As the college application season unfolds, many parents find themselves grappling with a question beyond acceptance letters: Is my teen even ready for college?
Concerns about readiness often stem from observing behaviors like procrastination, lack of time management, or struggles with independence. Parents worry whether their child can juggle academic demands, social pressures, and the newfound freedom of college life. Will they wake up for early classes without prompting? Will they manage their finances responsibly?
Another common worry is emotional resilience. College can be overwhelming, and parents may wonder if their teen has the self-advocacy skills and coping strategies needed to handle challenges without parental support.
These fears are all valid…and readiness is often a work in progress.
Fostering skills like problem-solving, accountability, and self-care now can help teens transition into this next phase of life with confidence, capability, and capacity, paving the way for both growth and success. What should you be looking for in your child who’s heading off to college in 2025?
I’ve spent decades working with high potential individuals who have learning, attention, and executive function challenges, with thousands of students, and these are my top 5, in order of their impact on student success:
- Self-Regulation and Independence: College life demands that students manage their time effectively, regulate their behavior, and handle responsibilities without constant supervision. Your child should be capable of creating and sticking to a work plan, completing assignments on time, and managing their own academic and personal life​.
- Social-Emotional Skills: The ability to form healthy relationships, practice self-compassion, and handle stress is crucial in the college environment. Students who can navigate social dynamics and manage emotional challenges are more likely to thrive​.
- Academic Skills: Your child should have a solid foundation in the academic skills required to succeed in college, such as reading, writing, math, and the ability to apply reasoning skills across different subjects. Without these, even highly intelligent students may struggle to stay motivated or keep up with college-level coursework​​.
- Resilience and Adaptability: College presents numerous challenges, both academically and socially. A child who has developed resilience and can adapt to new situations will be better equipped to handle the demands of college life​.
- Self-Advocacy: College students need to advocate for themselves, whether in academic settings or personal situations. Being able to ask for help, seek out resources, and communicate effectively with professors and peers is a key indicator of college readiness​.
In general, if your child consistently demonstrates these skills and behaviors, they are likely ready for the independence and challenges of college life. I can help your child develop all of these abilities and prepare for next steps while they continue to attend their present high school or college.
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Coaching For Students and Young ProfessionalsÂ
Comprehensive Support – Going beyond productivity tools to address learning, working, and personal development challenges.
Evidence-Based Techniques – Rooted in my proven coaching methods and principles from The Effort Myth.
Sustainable Solutions – Equipping clients with lasting strategies they can apply independently across all areas of life.
