Many families wonder whether having a 504 Plan in high school will impact the college admissions process. Parents and students often ask: Do admissions officers see that a student had accommodations? Will colleges think differently about an applicant with a learning disability or ADHD?
The short answer is no. Having a 504 Plan does not negatively affect college admission decisions. Colleges are legally required to provide equal access to education, and admissions officers review applications based on merit, potential, and overall fit. However, while a 504 Plan itself won’t appear on transcripts or directly influence admission outcomes, there are important considerations about documentation, support services, and long-term academic success that families should understand.
This blog will break down everything you need to know about how 504 Plans, IEPs, and accommodations intersect with college admissions, as well as what steps families can take to ensure students thrive at the college level.
What Is a 504 Plan?
A 504 Plan is a kind of plan created under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This civil rights law requires that eligible students with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit major life activities receive necessary accommodations to ensure equal access to education.
Unlike an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a 504 Plan does not change what a student is expected to learn. Instead, it provides accommodations such as:
Extra Time on Assignments and Tests
Many students with ADHD or a learning disability benefit from additional time to demonstrate their knowledge without being limited by processing speed.
Preferential Seating or Modified Class Environment
Seating changes or reduced distractions can make learning more accessible.
Adjusted Note-Taking and Organization Support
A substitute form of support, such as teacher-provided notes or permission to use technology, may be offered.
The array of factors included in a student’s 504 Plan is designed to remove barriers without altering the curriculum itself.
Do Colleges See a 504 Plan During Admissions?
One of the biggest concerns among applicants is whether a 504 Plan appears as part of the admissions process. The reality is that admissions officers do not see a student’s 504 Plan. It is not included in transcripts, official grade rolls, or college applications.
Colleges evaluate applicants based on coursework, grades, extracurricular involvement, essays, recommendations, and standardized test scores. A 504 Plan is not part of the admissions process and is not disclosed unless the student chooses to discuss it.
Should Students Mention a 504 Plan in Applications?
Some students wonder if they should write about their learning differences or ADHD in a personal statement or supplemental essay. Disclosure is entirely optional.
If a student’s experience with accommodations has shaped resilience, problem-solving, or leadership skills, it may be a powerful essay topic. However, families should remember that disclosure is not required, and admissions offices will evaluate students without knowledge of a 504 Plan unless the student chooses to share.
School counselors can provide helpful advice about whether disclosure fits into the broader college application narrative.
Does a 504 Plan Continue in College?
While 504 Plans don’t affect admission decisions, they are important for what happens next. To access disability services at the college level, students must provide proper documentation of their disability.
Colleges generally require recent testing, medical reports, or evaluations that demonstrate a student’s ongoing need for accommodations. The college’s disability services office (sometimes called the school’s disability services office) determines eligibility for support, not the admissions office.
This documentation ensures that college students with learning differences can receive reasonable accommodations, such as extended time on exams or access to assistive technology, once enrolled.
IEPs vs. 504 Plans in College
Many families confuse IEPs with 504 Plans. While both provide accommodations in high school, the transition to college is different.
- An IEP Plan under IDEA ends at high school graduation. Colleges are not bound by IDEA, which applies only to K–12 education.
- A 504 Plan, however, is based on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Both laws apply to higher education, ensuring students receive accommodations that provide equal access to learning.
That said, the specific accommodations provided in high school may not transfer directly. Colleges determine the level of support through their disability support services office, using submitted documentation.
How Colleges Provide Accommodations
Once admitted, students work with the college’s disability services office to set up accommodations. Unlike in high school, where IEP teams or school counselors may coordinate services, college students must self-advocate.
Common accommodations include:
Extended Time on Exams
Similar to high school, many students receive extra time for assessments.
Accessible Class Materials
Substitute formats, such as audiobooks or captioned videos, may be provided.
Disability Support Services and Advising
Students can connect with the disability services office for ongoing support, helping them manage academic demands and transition smoothly.
The key difference is that colleges provide equal access, not guaranteed success. Students are responsible for managing their schedules, communicating with professors, and following through on accommodations.
Statistics on Students with Disabilities in College
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), about 19% of undergraduate college students report having some form of disability. This includes ADHD, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and mental health conditions.
Despite this significant population, only a portion of eligible students seek out disability services. Families should encourage students to contact the college’s disability services office early to ensure proper support.
Common Misconceptions About 504 Plans and College Admissions
“A 504 Plan Lowers My Chances of Admission.”
This is false. A 504 Plan is not part of the college admissions process, and admissions officers cannot consider it.
“My Accommodations Automatically Transfer to College.”
Accommodations don’t carry over automatically. Students must submit documentation to the disability services office at their chosen school.
“Colleges Don’t Want Applicants with Learning Differences.”
Top colleges value diverse perspectives. Students with ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences often develop problem-solving skills that are assets in higher education.
Preparing for College Success with a 504 Plan
A 504 Plan can serve as a foundation for long-term college success if students learn how to use accommodations effectively. Families should encourage students to:
Practice Self-Advocacy in High School
By high school, students should begin communicating directly with teachers about their needs. This approach will prepare them to work independently with professors at the college level.
Update Documentation Before Graduation
Since colleges often require recent evaluations, families should ensure testing or medical documentation is current.
Research College Options Carefully
Not all colleges offer the same level of disability support services. Families should explore each college’s website, email the disability services office, and ask questions about the accommodations process.
Balance Academics and Free Time
Success in college comes not just from grades, but also from time management. Students who learn to balance academic responsibilities, extracurriculars, and free time in high school often transition more smoothly.
A 504 Plan Will Not Hold You Back
A 504 Plan will not hurt a student’s chances in the college admissions process. Instead, a 504 Plan serves as an important support system in high school and provides a foundation for accessing accommodations at the college level.
The key is preparation: updating documentation, practicing self-advocacy, and connecting with a college’s disability services office early. With the right planning, students with ADHD, learning disabilities, or other learning differences can thrive in higher education and beyond.
At Spark Admissions, we provide expert guidance on every step of preparing for and applying to college, but we don’t stop there. We view the college preparation period as a time for skill-set development. In addition to application guidance, we help students navigate the academic demands of high school, gain practical experience through internships, heighten their leadership and communication skills, and explore new academics and extracurriculars to build the strongest possible application.
Contact Top College Consultants today to get started.