Essential College Readiness Skills for Parents: An Overview of Executive Functioning Abilities

Preparing for College Success: A Guide to College Readiness

College success requires more than just academic preparation. In today's fast-paced world, college readiness encompasses both academic and social-emotional preparedness. In this article, we explore various aspects that contribute to college readiness, from time management skills to self-motivation, and provide practical tips to help students navigate their college journey.

Academic Preparation

A strong academic background is a fundamental building block for college success. Students who have honed their skills in core subjects like math, science, and language arts are well-equipped to handle the rigours of college-level coursework.

Time Management

College life can be hectic, with students juggling coursework, assignments, extracurricular activities, and often part-time jobs or internships. Developing strong time management skills is crucial for managing this chaos effectively. Creating a chart for all the colleges a student is interested in, including deadlines, requirements, and application fees, can help keep track of all necessary information and avoid missing important deadlines.

Self-Motivation and Responsibility

In college, students are expected to take ownership of their coursework and seek out resources when needed. Self-motivation and responsibility are key components of college success. Students who are self-motivated are more likely to complete assignments on time, engage actively in class, and make the most of their college experience.

Executive Functioning Skills

Executive functioning skills, such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and impulse control, can significantly impact the college application process and college life. Students who struggle with cognitive flexibility may need supports and to practice ways to respond to questions about their challenges, struggles, or weaknesses. Those with difficulties in impulse control may benefit from consistent study routines, visual timers, and having a trusted friend or caregiver who can help navigate triggers for impulsive decision-making.

Social and Emotional Preparedness

Social and emotional preparedness is another critical aspect of college readiness. College life can be stressful, and students need tools and strategies to better handle stress and anxiety, build positive relationships, and navigate tricky social situations. Visiting colleges and meeting with relevant groups or student leaders for clubs and activities that promote success for neurodivergent learners on campus can help students feel more confident and supported.

Planning and Prioritizing

Planning and prioritizing tasks are essential when applying to college. Setting specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART) goals is crucial to ensure a smooth and organized process. Reflecting on progress and evaluating the results of work is important to help students identify what worked and what didn't, allowing them to better make adjustments to the plan in motion.

Seeking Support

Scheduling a meeting with a disability services coordinator or academic support services team member during a campus visit can help students with accommodations, provide tutoring or academic coaching, and connect them with other students who might need similar executive functioning supports. Working with an executive function coach during the college application process can also help students develop strategies to manage time, prioritize tasks, and stay organized.

In conclusion, college readiness is a multifaceted concept that requires a combination of academic preparedness, social and emotional preparedness, and strong executive functioning skills. There's no one-size-fits-all formula for college readiness, but most educators and experts agree that a truly college-ready student should have foundational executive functioning skills in place. By developing these skills and strategies, students can set themselves up for success in college and beyond.

Essential College Readiness Skills for Parents: An Overview of Executive Functioning Abilities