Let’s be real—college can be tough. A college degree can be the difference between landing a

job that you’re settling for and landing the career of your dreams.

While entering college is an exciting time, for some students with learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, or other challenges, it can also be overwhelming. The good news is that colleges and universities offer accommodations to ensure that every student has the support they need to succeed. One key to accessing these accommodations is through a psycho-educational evaluation.

Here is everything you need to know about how psycho-educational testing can help students get the accommodations they deserve:

Psycho-educational testing and evaluation is a cumulative process that is administered by an educated professional. The evaluation consists of a student’s learning and/or development and identifies both the strengths and weaknesses of the student. The main goal is to enhance the student’s skill sets and abilities to help the student be as successful both academically and socially as possible.

These tests can help evaluate students and assist in their preparation for higher education by identifying the ways they learn the best. Without this knowledge, it can be quite difficult for the student in college. With these tools, students can deeply comprehend how their brains work, which makes the learning process more enjoyable and doable. The results can pave the path to receiving the necessary accommodations for the student based on their unique needs.

How Psycho-Educational Testing Helps Get the Accommodations You Need

Psycho-educational testing can greatly improve the personal and academic careers of students with disabilities and learning difficulties. The results reveal the specific accommodations they need to thrive in a school setting—and in life.

Here is how psycho-educational testing helps get the accommodations college students need:

**Identifying hidden superpowers—or struggles**

If you are consistently putting in the effort and constantly feeling like you are falling behind, this may be a sign you need accommodations. Psycho-educational evals identify learning disabilities such as the following:

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Dyslexia
And more

These learning disabilities and mental health struggles can put a blockade between the student and the information. The results of these pivotal evaluations can help students—and parents and teachers—understand how your unique brain functions, and what it needs to function more efficiently in a school setting.

Identifies Your Unique Learning Needs

The evaluation provides a thorough analysis of your strengths and areas of difficulty. This detailed understanding is crucial because college accommodations are tailored to your specific needs. For example, if the evaluation identifies that you have a reading disability, you might be granted access to audio books or text-to-speech software. If processing speed is a challenge, extended time on tests might be recommended.

Helps You Access a Range of Accommodations

Customized accommodations are an academic game-changer. Once you have completed the tests, you have your very own treasure map to academic success. The results assist professionals in creating an accommodation plan that is designed with you in mind.

You no longer have to experience distress and frustration in class when you take tests. You will be provided with the accommodations you need to have an optimal college experience whilst gaining a wonderful education.

Here are the most common academic accommodations, to name a few:

Extended Time on Tests: Additional time (often 1.5x or 2x) for taking exams, which can be crucial for students with processing speed issues, ADHD, or anxiety.

Quiet Testing Environment: Access to a reduced-distraction or private room for taking exams, beneficial for students with attention difficulties or anxiety.

Note-taking Assistance: Access to class notes, either through a peer note-taker or via lecture recording, to support students with difficulties in processing or writing.

Use of Assistive Technology: Tools such as speech-to-text software, text-to-speech readers, or audio-recording devices to assist with reading, writing, and note-taking.

Alternative Format for Course Materials: Access to textbooks and other course materials in accessible formats like large print, Braille, or digital text-to-speech files for students with visual impairments or learning disabilities.

Preferential Seating: Choosing a seat at the front or side of the classroom to minimize distractions and enhance focus for students with ADHD or anxiety.

Alternative Testing Formats: Options like oral exams, multiple-choice instead of essay questions, or breaking tests into smaller segments for students with specific learning disabilities.

Reduced Course Load: Permission to take a lighter course load without penalty, which can help students manage the demands of college more effectively.

Flexibility with Attendance Policies: Modifications to attendance requirements, allowing for a limited number of absences without penalty, which can support students with chronic health conditions, anxiety, or depression.

Assignment Extensions: Extra time to complete assignments, projects, or essays, aiding students who struggle with executive functioning or have fluctuating health conditions.

Access to Tutoring or Academic Coaching: Specialized academic support services, including tutoring, study skills coaching, or organizational assistance.

Substitute Oral Presentations: Allowing written reports or recorded presentations instead of live oral presentations for students with social anxiety or communication disorders.

Meeting College Accommodation Requirements

In order to receive the academic accommodations in college you may require, it is imperative to understand you must meet certain criteria to qualify. Your psycho-educational testing report will become your new best friend in proving you need these accommodations.

This golden ticket shows what accommodations are essential to you in addition to why they are necessary. You can submit this report to the college’s disability services office and start receiving the academic accommodations you need as soon as possible.

Self-Advocacy Saves Lives

Instead of waiting until the last minute—or simply doing nothing at all—being your own self-advocate can save and change your life. Having the psycho-educational evaluation conducted can provide you with the confidence you need to succeed in college. This data backs up your specific brain function and needs the way nothing else can.

You are armed with the information you need to explain to professors and additional school professionals why certain accommodations are essential to your success in college. Learning to advocate on your own behalf is incredibly empowering and will follow you well beyond your college years.

How to Get Started with a Psychoeducational Evaluation

If you think you might benefit from accommodations in college, the first step is to get a psychoeducational evaluation. Here’s how to get started:

Talk to Your School: If you're still in high school, speak to your school counselor or special education department. They might be able to provide or recommend an evaluation.
Seek a Licensed Professional: If you're out of high school, contact a licensed psychologist or a center specializing in educational assessments. They will guide you through the evaluation process and help interpret the results.
Submit the Documentation to Your College: Once you have the evaluation report, contact your college's disability services office. They will review the documentation and work with you to identify suitable accommodations.

Empower Your Future Beyond College

Psycho-educational testing benefits far surpass college life and age. These results offer you reprieve through the rest of your adult life and into retirement. The insights you receive from the data help you learn about yourself, including your strengths and weaknesses.

The information is vital to your success as you navigate through the world. Knowing who you are and how you function is the key to your personal success and enjoyment in life.

Bottom Line

If college feels like a constant uphill battle, it’s okay to hit pause and seek help. Psycho-educational testing can shine a light on challenges that have been hidden, and more importantly, it can lead to accommodations that empower you to do your best. Don’t struggle in silence—reach out, get tested, unlock your potential, and get the accommodations that will help you soar to new heights.

The Mind Center, LLC is a thought leadership mental health brand dedicated to helping parents, their kids, and the schools they attend. At The Mind Center LLC, we specialize in psycho-educational evaluations and offer a range of services to support children. Contact us today.