SmartTrack is a specialized academic support program exclusively for college students with cognitive learning disabilities—such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, processing speed issues, memory challenges, and related diagnoses. Our mission is to provide expert, individualized support from faculty-level professionals who understand both the academic system and how your student learns best.

SmartTrack serves undergraduate students who have diagnosed cognitive learning disabilities. Our students may be intelligent, motivated, and capable—but without the right structure, advocacy, and strategy, many struggle to keep up in a system not built for how they think and learn. We’re here for students who need more than accommodations—they need someone in their corner.

Traditional advising offices focus on schedules and policies. SmartTrack is different: every service we offer is grounded in an understanding of cognitive learning disabilities. We don't just guide—we intervene, scaffold, and advocate. Our team has advanced degrees and decades of experience in disability services, higher education law, and instructional strategy. We know what works because we’ve lived it, taught it, and researched it.

No—we partner with them. But colleges often have limited time, large caseloads, and a fragmented system that puts the burden on the student to self-advocate. We step in as specialists who can interpret, implement, and sometimes challenge the system on behalf of the student. Our role is to make sure accommodations aren’t just approved—they’re actually working.

Our families report higher GPAs, stronger academic engagement, increased independence, and fewer crises. But more importantly, students feel seen. Supported. Capable. That kind of confidence is life-changing—and it’s what we work toward every semester.

SmartTrack is an independent support program—not affiliated with or limited to any particular college. That said, many of our coaches have worked in or with disability services offices, advising departments, or faculty leadership at a wide range of public and private institutions. We’re familiar with how colleges operate and how to advocate effectively within them. We also maintain professional, respectful relationships with college personnel when appropriate FERPA releases are in place.

SmartTrack is built on decades of combined experience. While the SmartTrack program itself is newly established, the people behind it—our founder, Dr. Terrell, and our team of highly credentialed coaches—have worked with hundreds of students at colleges and universities across the country. What makes SmartTrack new isn’t the concept—it’s the solution. We’ve taken everything we’ve seen missing from traditional advising and disability support, and built a program specifically for students with cognitive learning disabilities. We know what works because we’ve done the work, and now we’ve brought it all under one roof—with a structure, a mission, and a standard of care that sets a new benchmark in higher education support.

Each SmartTrack tier reflects the intensity and depth of support your student needs—always delivered by experts in cognitive learning disabilities: Guardrails (Pre-College Planning): A limited-time summer-to-fall package designed for recent high school graduates with COGs. We help students plan schedules, set up accommodations, introduce tools for learning, and mentally prepare for the transition to college—before crisis hits. Tier 1 (Core Support): Best for students who are academically stable but need ongoing check-ins, accountability, and strategic help organizing their workload and following through with campus services. Includes two coach meetings per month and personalized support emails. Tier 2 (Structured Intervention): Designed for students who are struggling to keep up. These students need stronger scaffolding, more frequent contact (typically weekly), and individualized strategies for course content, accommodation usage, and communication with professors. Tier 3 (Faculty-Level Academic Advocacy): The highest level of support. Students in this tier are often in academic jeopardy or face complex challenges. Tier 3 includes direct advocacy with faculty (FERPA authorized), detailed academic planning, and high-frequency interaction. Services are delivered by SmartTrack coaches with doctoral-level credentials in higher education and disability services.

We determine the best fit during the initial consultation with you and your student. Based on the student’s academic history, disability profile, motivation level, and current status, we match them with the appropriate tier and coach. Tiers are not based on intelligence—they’re based on how much active structure and intervention a student needs right now.

No. Tier changes can only take effect at the beginning of a new semester. Once a student is assigned a tier, we’ve already made scheduling commitments and compensated coaches accordingly. However, if a student is clearly under- or over-supported, we will flag it and plan for the appropriate tier adjustment in the following term. Our priority is long-term support, not reactive shifting.

Yes. Every SmartTrack tier is designed exclusively for college students with cognitive learning disabilities. These include difficulties with attention, memory, processing speed, reading, writing, math comprehension, organization, and focus. Many of our students have diagnoses such as ADHD, autism, or dyslexia—but our services are not based on labels. They’re based on how a student learns. No matter the tier, every student is paired with a coach who specializes in cognitive learning disabilities. Support is always tailored, consistent, and grounded in professional expertise—not generic academic advising.

SmartTrack was built specifically to support students with cognitive learning disabilities—not as an add-on, but as the foundation of everything we do. Our coaches are trained experts who understand how learning differences impact motivation, focus, task completion, and academic performance in a college environment. We don’t offer tutoring—we offer systems, strategy, and advocacy built around how your student learns best.

Tutors focus on content. SmartTrack focuses on the conditions that make content manageable in the first place—structure, clarity, time management, learning tools, and faculty communication. Our students often benefit from tutoring, but tutoring alone doesn’t address the deeper issues tied to cognitive learning disabilities. We work upstream, where the problems actually start.

Yes—but only with signed authorization. For students in Tier 3 (Faculty-Level Advocacy), we work directly with campus personnel, including faculty, academic advisors, and disability services offices. We review accommodation plans, help interpret them in context, and intervene when students aren’t being properly supported. Our goal is to be a respectful, knowledgeable partner—not a critic—but we will step in when students are not being served well.

Yes—for all students, regardless of tier. We consider grade appeals and academic interventions to be critical moments in a student’s college journey. Whether it’s advocating for a fair outcome, interpreting institutional policy, or helping a student communicate professionally with faculty, we provide expert support during these high-stakes situations. While Tiers 2 and 3 are primarily designed for students who need intensive support—especially in their first semester—most students do not remain in Tier 3 long-term. Once we've stabilized their academic performance and built a strong foundation of systems, confidence, and self-advocacy, they typically shift into a lower tier of support. That’s not just expected—it’s the goal.

This is more common than many parents expect. Some students feel embarrassed, discouraged, or resistant to the idea of outside support—especially after years of struggling silently. That’s why our coaches approach each student with empathy, respect, and discretion. We don’t come in with lectures or pressure. We build trust, find common ground, and show students how we can reduce their stress—not add to it. And once they realize that SmartTrack understands how they learn, most begin to engage meaningfully.

Yes. Although it’s rare, we reserve the right to dismiss a student from the program if they refuse to communicate with their coach or consistently fail to participate in good faith. We require students to be honest and responsive—it’s essential for the work we do. We hate to make that decision, but our focus must remain on students who want the help and are willing to engage. If a student is removed, we will always communicate respectfully with the family and offer guidance on possible next steps.

Yes—but the type of updates we can provide depends on the student’s support tier and the permissions they’ve granted. For students in Tier 2 or Tier 3, we provide brief monthly check-in letters after coaching sessions. These include general observations, key progress notes, and any concerns the student has allowed us to share. For Tier 1 or Guardrails students, updates may be more limited unless additional permissions are on file. We prioritize transparency while respecting each student’s legal rights and emotional readiness to share.

You are a key part of your student’s success—especially during onboarding. Parents often help us understand a student’s history, challenges, and what has or hasn’t worked in the past. Once support begins, our focus shifts to building the student’s confidence and independence. While we stay connected with you behind the scenes, we encourage students to take the lead in their academic journey.

Yes, particularly during onboarding or when a concern arises. However, once the relationship is established, we ask that parents respect the space between coach and student. This helps build trust, accountability, and maturity. Coaches will always notify you of significant concerns within the limits of what your student allows us to share. For urgent matters, you may contact Dr. Terrell directly.

Under federal law—specifically the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)—college students control access to their academic records, even if a parent pays tuition. That’s why we require Tier 3 students (and strongly recommend for Tier 2) to complete a FERPA release form. This allows us to speak with professors, disability services, and advisors on the student’s behalf, and to share certain information with you as needed.

Yes. In more complex or high-risk cases, we may request a comprehensive release of records. This lets us review accommodation letters, psychoeducational evaluations, academic status updates, or even relevant medical documentation—always with the student’s written consent. These documents allow us to advocate more effectively, especially when the student is on academic probation, appealing a decision, or needs significant classroom adjustments.

Trust your instincts. Parents are often the first to notice when something’s off. If you’re concerned—even if your student insists everything is “fine”—please reach out. We can increase check-ins, quietly monitor risk factors, or step in more assertively if needed. You’re not alone in this, and your voice matters—even when your son/daughter isn’t ready to ask for help.

SmartTrack offers a semester-based pricing model, with three core support tiers designed to match the intensity of your student’s needs: Tier I – Core Support: $749 per semester Tier II – Structured Intervention: $1,149 per semester Tier III – Faculty-Level Academic Advocacy: $1,849 per semester Note: Many students begin in a higher support tier during their first semester, especially if they’re entering college in crisis or recovering from academic challenges. In most cases, once students stabilize and gain confidence, they are able to move into a lower, less intensive (and less expensive) tier the following semester. That’s not only expected—it’s our goal.

Yes. After the onboarding fee, each semester is split into two monthly installments for your convenience. If you prefer to pay in full, we can accommodate that as well.

No. SmartTrack is billed by the semester, not month-to-month. This model reflects the academic calendar and ensures consistency in planning, coaching, and accountability throughout each term.

Students are eligible for a refund only if services have not yet begun. Once the semester officially begins—defined as the scheduled start date of support—no refunds will be issued, regardless of participation or withdrawal. Onboarding fees are always non-refundable, as they cover administrative time, documentation review, and coach preparation before the first session. We take our commitment seriously. Before you even meet your coach, they’ve already begun working—reviewing your student’s background, school system, degree path, accommodation documentation, and more. They enter that first session informed and ready to provide personalized support. Please be sure you’re ready to move forward before the semester begins.

SmartTrack accepts direct payment by credit card, debit card, or ACH transfer through our secure billing system. We also accept payments from third-party sources on a case-by-case basis, such as: A school or district sponsoring services for a student A scholarship or grant program A church, foundation, or private donor A special needs trust or ABLE account If a third party is paying on your behalf, we’re happy to coordinate invoicing and provide documentation as needed. As for education savings accounts (ESAs) and 529 college savings plans, eligibility can vary: 529 Plans typically cover tuition, books, and required expenses at accredited colleges and universities. Since SmartTrack is not a degree-granting institution, most 529 plans will not cover our services directly. Coverdell ESAs and ABLE Accounts offer more flexibility—especially for students with documented disabilities. If your student qualifies, you may be able to use these funds to pay for SmartTrack. We recommend checking with your account administrator or tax advisor to confirm. We are happy to provide letters of service, invoices, or written descriptions of our disability-related support model to help families seek reimbursement or funding through external sources.

SmartTrack coaching is conducted remotely through scheduled video or phone calls, depending on the student’s preference. We use secure, professional tools to ensure conversations are private and easy to access. We do not use text messaging to conduct coaching or check-ins. This helps maintain boundaries, protect confidentiality, and promote focused, intentional communication.

No. Coaching sessions are not recorded. However, your student’s coach will send a brief written summary of each session—including key insights, agreed-upon action steps, and any concerns—shared with the student (and parents, when FERPA permissions allow). This documentation keeps everyone aligned without compromising student comfort or privacy.

We primarily use Zoom or Google Meet for video calls, and we accommodate phone calls if the student prefers. All communication is scheduled through a shared calendar link. Coaches also use secure email to send updates, share resources, or follow up between sessions as needed.

That’s actually part of what we help with. Many students with cognitive learning disabilities struggle with portals, course platforms, or managing digital files. Your student’s coach will walk them through how to navigate their systems, organize assignments, and use assistive technology tools tailored to their needs.

Yes—and it’s a core part of what we do. For students with cognitive learning disabilities, the right technology can be a game changer. We don’t just recommend tools—we help students understand how to use them, why they’re effective, and when to apply them across different courses and assignments. Every student’s learning profile is different, so the technologies we introduce are carefully selected to match their specific needs. Whether it’s organizing assignments, improving focus, accessing reading materials, or managing time, the tools we recommend are designed to remove barriers and increase independence. This isn’t generic tech advice—it’s targeted, disability-informed strategy that makes college more manageable.

Yes. We regularly support students who are considering or actively pursuing a college transfer. Whether your student is leaving a poor-fit environment, needs to get closer to home, or is hoping for a fresh academic start, we help them: Evaluate transfer requirements Navigate credit transfers Prepare application materials Plan a smooth academic transition Re-establish accommodations at the new institution We understand how difficult transferring can be—especially for students with cognitive learning disabilities. Our goal is to simplify the process, protect their progress, and reduce stress on the family.

SmartTrack is an independent support program—not affiliated with or limited to any particular college. That said, many of our coaches have worked in or with disability services offices, advising departments, or faculty leadership at a wide range of public and private institutions. We’re familiar with how colleges operate and how to advocate effectively within them. We also maintain professional, respectful relationships with college personnel when appropriate FERPA releases are in place.

No. In fact, many colleges—especially Offices of Disability Services (ODS)—see SmartTrack as a valuable ally, not a threat. Our role is to complement, not compete with, what the institution already offers. Most advising offices and disability services teams are overburdened, with large caseloads and limited time for individualized support. SmartTrack fills the gap by providing the kind of consistent, specialized attention that most colleges simply don’t have the bandwidth to deliver. Our students show up more prepared, more confident, and more likely to use their accommodations appropriately—which ultimately supports the work of college staff. Several ODS offices have even referred students and families to us directly—especially when they recognize that a student needs more frequent, structured, or specialized guidance than the college can provide on its own. We operate with professionalism and respect for institutional boundaries. When FERPA releases are in place, we collaborate—never interfere. Colleges benefit when students are well-supported, and we’re proud to be a part of that solution.

Yes—and this is where our Tier III Faculty-Level Academic Advocacy can be essential. We assist with: Academic recovery plans Grade appeals Letters of support Communication with faculty and deans Documentation review to determine whether prior accommodations were upheld In many cases, SmartTrack has helped students not only remain enrolled but return to strong academic standing.

SmartTrack coaches are not tutors or casual mentors—they are highly trained academic specialists with deep expertise in supporting college students who have cognitive learning disabilities. Our coaches understand not only the academic demands of higher education, but how to work with students whose brains learn differently. All SmartTrack hold doctoral degrees (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) and have extensive experience in academic instruction, disability services, and college administration. Our coaches are trained to engage at the faculty level—interpreting accommodation plans, navigating institutional policies, and advocating directly with professors, departments, and academic offices. They are the highest level of support we offer and are reserved for students facing complex academic or legal challenges.

Yes. Every SmartTrack coach is required to have experience working directly with students who have cognitive learning disabilities. They understand the emotional, academic, and systemic barriers your student may face. Many also have lived experience or family ties to learning disabilities, which fuels their passion and empathy.

During onboarding, Dr. Terrell personally reviews each student’s profile—including their learning background, academic history, personality, and goals. Coaches are then assigned based on the student’s support tier, coach availability, and relevant experience (such as familiarity with a specific university system or type of disability). We do not allow students or families to "shop" for coaches—this ensures fairness and protects the integrity of the support process.

Yes—our goal is continuity, because trust takes time. Most students remain with the same coach for the duration of their SmartTrack experience. As students build a relationship with their coach, they often become more open, self-aware, and willing to grow. We see this bond as a key part of their success, and we do everything we can to preserve it. That said, in rare cases where a student’s needs shift dramatically—or a serious academic or legal issue arises—a Senior Faculty Advocate may step in temporarily to assist as part of the student’s support team. Any change like this is done with care, transparency, and communication with the family.

It’s rare, but it can happen. If your student isn’t connecting with their coach after an appropriate adjustment period, we’ll reassess and consider a reassignment. We want students to feel safe, respected, and supported—relationship fit matters, and we take this VERY seriously.

We want to make sure we’re a good fit—for your student and for your family. The first step is to schedule a brief consultation with Dr. Terrell. This call can include just the parents or, ideally, both the parent and the student. (We strongly prefer the student be involved from the beginning—it sets the tone for trust, ownership, and collaboration.) During the call, we’ll learn more about your student’s academic history, cognitive learning profile, and current situation. We’ll also answer your questions, explain the support tiers, and help you understand what to expect from our process. There’s no pressure—just a thoughtful conversation to see if SmartTrack is the right partner for your student’s journey.

The onboarding process varies depending on the support tier your student is assigned. After your consultation, we’ll send you a detailed email with a secure upload link and a checklist of what we need to get started. Typically, here’s what we request: A completed student intake form A brief parent background form (to help us understand your perspective) Any evaluation or recommendation letter previously submitted to your college’s Office of Disability Services (ODS) Your student’s current course schedule An unofficial transcript (free download) if your student is already enrolled in college A signed FERPA or release-of-information form (required for Tier II and Tier III) Payment of the onboarding fee and first installment Preferred communication format: video call or phone call (we do not use text messaging for student communication) If your student is enrolling in our Pre-College Guardrails Program, we may also request their high school IEP or 504 plan, plus any accommodation documents submitted during the college admissions process. Once onboarding is complete, we’ll assign your student to the right coach and send a welcome message to begin support.

Once we’ve received all required forms, documents, and payment, onboarding is typically completed within 3–5 business days. During this time, we assign your student to a coach, review their background, and prepare for the first session. If, during your consultation with Dr. Terrell, it becomes clear that your student is in crisis or requires immediate support, we will escalate their case for immediate intervention—even while the remaining paperwork is being gathered. Our priority is to stabilize the situation quickly and prevent further academic fallout.

Support begins as soon as onboarding is complete—and ideally before your student’s semester starts. Starting early gives us time to do the critical work that sets your student up for success: reviewing their course schedule, assessing accommodations, recommending adjustments, exploring assistive technology, and developing a personalized academic game plan. It also allows your coach to begin building trust with your student before the pressures of college hit. The earlier we start, the stronger the foundation. If your student enrolls mid-semester or is already in crisis, we’ll begin support immediately after onboarding, with an accelerated plan to stabilize the situation and address urgent needs.