Tennessee-based best school environment, supportive teachers, accommodations, support…
Cost Constraints / Budget
None
Intended Major(s) Undecided
GPA, Rank, and Test Scores
3.0 GPA, 24 ACT
Schools
MTSU
Tennessee Tech
University of Chattanooga
???
I have one kid with Dys/ADHD and another with slow processing. I’d carefully look at class sizes. S23 is fine in large classes (Dys/AHDH) but D22 (the one with slow processing) has said she would have really struggled with bigger classes. Her classes were about 20 students in lower level classes, and now there are even fewer. She also feels that a smaller campus was beneficial, but that may just be her. Tennessee Tech looks like it has very small class sizes. It might be worth a look. A quick look at their website shows a Success Series for Freshmen that looks great. It’s nice when a school recognizes everyone can use those services.
The slow processing piece is tough. Teachers understand extended time on tests and ADHD/Dys. accommodations, but it is hard to wrap their heads around the idea that extra time on a test won’t solve the issue. It’s the supports they supply in class and online (copies of notes and slides, taped lectures, etc.) that will help a student “keep up” so they are ready to actually take the test. Smaller classes allow teachers to know their students personally, check in during discussion, and gauge if students are getting it.
We found that the schools that were the most willing to talk to us before we applied were also the most helpful after we were accepted.
If you haven’t yet, really start working on self-advocacy. Both of my kids are strong advocates, and it makes a huge difference.
I think you need to ask each school about support, etc. and what is required to get it.
You might add ETSU, UT Martin, and UT-Southern which will be smallest.
Since you have no cost issues, how about U of Arizona (SALT), Hofstra, Marist - and others known for support.
No matter what - ensure you discuss at length schools supports.
Good luck.