Attention Parents of High School Seniors : 🎓 3 Steps To Prepare for College Success
As high school seniors approach graduation, the anticipation of college life grows stronger. While the excitement of new experiences and opportunities is thrilling, the transition from high school to college can also be challenging. It’s important for students to not only be prepared academically but also socially, as college requires a combination of independence, time management, and self-discipline—skills that many students still need to develop. Practicing these skills now will make the transition to college much more successful.
1. Time Management
One of the most significant adjustments students face when entering college is the increased demand for personal responsibility. In high school, students often have more structure and support, with teachers and parents guiding their schedules. In college, however, students must balance classes, assignments, extracurricular activities, social engagements, and perhaps even a part-time job. Learning to manage time effectively is critical.
Start now:
Create and follow a weekly schedule that includes time for studying, socializing, exercise, and relaxation.
Practice prioritizing tasks and breaking large assignments into smaller, manageable chunks.
Use digital tools like calendars or task management apps to keep track of deadlines and commitments.
For more ideas, check out Time Management Tips for College Students
2. Study Skills
The academic workload in college is often significantly more challenging than in high school. Classes may be larger, professors less hands-on, and expectations higher. Successful students are those who know how to approach coursework independently, actively engage with the material assigned and seek help when needed.
Start now:
Begin practicing active study techniques such as summarizing information, using flashcards, and breaking study sessions into manageable time blocks (e.g., using the Pomodoro Technique).
Actively seek help when needed—whether that’s visiting a tutor, attending office hours, or forming study groups.
Figure out what study environment works best for you. Do you thrive on the activity of a coffee shop, or is your focus greater in a library or quieter space?
Spending too much of your time online? Work on creating a healthy relationship with technology now, so you will be ready to focus on academic work and in-person relationships when you arrive on campus.
3. Social Skills and Independence
Adjusting to the social environment of college can be just as important as academics. Students need to learn how to manage relationships, whether that’s making new friends, navigating roommate dynamics, or balancing social activities with academic obligations. College requires a higher level of personal independence, and students who struggle with decision-making and self-regulation may find this transition difficult.
Start Now:
Build social skills by joining in on extracurricular activities or volunteer opportunities, either at school or in the community. Meeting new people in new environments will be good practice for life at college.
Develop coping mechanisms for stress and social anxiety, such as practicing mindfulness, getting regular sleep and engaging in physical activity.
Practice making your own doctor and other appointments.
If your child is struggling to develop these skills they may benefit from executive function coaching. Many students have difficulty mastering the numerous demands of college, and even the brightest students can struggle to stay in control of all that is expected of them. Often we hear from families whose students benefitted from strong supports and scaffolding during high school, but struggle when those supports are missing. That missing support, combined with the newly found independence college offers, can sometimes be a recipe for disaster.
Our program encourages students to become more independent and develop the life skills they need to succeed in college and beyond. Planning ahead, communicating with professors, taking on leadership roles, and engaging in extracurricular activities all lead to a gratifying and balanced college experience.
How do we do it? With well-trained and experienced coaches who specialize in working with college students! Schedule a free consultation with us to discuss your student’s unique needs.
