First, your child needs to understand their learning disability, how it impacts them academically and requires alternative strategies that will help them perform well despite the learning disability. If a learning disability or ADD/ADHD is suspected but not identified, consider getting a psychological evaluation.
Second, your child must start to develop self-advocacy skills now. These skills are crucial to getting accommodations in college. Your child needs to understand that the only way he/she will likely get their needs met is if they understand their learning disability and can clearly ask for what they need.
Third, your child can start to form close relationships with people who can recommend them to an admissions committee. Those people should be very familiar with your child’s performance and with their character.
Fourth, you can explore your child’s interests and see what they are passionate about. Encourage them to get involved in extracurricular activities that mean something to them. It is more important that your child demonstrates a commitment and strong interest in an activity than doing a vast variety of activities that they have some interest in.
Fifth, get the appropriate documentation for each college (there is no universal standard for documentation) and consider having your child take the PSAT early to get a feel for what the test is like. There is no penalty in taking the test. and your child will automatically qualify to become a national merit scholar just for taking it. Also plan to take the SAT or ACT early so that there is time to study and take the test again if necessary.
Sixth, create a timeline for all of the tasks associated with your college applications. You want to get your applications in on time and completed in the best possible way.
Finally, start the application process early and assess whether the coursework that you are taking is challenging enough or too challenging.