By Scott Lutostanski
When students head off to college, things drastically change for them. Almost of all a student’s immediate support is removed. Even little things like a quick question: “How was your day?” or “What do you have to work on tonight?” can make a big difference. On top of that, each assignment, test, and paper is much more consequential. The tests will cover more content, be worth more, and be more difficult.
All college students need to find their way and learn how to effectively manage their time, plan, and study to be successful. Below are three more things students can do that will help them do well in college.
1. Self Monitoring
This is very important. Students need to be able to assess and make judgements about how they’re doing. This is obviously relevant for academics, but it carries into all parts of a student’s life: sleep, diet, and exercise. Even partying is relevant when it comes to self-monitoring. These habits will play a role in how often students attend class and how often they are getting the work done that they need to.
2. Using Available Resources
So many students avoid getting help at all costs. Again, much of the support system is removed. Some students may be in classes with a few hundred students in them. Others may never speak a word to their professor or TA. Students need to advocate for themselves and explore the resources available on campus. This could include teachers, tutors, writing centers, career centers, friends, or online tools. Students often need help learning what these resources are and how they can use them.
3. Finding Accountability
This is a theme will all students. As much as parents wish they could hold their students accountable like they did in high school, it is very hard to do through a text message or phone call. Accountability, whether it is working to stay afloat academically or carrying out actions to reach goals, is a very important piece to college. Students need someone they can set goals with, lay out action plans with, and carry out plans with. Having someone to hold them accountable—academic coach, parent, friend, teacher, mentor, etc—will help students be more successful in school and life.
By including these 3 ideas into their everyday routine, student can be superstars in college and find the confidence to succeed. If you have any questions about our college coaching services, feel free to reach out to ScottL@galined.com.
