Application Process

TYPICAL PROGRAM PROCESS

Attend a program Open House or Virtual Information Session
Schedule a campus tour with the WVU Visitor's Center
Complete 4 Step Application Process
Complete your FAFSA and speak with local DRS/VR office
Complete applicant interview
Receive acceptance/denial letter

Timelines

Applications open November 14th, 2023
Application deadline is March 15, 2024
Students will be notified of acceptance to the program by April 26th, 2023.
New students will attend their New Student Orientation in the summer of 2024.
Students will move in August 16-18th, 2024.
First day of Fall 2024 semester is August 21st, 2024.

Admissions Criteria

Documentation of an intellectual disability, with significant limitations in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior (AAIDD definition) and/or a developmental disability (CDC definition)
Completed 4 years of high school with a diploma, modified diploma, or GED
Age 18 – 26 years old by August 31st of application year
IQ < 75 and/or developmental disability
Adult rights as a US citizen

Priority will be given to those students who:

Were eligible for IDEA services while in school.
Had an IEP while in school.
Independently administers and manages medication and medical needs.
Have a reading ability and comprehension is at least at the third-grade level.
Utilizes basic functions of technology, such as calculator, cellphone, and computer.
Are able to function independently for a sustained period.
Are sociable with groups of new people.
Are able to handle changes in routine.
Can take direction to complete assignments.
Has the desire and motivation to participate in the college experience.

Students who do not meet this eligibility or believe that the Country Roads program may not be the right fit for them are encouraged to explore other higher education offerings in West Virginia for students with disabilities.

West Virginia University's Office of Accessibility Services provides academic accommodations that can include note-taking assistance, interpreters, transcription, housing and transportation accommodations. Learn more at https://accessibilityservices.wvu.edu/. The OAS office also houses the WVU Autism Support Program.

West Virginia University’s Conditional Admissions is an academic support program designed for conditionally admitted students. Conditionally admitted students are those who have not met one of the minimum admission criteria, either high school GPA or standardized test scores (ACT or SAT). Learn more at https://advisingcenter.wvu.edu/about/conditional-admission.

Marshall University’s College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder provides individualized skill building and therapeutic supports to degree-seeking students with ASD though a mentored environment as they navigate college experience at Marshall University. Learn more at https://www.marshall.edu/collegeprogram/.

The College of Education, Health and Human Performance at Fairmont State University first implemented the AIMSS program in 2015. AIMSS provides individualized planning to develop strategies and support for each student accepted into the program. Students accepted into the AIMSS program must meet criteria for admission to Fairmont State University.

For more information about other programs outside of West Virginia, please check out Think College. Think College provides resources, technical assistance and training related to college options for students with intellectual disability, and manages the only national listing of college programs for students with intellectual disability in the United States.