OP - If your daughter is not African-American, then she would be a minority at Howard University and probably not have a very typical college experience. I know Lyola is a very well regarded school in or near Baltimore, MD. Catholic colleges no longer have any rules on church attendance, though there maybe some which require a couple of theology classes - but usually drawing from a diverse student population in most cases, there is a wide range of interesting class options to choose from across many religious dimensions.

- I think it is very important for you to start your search early and to look at the campus in terms of her mobility needs on campus. Given the winter even the mid-atlantic region experienced last season, you will need to clearly ask about any accommodations she might need in bad weather.

- Get clear information on what the dorm options are for freshman students, since often they can be the worse dorms. And, if your daughter's disability means that she does need a first floor room, a dorm with AC you need to know which have these options and put in a specific written request for any lottery to have these special options for her.

- Also be sure you get clear and specific information - for each college - on the kinds of testing and information needed to qualify for services from the Office of Disabilities as there is no one set rule on what colleges might expect OR on the timing of recent testing.

You are correct that a smaller college will be the best fit for her and I would aim for one with a diverse population.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you decide money is no object and you can handle medical needs on the road, look at Landmark and High Point.

Op here,
She was never diagnosed with a LD, so Landmark is not a good fit. I'd rather have DD stay with her current physician as she has seen him her entire life and will until 21. I think she has some sensory and slight processing issues, depending on the subject matter, but she just learns best in an intimate environment.

OK, where is current physician?

Anonymous wrote:If you decide money is no object and you can handle medical needs on the road, look at Landmark and High Point.

Op here,
She was never diagnosed with a LD, so Landmark is not a good fit. I'd rather have DD stay with her current physician as she has seen him her entire life and will until 21. I think she has some sensory and slight processing issues, depending on the subject matter, but she just learns best in an intimate environment.

If you decide money is no object and you can handle medical needs on the road, look at Landmark and High Point.

Anonymous wrote:How are the Catholic colleges for a not so religious person? It's a struggle to get her to go to church now.

I am a Jewish girl who went to Catholic U for her undergrad I was just fine.

Very frequently Eliot Appelstein (Best Four Years) has a free or low cost ($5 donation) seminar for planning college for kids with disabilities. He is very knowledgeable and gave us invaluable advise on college planning and selection at one of his free seminars. Check out his website.

Anonymous wrote:My DD is ending her junior year very soon and her college list consists of a couple of schools. She's a smart girl who loves watching basketball and definitely takes pride on being nerdy and doing her own thing. Right now she has a part time job at a fast food restaurant and she's in National Honor Society. She's had a few other memberships in academic related clubs. Her stats are a bit low, 23 ACT, 1490 total SAT. 3.3 GPA with honors and AP courses. She has cerebral palsy which contributes to her inability to focus as she should. Her first choice is Howard, which is a great school, but I'm concerned about fit. I think she will do better at a college with less distractions and students like herself(introverted, quirky, intelligent, and slightly sports loving). DD's medical treatment will restrict her to schools between Philadelphia and DC. Any suggestions?

Talk to the folks at Howard. Every university has a learning center for kids who need reasonable accommodations. It either comes under IDEA or ADA. Start with the website first.

How are the Catholic colleges for a not so religious person? It's a struggle to get her to go to church now.

In what state do you have residency?

Virginia State University. Also an HBCU. Smaller than Howard a more personal touch.

Maybe you could consult with somebody that deals with this ...

http://basseducationalservices.com

We are in Maryland, the counselor says that Howard is a good fit for her and a good school. I feel like she's not getting the attention she needs because she's a middle of the road kid. But I didn't attend college, so I am not too familiar with the process.

I don't know which school your DD attends, but in Fairfax, there is a Transisions person who is supposed to help with htese types of things. Have you talked with her yet?

Susquehanna University (PA)
Loyola University Maryland
University of Mary Washington
St. Joseph's University & LaSalle University
Washington College (MD)
McDaniel College (MD)

All small, decent schools.

My DD is ending her junior year very soon and her college list consists of a couple of schools. She's a smart girl who loves watching basketball and definitely takes pride on being nerdy and doing her own thing. Right now she has a part time job at a fast food restaurant and she's in National Honor Society. She's had a few other memberships in academic related clubs. Her stats are a bit low, 23 ACT, 1490 total SAT. 3.3 GPA with honors and AP courses. She has cerebral palsy which contributes to her inability to focus as she should. Her first choice is Howard, which is a great school, but I'm concerned about fit. I think she will do better at a college with less distractions and students like herself(introverted, quirky, intelligent, and slightly sports loving). DD's medical treatment will restrict her to schools between Philadelphia and DC. Any suggestions?