore other options, please schedule a time with us HERE.

 

 

Check out our upcoming webinar:

 

April 7, 2022 7:00PM EST: Online Webinar

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

 

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There are special scholarships meant solely for students with learning disabilities that you can explore for your child. Below is a list of some popular scholarships for students with disabilities for 2022. For families of Juniors, Sophomore and Freshman, keep the dates in mind for the student’s graduation year.

 

1. American Association on Health and Disability Frederick J. Krause Scholarship 

This scholarship is open to students with any documented disability pursuing either an undergraduate/graduate program. The applicant should be a sophomore at college as of 2022 to apply for the scholarship. Students still in high school will not be considered, except for students at the sophomore level because of high school AP course credits. Students in the field of public health, disabilities, health promotion are given priority. That said, the scholarship is open to all students with a disability as defined by the American with Disabilities Act and must provide documentation to verify this. Applicants must be US citizens or legal residents living in the US. To learn more about this scholarship, visit their website. 

Applications Open: 1 September 2021

Deadline: 1 March 2022

 

2. Anne Ford Scholarship

The Anne Ford Scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship open to all students who have a documented learning disability/ADHD. Students must either be graduating seniors in high school or have attended college over the fall semester of 2021 to apply for the scholarship for 2022. To learn more about this scholarship, visit their website. 

Applications Open: 4 October  2021

Deadline: 10 April 2022

 

3. Allegra Ford Thomas 

The Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship is a $5,000 scholarship open to all students who have a documented learning disability/ADHD. Students must be applying to a two-year community college, a vocational or technical training program, or a specialized program for students with LD and/or ADHD in the fall. In addition, students must be graduating seniors in high school to apply for the scholarship for 2022. To learn more about this scholarship, visit their website. 

Applications Open: 4 October  2021

Deadline: 10 April 2022

 

4. BMO Capital Market Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarship

The BMO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarship is a $10,000USD (students in the US) or $5,000USD (students in Canada) scholarship for students with documented learning disabilities. Applicants must be current undergraduate or graduate students at a four-year university in the United States or Canada. In addition, students interested in this scholarship must be looking into degrees in business, commerce, computer science, engineering, math, physics, statistics, or a related discipline. To learn more about this scholarship, visit their website. Applications Open: 19 November 2021 Application Deadline: 21 March 2022

5. Bottar Law, PLLC Scholarship 

Bottar Law, PLLC provides students with physical or learning disabilities with a $2,500.00 scholarship awarded twice annually to a recent high school graduate. Students must be in good academic standing with a GPA above 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and should prove the need for financial aid. To learn more about this scholarship, visit their website. 

Applications Open: Open

Deadline: 1 December  2021

 

6. Google Lime Scholarship

Google provides $10,000 (USA) and $5,000 (Canada) scholarships for students with learning disabilities interested in computer science. Applicants must be in their first year of college when applying and cannot be in high school. Students are also considered for internship opportunities with Google for summer 2022. To learn more about this scholarship, visit their website. 

Applications Open: Open

Deadline: 12 December  2021

 

7. Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation Scholarship

Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation offers scholarships between $500 to $2,500 to high school or post-high school students applying to undergraduate school, technical school, or community college in the US in fall 2022. Applicants must be pursuing the STEM field and must have a demonstrated learning challenge (disability) of dyslexia or similar reading and/or language-based disability. To learn more about this scholarship, visit their website. 

Applications Open: 1 January 2022

Deadline: 28 February  2022

 

Navigating college with a student with learning differences? Read additional resources below and contact us to learn about how Versee can help:

Colleges with Noteworthy Disability Service

How to Navigate College Admissions for Students with Learning Differences

Free and Inexpensive Tutoring

10 Habits Of Highly Successful College Applicants

 

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Don't miss this weekend extravaganza of classes for middle school students at MIT that is almost free ($40 for the entire weekend).

Spark is a one-weekend program designed to give students the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects. MIT students and community members from the student-run Educational Studies Program teach a variety of classes, from urban orienteering to mathematics to Chinese brush painting and everything in between!

Spark 2022 is a virtual for 7th-8th graders on the weekend of March 12-13. 

Register for classes by March 1st at <https://esp.mit.edu/learnspark22>!

 

At Spark, MIT students and community members will offer over 100 classes, on topics as diverse as:

• Indian Cooking
• CRISPR: The Molecular Scissors
• Planning Like a Pro: Learning to Bullet Journal
• Intro to Quantum Physics

STEM Research Guide for High School (and Middle School) Students

This is the Bible of STEM research for High School students. In one comprehensive document, we provide students with detailed guidance on why, when, and how to conduct research. Includes over 1,000 listings of Research, Internship, Pre-College, Summer, School Year, Enrichment, and Volunteer Programs. Designed for High School and Middle School students looking ahead, this guide includes top programs in every category including Biology & Health Science, Computer Science, Engineering & Robotics, Physics & Astronomy, Math and more.

 

Learn More and Purchase this Guide

 

 

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Summer is just around the corner, and many high school students are starting to figure out what they will be doing over the summer months. We have been receiving many questions from high school families about how best to plan summers that would help with college admissions. We have assembled below 10 things students can do, but before exploring any of these options, it is important for students to take stock of what they are interested in, what their strengths are, and what skills they would like to develop over the summer, and throughout their high school years. 

 

There are many ways for high school students to spend their summers, and their free time in general but the best way to spend that time is to find something that the student can get excited about, want to spend time on, and want to go deeper into. What colleges care most about is that students show curiosity, commitment to an activity, desire to pursue excellence in what they do, and have a meaningful impact (personally and/or to those around them).

 

Students in 9th and 10th grade may be in the exploratory phase, and may want to try different classes, or summer programs, or work on a personal project in the arts, writing, business, or sciences. Some may already have very strong interests, and are gunning for an extremely competitive summer program for their Junior summer, which may entail working backwards and finding ways to strengthen their candidacy in their freshman and sophomore summer to be competitive in their junior summer. 11th graders with a track record of taking specialized courses in the sciences, or business, or the arts, may be ready to apply to the prestigious summer program, or internship, or ready to build an impressive arts portfolio or writing submission for publication. Many students will get a job or volunteer and experience what real life is all about and gain invaluable skills.

 

This is a great time for students to put a list together of all of the activities they are involved in as well as things they would like to try, or do more of. Then they should prioritize that list, to add classes/programs/jobs/etc. that strengthen their top priority activities.

 

1. Participate in specialized pre-college or high school program

There is an incredible array of specialized programs across many college campuses throughout the country. Learn about entrepreneurship at the Berkeley Business Academy. Learn about how countries solve Global Problems at the Yale Young Global Scholars. Learn cutting edge science research through Boston University RISE Internship. Whatever the interest, there is a plethora of programs to choose from. See Most Prestigious Summer Programs and Are Pre-College Summer Programs Worth It? for additional information.

 

2. Get a job, internship, or job-shadowing experience

Colleges truly value job experiences. Whether you work as a cashier at your local grocery store or you created social media marketing campaigns for a startup company, being able to get a job and do well at a job speaks volumes about a student's maturity, interpersonal skills, and motivations. It is also a plus when students have a focus, have some ideas about future career plans, and proactively work to build skills towards those goals. Read Why Summer Jobs and Work Experience Matter When High School Students Apply to College for additional insights.

 

3. Volunteer

Pursuing initiatives or activities for the common good of the community is something that colleges speak of frequently. Students that use time and energy to help those around them, whether it is at a local hospital or nursing home, or through advocacy work on climate change or local elections, college are looking for student leaders that are looking to make a positive impact on those around them. Don’t pursue this to impress colleges, but pick a cause that you care about and let those interests lead the way.

 

4. Take college courses through local community college

Local colleges offer advanced level courses not available in high schools. Motivated students can take advantage of this opportunity to pursue higher level, more specialized courses. Students will also get an opportunity to interact with college students.

 

5. Take online classes

There has been a revolution taking place in online education that has truly accelerated because of Covid-19 pandemic. You can take just about any classes imaginable online now, and many for free. Checkout University MOOCS on platforms such as  Coursera and EdX. Outschool offers thousands of courses on every subject. See Best of Online Learning - University Classes, Best of Online Learning - Coding, and Best of Online Learning - Music and Art.

 

6. Get involved with research

Research is not just for STEM students. Although science research is a great option for students interested in pursuing new frontiers of science with local college professors or through pre-college programs, students can pursue research in social science, linguistics, literature, and the arts. Talk to your teachers about how students can get involved in college level research. Check out Intro to Science Research for some ideas. 

 

7. Work on an independent project

Work on a screenplay or novel. Get together with friends and create a jazz band. Research family genealogy and plan a family reunion. Start a company! Students should not be limited by organized programs when it comes to pursuing their interests. When pursuing something you care about, it does not need to be organized by a third party - it is most impressive to follow your heart to strike on your own (or with others you can recruit). See Entrepreneurship Opportunities for High School Students for additional information.

 

8. Take high school courses to jump ahead, remediate, get requirements out of the way

Perhaps you were not on the honors math track in middle school, but you would like to join the honors track in high school. Perhaps you are struggling in a class, and need to drop a class that needs to be made up in the summer. Perhaps you need to take a health class in the summer so that you can take the 2 full electives you really want during the school year. There are many great reasons to attend summer school!

 

9. Work on college applications, go on campus tours, study for standardized exams

For Juniors, and even sophomores, summer is a great time to study for standardized tests and get started on the college process. Check out Summer Checklist for the Class of 2021 for more information on getting started on the college application.

 

10. Go on family vacation, travel with friends, take a break!

Don’t forget, getting rest, enjoying family time, and recharging for the next school year is just as important as everything stated above. Take a couple of weeks out of the summer to enjoy being with family and friends doing things without a care in the world.

 

For additional insights, read:

Most Prestigious Summer Program

Are Pre-College Summer Programs Worth It?

High School Extracurriculars that Matter for College Admissions

2021 List of Summer Pre-College Programs

 

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A college deferral means that a student’s application decision is “deferred” to a later date. There are two instances during the admissions process where students’ applications get deferred. 

 

1. Applications get deferred during the Early Action and Early Decision cycles. These cycles take place earlier than the Regular Decision cycles, with decisions being released around December/January. Students who are deferred get notified that their application’s decision will now be made with the Regular Decision cycle, receiving a decision in March/April. Students who applied to the college through an Early Decision cycle will no longer be in a binding agreement with the college, even if they do get in finally.

2. Applications can also get deferred during the Regular Decision process. Students are notified in March or April that the college has taken a look at the students’ application and requires additional information to come to a decision. This type of derral is less common as the first, and not all colleges might defer during the Regular Decision cycle. With this instance at hand, it is important to differentiate between a deferral and a waitlist. A deferral means that the college requires more time to look at the student’s application and make a decision on it. On the other hand, with a waitlist, the review of a student's application is complete, and the college will offer the student a spot depending on availability. 

 

It is also important to note that these two deferrals are different from a third type of deferral: deferred admissions. In this case, colleges defer students’ admission to the next year. Getting deferred to the following year means that the students are accepted into the college, but their acceptance is for the following academic year. Colleges might also defer students to the spring semester instead of the fall semester, when students usually begin. However, this is very different from the type of deferral that we are addressing in this blog, which is focused on the first two types mentioned.  

 

Why do colleges defer?

Sometimes colleges defer during the earlier rounds because they want to see applicants in the regular cycle to build a more rounded student body. However, given that they still find a student’s application noteworthy, they defer the decision on the application until they have seen the rest of the applicants.

Other times, deferrals might occur as the college is looking to see some more information regarding the student. For example, they might be interested in the students’ final grades during senior year, or if they carry through on some things mentioned in their application essay. This gives students an opportunity to take initiative and strengthen the application, turning their deferral into an acceptance. 

 

How to increase the chances of getting accepted:

1. Write to the college

The first thing to do after getting deferred is to reach out to the college and establish where your application stands with them. Ask them if there is anything particular they would like you to do with the application. Follow through on any expectations and establish your continued interest in the college.

2. Strengthen your application 

Use this time to get involved in activities and clubs and build on your resume. In addition, focus and work on your academics and aim for the best grades, which you will have to send across to the college.

3. Ask for another recommendation

Asking for another recommendation outside of the ones you have already submitted can help strengthen your application and have a new voice vouch for you as an applicant. Reach out to this person as soon as you have gotten your deferral so that they have enough time to write you a comprehensive and well thought out recommendation.

4. Be Open 

While taking these steps to get into a college after a deferral, also be open to the chance of not getting in. Do not fret too much, and make a decision to enroll in another college that you have been accepted into. There are many great colleges out there, and almost everyone that has experienced deferrals have ultimately been incredibly happy to go to one of the schools that have accepted them.

 

If you are interested in speaking to a Versed Advisor about a deferral, or other aspects of the college admissions journey, please schedule a free consultation HERE.

 

For additional Insights, read:

Which Colleges Give Out the Most Merit Aid?

10 Habits Of Highly Successful College Applicants

College Acceptances Are In But Still Undecided? How to Help Your Senior Decide Which College to Choose

Navigating The College Waitlist

 

 

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When applying to colleges, families with students with learning disabilities should research what type of accommodations are offered at the institutions to support their education. Some prominent features of what disability services in colleges look like include extended time on exams, use of laptops and calculators for exams, permission to take exams separately and in a more quiet environment, permission to record lectures as well as access to notetakers and scribes, and access to material in different formats, such as braille, audio recordings, or larger prints. To learn more about the types of accommodations a few well-known colleges in the United States offer, we have curated a list below. This will allow you to understand the different programs offered at a university level for students with disabilities. 

 

1. American University 

American University offers first-year students an intensive program called Learning Services Program (LSP). In this program, 

• Students meet weekly with a learning counselor
• They have reserved sections in writing classes
• They are offered individualized course selection 
• They meet weekly with a writing coach for that course, who is an upperclassman at the college.
• Students can continue to receive support even post their first year.

 

2. Drexel University

Drexel University offers its current students the Drexel Autism Support Program (DASP) to help them with their academic and social skills. In this program, 

• Students get one-on-one peer mentoring and coaching.
• A 1.5 credit course on Neurodiversity is offered to assist students with the transition to college and employment.
• Students are offered specialized workshops on employment skills, social development, and success at college and work. 
• Students have a campus advisory board focused on community engagement and ongoing partnerships with other Drexel units, local employers, and educational institutions.

 

3. Hofstra College

Hofstra University offers its students with ADHD/learning disabilities the Program for Academic Learning Skills (PALS) In this program, 

• Students are paired up to meet individually with an experienced learning specialist weekly. 
• Students are also eligible for reasonable accommodations through Student Access Services. These include extended time on examinations, testing in smaller environments, and supplemental note-taking services. 

 

4. Marist University 

Marist provided students with the Learning Disabilities Support Program. In this program, 

• Each first-year student is paired with a learning specialist. Students meet with the specialist twice a week for learning, organization, and study skills. 
• Students may still get individual support after the first year.  
• Students build closer relations with all professors.

 

5. Marshall University 

The college provides a Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In this program, 

• Students' personal lives and their social, communication, and academic skills are assessed through person-centered planning. 
• Multi-sensory methods of teaching
• One on one academic tutoring
• Coaching in test preparation strategies
• Use of scribes and oral testing when needed

 

6. Northeastern University 

Northeastern University provides a comprehensive Learning Disabilities Program (LDP) for its students. In this program, 

• Students work with a learning specialist for one hour, twice a week. Students learn to work through test strategies, reading, writing, and executive functioning, amongst other skills.

 

The colleges listed above are amongst some well known colleges that have comprehensive disability service programs. While these might be the best six, there are a host of other colleges across the United States that offer special programs for students with disabilities. Some other lesser known colleges with comprehensive disability service programs include: 

 

Mitchell College

Ramapo College of New Jersey 

Wright State University

Curry College

Lesley University

Augsburg University 

DePaul University 

Beacon College

Lynn University 

Landmark College

 

While these colleges are examples of some of the better disability service programs, mostly all colleges have some sort of program to support students with learning disabilities. A quick google search of the college will yield information. The purpose of this blog is to show how some of these programs might look, and how colleges might differ from one another in how committed they are to supporting students with learning disabilities. 

 

If you would like to learn more about how Versed Advisors can help your student with their unique situation, please book a free consultation to learn more about us HERE.

 

For additional insights, read:

How to Navigate College Admissions for Students with Learning Differences

10 Learning Traits that Drive Academic Outcomes

 

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Finding the “right-fit” college can be a challenging process for any student and their family. Students with learning differences often face additional challenges as they have specific needs that schools need to accommodate. So, what can these students and parents do to find the right environment where they can thrive? 

 

1. Find colleges that work best for your student

Depending on the type and range of a particular learning difference or disability, some students may do well at any college, but others may need specific services and accommodations that may not be offered by all colleges. So, the first step is to research different colleges your student might be interested in to see whether they are equipped to provide specific services relevant to your child. Then, take a look at what their accommodation options are. Do they meet the needs of your student?

Some standard accommodations provided by colleges include 

• Extended time on exams
• Use of laptops and calculators for exams
• Permission to take exams separately and in a more quiet environment 
• Permission to record lectures
• Access to notetakers and scribes
• Access to material in different formats, such as braille, audio recordings, or larger prints

To learn more about the types of accommodations a few of the leading colleges in the United States offer, visit our blog Colleges with Noteworthy Disability Services (coming next week!). This will allow you to understand the different programs offered at a university level for students with learning differences or disabilities. Additionally, you can find a host of information about support programs on the college websites themselves.

Sometimes, you might need to go a step further and call, and talk to someone in the college’s disability services. Have a list of questions ready for them and cover all essential points to see if the institution’s environment is right for your student to thrive in. Parents should be aware that disability services at college are a separate department and will not talk to the admissions office. Talk to them about your student and any concerns you might have freely — they do not speak to the admissions team, and anything you discuss will not be considered during the admissions process. 

 

2. Deciding whether to disclose learning differences and disabilities

Students and parents have to contend with whether or not they should disclose learning differences or disabilities in the college application. This depends largely on the extent of the disability and how much accommodation is needed. In some instances, parents may find that a minor accommodation might allow the student to perform at the same level as everyone else. In these cases, the disability is irrelevant to the admissions process and the families will choose not to disclose it. However, if the student requires substantial accommodation, or the student’s academic record needs explanation, it is best to disclose it. Disclosing and discussing the disability allows admission teams to better understand grades, extracurricular involvement, and other aspects of a student’s application. In some cases, you have no choice to disclose it – if the student has a significant dip in grades, it would call for an explanation.

Many Families fear that colleges might turn away a student with a learning disability, and that may be possible if the school determines that the student will not likely thrive in that environment and the school cannot provide the accommodation that the student needs. This decision can be a difficult call for families. However, students should not apply to and attend a school where they will not thrive and graduate. Families should research services at each college thoroughly and assess whether the student can be successful in that environment. 

 

3. Apply for accommodations for standardized testing

During the admissions process, most colleges ask for standardized testing, such as the SAT and ACT. Students can apply for accommodations. They can ask for extra time and breaks, or access to computers and better calculators. Make use of this option, both here and whenever possible elsewhere as well.

 

4. Have paperwork done

Unlike in high school, colleges are not legally obliged to have free accommodation plans for students with learning disabilities. However, due to the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar regulations, colleges make sure that resources and practices guarantee equal access without discrimination to students with learning differences.

So, how do you get accommodations for students in college? While applying to college, be in close touch with your highschool counsellor in helping the student document their disability and what accommodations they have received during their high school years. You will need this to make a case with the Disability Services Office at the colleges of your interest. Make sure that your disability is legally documented and you have medical proof of diagnosis.

Most colleges do not require legal paperwork to be done while applying for college. Upon acceptance, colleges traditionally make available a form to apply for accommodations and register with the DSO. Students can do this at any point after getting into the college, but should aim to register before college begins. When registering, students will have to meet with the DSO, where they will have to make a case for their disability and what accomodation they might require. This is where information put together by the student, parent, and counselor becomes important to have at hand in addition to proof of diagnosis.  

 

 

After getting into college: 

 

5. Check for scholarships that might support your student

There are many scholarships available to support the college education of students with learning disabilities. Some are offered by colleges themselves and some are from outside organizations. Research these different options to help support your student financially. Higher tuition rates can often interfere with applying to specific colleges that might look more expensive. However, it is possible that these same colleges might have a better range of accommodations. Therefore, looking for scholarships will help students consider a more extensive set of colleges during the admissions process. Getting a scholarship will also help reduce any financial burden your student might feel during their college years, and they can focus on their education as a priority. 

 

6. Help use these years to prepare your student for a new environment 

Students will step out of the comfort of home life and enter a new landscape when they start college. This time of their life at college usually calls for students to become more independent and navigate life on their own. While your student might have had your support at home, prepare them to face the world on their own. What are some ways you can support them right now?

Encourage and find ways to help your student build self advocacy skills. Helping students to advocate for themselves will build their confidence to navigate college independently. It will also help them build communication and networking skills with their peers, professors, and college administration. Building connections is vital for their progress in college. It will allow faculty and peers they work with to understand them as individuals. They will feel more at home knowing that there are people looking out for them.

 

In the end, the goal is to find the right fit school where the student can succeed and thrive. If this means finding a school with extensive accommodations, make this the priority over applying and trying to get into the most competitive schools. 

 

 

For additional insights, join our webinar on January 18th, where Lynda Kommel Browne, will share with Versed families, her recent interviews with the Disability Services Offices of over 30 colleges, on how families can support their students in choosing the right-fit college, accessing disability services in college, and positioning the student for success in the college admissions process.

January 18, 2022 7:00PM EST: Online Webinar

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While working through the college admissions process, students need to demonstrate an interest in their prospective colleges. Most schools pay attention to whether students have made an effort to engage with their institution beforehand. Few colleges may genuinely not consider this, but most schools do take note of students’ interest in their school. Even if a college states indifference to demonstrated interest, it is better to be safe. There is no harm in showing interest in a college by following a few easy steps. Below are some things students can consider doing to fulfill “demonstrated interest”. 

 

1. Connect with the college on social media 

Colleges have different accounts and pages on various social media platforms. Following these accounts is a great way to stay updated on what is going on at the college. Along with demonstrating the student’s interest, this information is also valuable in helping students build on their profiles and essays during their application process in showing why they like the institution. This is an easy step for students and does not require much effort or planning. 

 

2. Attend college fairs

Colleges hold events with college representatives across the United States and even in select cities internationally. In the US, representatives usually visit high schools or nearby locations. If you know that a college your student is interested in is coming close to your hometown, encourage them to attend the college fair. They should put their names down on any lists at the fair. Additionally, the student should introduce themselves and talk to the representatives. They can ask them questions about the college - for example, they can ask about the student life on campus or the academic department they are interested in. They can even follow up with an email so that the representative can put a name to the face. It is important to note that while such events might have decreased in number after the pandemic, they are still taking place and may increase in number over the coming year. Once again, these are simple things that don't take a lot of effort. 

 

3. Visit the campus

Prior to the Covid pandemic, campus visit was viewed by admissions committees as one of the strongest indicators of interest. Since the start of the Covid pandemic, most campus visits have been eliminated or curtailed, and primarily reduced to virtual tours. Definitely participate in the virtual tours, but if you have the time and it is not a huge sacrifice to go walk around the campus in person, do make the trip as it is something students can bring up when they write their fit essays. 

 

4. Attend college summer camps (only if you are genuinely interested in the summer program)

Many colleges offer summer camps for prospective students who might want a taste of what their education and student life might be like. Check the college’s website to see if this is something that they offer. Taking these programs will help emphasize your interest in the college. When the student applies to the college later, they can talk about their experience at the summer program and how that experience has affirmed their interest in the school. However, attending these summer camps require time, effort and can be expensive (although virtual options make them far more accessible these days). Students should only consider this option if they are genuinely interested in what the summer program has to offer. Just attending the summer program alone will not help with admission.

 

5. Build your case in your college essay 

Many colleges have an additional essay as a part of the application asking the student why they might be interested in attending their institution. In some cases, these are optional. However, students should use this essay to demonstrate interest - not taking advantage of this essay would send the opposite message. Students can talk about what they have done to engage with the college so far. They should emphasize how what the school offers align with what the student wants to study and pursue on a personal level.  This essay is a chance for students to convey things that are unique to them and the college beyond typical talking points on a college brochure. For example, they might want to talk about a particular course, professor, or club. Whatever it is, they should have done some research, spoken to students and faculty, and seen how the college aligns with their interests. This interest and accompanying research should be clear in the essay. 

 

6. Apply early 

Students should apply Early Action/ Early Decision to prospective colleges they are interested in. In particular, the Early Decision binding application shows colleges that they are indeed the number one choice for the student. Hence, ED/EA admissions rates are higher than regular cycles. Read When Should Students Consider Applying Early Action/Early Decision? and Everything You Need to Know About ED2 (Early Decision II) for more information.

 

At the end of the day, students should be personal and genuine in their approach to showing interest in their prospective colleges. Since the student is applying to the college, it is a given that they are interested in going there. The goal is to communicate this interest to the college as well. There is nothing to lose in taking the easy steps mentioned above - it isn't too time consuming, and it's relatively easy to do. 

 

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Should Students Disclose their Major on the College Application? If So, Does Choosing a Less Popular Major Help in Admissions?

High School Extracurriculars that Matter for College Admissions

Gender and the College Admissions Process

 

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