New to College or Diagnosis

New to College? College at U-M is different from high school, especially for students with chronic conditions and/or disabilities. The key difference between high school and college is that you are responsible for what you do and don’t do, as well as for the consequences of your decisions.

  1. Grades:  U-M is more competitive because professors have higher expectations and students are better prepared ; you'll have more work with quicker, less flexible deadlines; your grades may be based on fewer (but longer) tests and papers, which each cover more material.
  2. How you learn: Note-taking and reading comprehension are more important here; materials may be assigned and included in tests but not taught in class, so you are expected to learn course material outside of class; higher level skills such as critical thinking are emphasized.
  3. Support: Relationships with instructors/professors are more impersonal so you need to take initiative; no one monitors homework completion, and no one checks in on how you're doing; that said, campus supports do exist to help you succeed here, but you need to take initiative
  4. Graduation requirements are complex and change  You are expected to know how those that apply to you. Luckily, academic advisors will help you choose your path through the U.
  5. Distractions: So much to do, so little time! Almost anything you want to do is available at U-M.  Especially if you live in a residence hall, 24/7 activities and noise can distract you from your priorities.
  6. Self-management: You spend only 12-16 hours/week in class, and you may have hours between classes -- what will you do with your time? You need to manage it to meet deadlines, balance priorities, get enough sleep, etc., which can be a challenge for any student, and even more for students with chronic conditions and/or disabilities. 
  7. Cost: The cost of college is a significant investment. Students with chronic conditions and/or disabilities may want to purchase the Tuition Refund Plan to protect that investment.
  8. Accommodations: In high schools, students with disabilities are entitled to accommodations, and high schools are responsible to find, assess and remediate disabling conditions. Not so in college. For more see Accommodations.

New Diagnosis?

Maybe you expected the diagnosis, or maybe it's a shock. No matter how you receive a new diagnosis, it's common to want information and want to connect with others who are affected, and to have significant feelings about it. NEED MORE CONTENT