3 Keys to Success at SUNY Cobleskill, Before You Get Here
- Have an educational goal
You should be able to verbalize what you want to achieve through your experiences
at Cobleskill. Develop a plan for accomplishing your goals.
- Know what your disability is and know how it affects your learning style.
Develop strategies to cope with your disAbility. Be prepared to discuss it.
- You must push yourself to do well in high school, spend time on homework and challenge
yourself with higher levels of math.
Why? High school performance is a strong determinant in attaining a college degree.
- 86% of high school students with an average of C or lower never attain a college degree
(either 2 or 4-year).
- Time invested in homework strongly predicts success in college. 50% of students who
do more than 10 hours of homework per week will attain a 4-year degree.
- The higher the level of math you complete in high school, the better your chances
of earning a college degree. Over 39% of students who complete Algebra II in high
school will go on to complete a 4-year degree. Less than 8 % of high school students,
who stop after Algebra I, will ever complete a 4-year degree.
- Take a foreign language in high school, colleges do not exempt students from foreign
language requirements.
All statistical information was taken from J. Rosenbaum’s article, “What You Need
to Do in High School If You Want to Graduate from College”, in the Spring 2004 issue
of the American Educator.
3 Keys to Success at SUNY Cobleskill
- Know your strengths and weaknesses
Build on your strengths and learn to compensate for your weaknesses. All college degrees
require a proficiency in reading, writing and math. If these are areas of weakness,
you may consider taking courses prior to coming to Cobleskill in order to improve
and strengthen your basic skills.
- Become familiar with all technology BEFORE you get to college
Computer programs such as voice recognition software, scan-read and writing software
are all technology that can help a student keep up. These technologies must be part
of your learning style BEFORE you arrive at college. Trying to learn and adapt to
new technology, while at the same time, trying to keep up with and learn course content
is not possible for many students.
- Premier Assistive Technology
- Inspiration 9
- Bookshare
- Ginger Software
- LiveScribe Smart Pen
- Attending college must be your choice
The most successful college students with disAbilities are those who have high motivation,
a good understanding of their particular strengths and weaknesses, and a strong work
ethic. You must understand that it may be harder and take more time to manage college-level
work. You must be committed to spending that extra time on studying and request and
use appropriate accommodations when needed.
- Don't be afraid to seek out assistance
Ask for help before you feel overwhelmed. Natural instincts are to withdraw when things
get overwhelming. Don't! Help is available, you just need to ask. Take charge of your
education; be proactive.
- Make friends
Get to know your classmates. Form study groups, share notes and ideas. Help each other
learn and succeed.
- Consider a reduced work load at least for your first semester
Many students with disabilities spread their course-work over five or even six semesters
instead of four.