When deciding to go to college, have a career goal. It can be exciting to apply to colleges and hope for acceptance, but can you reach your chosen job? It is helpful to choose your job, and then work backwards. Do you want to be a vet, engineer, or dentist? If you enter college without a plan, you could be on track for a 7-year unfinished degree. The average graduation rate from an Arkansas college is around 50%, and that is without the difficulties associated with ADHD. Be careful about committing that time and money until you have an idea about your career selection.
- Choose your profession and find a college that fits your needs. It is important to find a person-environment fit. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Be honest and have realistic options.
- Make contact with the disability resource center. Each campus has one (access and accommodations, disability services, etc.) and their role is very important in helping remove barriers to your education.
- Consider supports outside of the university. Are you going to school with friends, will you live close enough to home for your parents to help manage your educational stressors, and can you get assistance from family or friends with other daily routines?
According to Daniel Wysocki Ed.S., a counselor based in Jonesboro, AR, taking the time to address the challenges faced by students with ADHD is a crucial first step towards achieving success in college. Often, students who enter college are overwhelmed and suddenly become aware of their difficulties with planning, structure, and initiating tasks. This unstructured college routine can quickly expose these previously unknown challenges and it may be helpful to rely on some of these essential ADHD tools.
To help students overcome these obstacles, it’s important to have a strong support network in place. Family and friends can provide valuable assistance, as can seeking supportive counseling. By working together, students can develop effective strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms and navigating the demands of college life, ultimately leading to greater success and achievement. You should go to college, if your career choice aligns with a university education. There are high paying trade jobs, and a number of other options available. Review all your options, make a best fit decision, and find something that can help you have a fulfilling life. The most important part is to decide, find supports, move toward a goal, and have pride in that decision.
