Conquering College
The leap from high school to college is one of the most transformative—and challenging—experiences in a young adult’s life. It’s a time that promises newfound freedom and the chance to carve out a path of one’s own. However, beneath the excitement lies a truth that many students and their families underestimate: the transition to college is filled with obstacles that can derail even the most academically prepared students—emphasis on the word “academically.” The numbers tell the story. Nearly 40% of college students in the U.S. drop out, with a significant portion leaving before they even reach their sophomore year. This stark reality highlights that succeeding in college requires more than just academic know-how; it demands a set of critical life skills that many students have yet to develop.
The first semester of college often proves to be a wake-up call. Students move from the structured, supervised environment of high school into a world where they’re expected to manage their time, responsibilities, and social lives independently. The drastic reduction in classroom hours—from around thirty to forty hours per week in high school to about fifteen hours in college—means that students must take charge of their learning like never before. This newfound independence, while liberating, can easily lead to mismanagement of time, academic underperformance, and burnout if not approached with the right strategies.
Enter Executive Function (EF). These are the cognitive abilities that allow us to organize, prioritize, manage our time effectively, and adapt to new situations. For college students, strong EF skills are the bedrock of success. They underpin everything from keeping track of assignments and managing stress to building healthy social networks and maintaining academic momentum.
At SAOTG, we focus on four key pillars of EF that are crucial for thriving in college: Organization, Time Management, Learning Skills, and Impression Management. These aren’t just buzzwords; we focus on actionable strategies that every student can apply to navigate the complexities of school. This guide focuses on the college years. It breaks down each pillar, providing clear, practical advice on how to develop and leverage these skills to not only survive the college transition but to excel in it.
Whether you’re a student gearing up for this new chapter or a parent seeking to support your child’s journey, this guide offers the tools and insights needed to overcome the challenges of college life. By focusing on these critical EF skills, you can turn what might seem like an overwhelming transition into a successful, empowering experience.
Step One: Organization
Organization is a fundamental skill that extends far beyond the classroom. It is the backbone of productivity and efficiency in nearly every aspect of life, from managing a career to maintaining a household. Organization is the art of creating systems that help us manage our time, resources, and responsibilities in a way that minimizes stress and maximizes effectiveness. Whether it’s arranging a workspace, prioritizing tasks, or keeping track of important dates, being organized allows us to approach our goals with clarity and purpose. Without organization, even the simplest tasks can become overwhelming, leading to procrastination, missed opportunities, and unnecessary stress.
In academic settings, strong organizational skills often distinguish successful students from those who struggle. These skills go beyond neat binders or clean desks—though those help—to involve cultivating a mindset that values planning, order, and foresight. Organized students can navigate their coursework demands more effectively, manage their time better, and reduce the cognitive load associated with juggling multiple responsibilities. This skill becomes even more crucial during the transition to college, where increased demands and the absence of high school’s safety nets make organization a key to handling the complexities of college life.
Organization is the foundation upon which all other EF skills are built. Without it, time management becomes impossible, learning skills are underutilized, and impression management falters. By mastering organizational strategies, students can position themselves for success in every aspect of college life.
Practical Strategies to Help Student Stay Organized
Effective organization starts with the basics but quickly expands into more sophisticated systems as students adapt to college life. The first step is mastering the organization of physical and digital materials. In high school, students may have relied on teachers to provide structure, but in college, they must create and maintain that structure themselves.
For physical organization, every student should have a system for managing their class materials. This can include using binders or folders with clearly labeled sections for each course. Each section should be further divided into categories such as lecture notes, assignments, returned work, and study materials. This level of organization ensures that students can quickly find what they need without wasting time searching through piles of papers. It also helps in keeping track of assignments and deadlines, which is critical when juggling multiple classes and extracurricular activities.
Digital organization is just as important, if not more so, given the increasing reliance on technology in education. Students should create dedicated folders on their computers or cloud storage systems for each course, mirroring the structure of their physical binders. Within these folders, they should store all relevant materials, including syllabi, lecture notes, assignment instructions, and completed work. Regularly decluttering these digital spaces is essential to prevent them from becoming overwhelming. Tools like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox offer seamless ways to organize and access materials across devices, ensuring that students are always prepared, whether they are studying in their dorm room or a coffee shop.
Creating an Optimal Study Environment
A well-organized study environment is a critical component of academic success in college. Unlike high school, where students often have structured study periods during the day, college requires a more self-directed approach to studying. This means that where and how students study can significantly impact their ability to concentrate, retain information, and perform well on exams.
The first step in creating an optimal study environment is choosing the right location. Every student is different, so it’s important to find a place that minimizes distractions and maximizes focus. Some students thrive in the quiet solitude of a library, while others prefer the background hum of a coffee shop. The key is to find a spot where studying becomes a habit—a place that is associated with productivity and concentration. Once this location is established, students should make it their go-to study spot, using it consistently to build a routine that supports their academic goals.
Equally important is the physical setup of the study space. The area should be well-lit, preferably with natural light, and furnished with a comfortable chair and a desk that promotes good posture. All necessary study materials, such as textbooks, notebooks, pens, and electronic devices, should be within easy reach to minimize disruptions. The space should be free of clutter, as a messy environment can lead to distractions and decreased efficiency. If possible, students should also incorporate organizational tools like a whiteboard or bulletin board to track assignments and deadlines visually.
In addition to the physical environment, students should consider the digital environment in which they study. With so much of today’s coursework conducted online, it’s crucial to minimize digital distractions. This can be achieved by using apps or browser extensions that block distracting websites during study sessions, or by setting devices to “Do Not Disturb” mode to prevent interruptions from notifications. Additionally, students should ensure that all their digital study materials are organized and easily accessible, reducing the time spent searching for files or information during study sessions.
Finally, it’s important for students to develop a consistent study routine that incorporates regular breaks. Research has shown that the brain can only maintain intense focus for about 25-30 minutes at a time, so implementing a study technique like the Pomodoro method—where students work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break—can help maintain productivity over longer periods. These breaks should be used to stand up, stretch, and recharge, ensuring that students can return to their work with renewed energy and focus.
Developing Systems for Long-Term Success
The organizational systems that students establish during their first semester of college are not merely short-term solutions—they are habits that can foster academic success throughout their college years and beyond. Therefore, it’s essential for students to regularly evaluate and refine their organizational strategies to ensure they remain effective.
A highly effective way to maintain and enhance these systems is through regular review sessions. At the end of each week, students should allocate time to review their calendar, binders, and digital files to ensure everything is up to date. This routine not only keeps materials organized but also offers an opportunity to reflect on the past week’s productivity and make necessary adjustments for the coming week. For example, if a student consistently struggles to complete assignments on time, they might need to adjust their study schedule or seek additional help from a tutor or academic advisor.
Long-term organization also requires the ability to adapt to new challenges and environments. As students advance through college, their workload will likely increase, and they may need to manage more complex projects or take on leadership roles in extracurricular activities. This evolution may necessitate modifying or expanding the organizational strategies that worked in the first semester. For instance, a student who previously managed assignments with a simple planner might find it beneficial to upgrade to a project management tool like Trello or Asana to track multiple deadlines and responsibilities. Students should also remain open to exploring new tools or techniques that can enhance their organizational skills. Whether by experimenting with new apps, learning from peers, or attending workshops on time management and organization, there are always opportunities to improve and refine these critical skills.
Ultimately, mastering organization in college involves more than just keeping track of assignments—it’s about developing a comprehensive system that supports all aspects of academic and personal life. By implementing these strategies and regularly reviewing and adapting their approach, students can build a strong foundation for success in college and beyond.
Time Management Is More Vital Than Ever in College
Time management is often heralded as one of the most crucial life skills, yet it remains one of the most challenging to master. Time management is the process of making intentional choices about how to spend your time in a way that aligns with your goals and values. It requires not only the ability to plan and prioritize tasks but also the discipline to stick to those plans despite the distractions and unexpected demands that inevitably arise. Effective time management allows individuals to balance competing responsibilities, make steady progress toward their goals, and maintain a sense of control over their lives. In contrast, poor time management can lead to stress, missed deadlines, and a pervasive feeling of being overwhelmed.
In college, time management becomes even more critical as students face a more flexible and unstructured schedule than they had in high school. With fewer classroom hours and more time for independent study, students must effectively manage their time to avoid falling behind. This shift can be challenging, as success in college depends not only on academic ability but also on the ability to organize time and stay on top of responsibilities. Mastering time management in college goes beyond simply avoiding procrastination; it’s about establishing a balanced and sustainable routine that supports both academic achievement and personal well-being.
The transition to college is a period of significant change, and one of the most profound differences is the way time is structured. In high school, students are accustomed to a regimented schedule with classes from early morning until mid-afternoon, followed by scheduled activities such as sports or clubs, and a set time for homework. This structured environment leaves little room for time management decisions; students simply follow the schedule laid out for them. However, in college, this structure disappears. Students may find themselves with only a few hours of classes each day, with the rest of the time left entirely up to them. This newfound freedom can be both exhilarating and overwhelming.
Without the rigid framework of high school, many students struggle to manage their time effectively in college. They may underestimate the amount of time needed to study for exams, complete assignments, or prepare for projects, leading to last-minute cramming sessions and all-nighters. The lack of a daily routine can also result in poor sleep habits, skipped meals, and a general sense of disorganization. Time management, therefore, is not just about fitting everything into the day; it’s about creating a rhythm that supports both academic achievement and a healthy lifestyle. Students who can master time management are better equipped to handle the demands of college life, reduce stress, and maintain a sense of balance and well-being.
Building a Structured Schedule
The foundation of effective time management in college is a well-structured schedule. A schedule is more than just a list of classes and assignments; it’s a roadmap for the day, week, and semester. Creating a structured schedule allows students to allocate their time effectively, ensuring that they can meet their academic responsibilities while also making time for self-care, social activities, and relaxation. The key to building a successful schedule is to start with the non-negotiables—classes, study sessions, and essential activities like meals and sleep—and then fill in the gaps with flexible tasks and personal time.
The first step in building a structured schedule is to map out all fixed commitments. This includes not only class times but also any labs, discussion sections, or study groups that meet regularly. These should be entered into a digital calendar or planner at the beginning of the semester, along with any known deadlines for major assignments or exams. This visual representation of the semester allows students to see where their time is already committed and where they have free blocks of time.
Once fixed commitments are established, the next step is to schedule regular study sessions. Successful students prioritize study time by scheduling it as they would a class or meeting. These sessions should be spaced throughout the week to ensure consistent progress and to avoid last-minute cramming. Additionally, varying the subjects studied in each session helps keep the brain engaged and improves information retention.
Alongside academic tasks, students should also allocate time for self-care and relaxation. College can be demanding, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed without dedicated time for rest and rejuvenation. This might include regular exercise, time with friends, or simply a quiet hour for reading or meditation. Incorporating these activities into the schedule helps students maintain their physical and mental health, which is crucial for long-term success.
Finally, a good schedule should be flexible enough to accommodate unexpected events. While it’s important to adhere to the plan, students should also recognize that things don’t always go as planned. Building in some buffer time each week allows for adjustments and ensures that a missed study session or an unplanned event doesn’t derail the entire schedule. Flexibility, combined with structure, is essential for managing time effectively in the ever-changing landscape of college life.
Strategies for Prioritizing Tasks
Even with a well-structured schedule, college students often find themselves juggling multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Knowing how to prioritize these tasks is essential for staying on track and avoiding the stress of last-minute work. Prioritization involves evaluating the importance and urgency of each task and then organizing them in a way that ensures the most critical tasks are completed first.
One of the most effective strategies for prioritizing tasks is the Eisenhower Matrix, a tool that helps students categorize their tasks into four quadrants: important and urgent, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. By placing each task into one of these categories, students can easily see which tasks need immediate attention and which can be scheduled for later. This method not only helps in managing immediate deadlines but also ensures that long-term goals are not neglected in favor of urgent but less important tasks.
For tasks that are important but not urgent, like studying for an exam a few weeks away, it’s essential to break them down into smaller, manageable steps. This approach prevents the task from becoming overwhelming and makes it easier to integrate into a daily schedule. For instance, instead of tackling an entire chapter in one session, a student might divide it into sections, studying a little each day. This method not only enhances retention but also reduces the likelihood of procrastination.
Another effective strategy is the Two-Minute Rule, which suggests that if a task can be completed in two minutes or less, it should be done immediately. This approach helps quickly eliminate minor tasks that can clutter the to-do list and distract from more important work. By addressing these quick tasks right away, students can focus their energy on more significant projects without the distraction of unfinished small tasks.
Students should also regularly review and adjust their priorities as new tasks arise. This can be done weekly during a dedicated planning session or daily as part of a morning routine. By continually reassessing what needs to be done and when, students can stay proactive rather than reactive, ensuring they remain in control of their workload.
Combating Procrastination and Distractions
Procrastination is one of the biggest enemies of effective time management. It’s easy to put off tasks that seem difficult, time-consuming, or unpleasant, but doing so only increases stress and reduces the quality of the work. In college, where deadlines are often less frequent but more significant, procrastination can lead to a cascade of problems, including missed deadlines, lower grades, and increased anxiety.
One of the most effective ways to combat procrastination is to break large tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. This approach, often referred to as “chunking,” makes the task feel less daunting and provides a clear starting point. For example, instead of viewing a research paper as a single, overwhelming project, a student might break it down into smaller tasks such as choosing a topic, conducting research, outlining the paper, writing the first draft, and editing. Each of these smaller tasks can then be scheduled individually, making the overall project easier to manage.
Another strategy is to use the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method that involves working for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. This technique helps to maintain focus by providing a clear start and end time for each work session, making it easier to resist the temptation to procrastinate. The short breaks also help to prevent burnout and keep the mind fresh, allowing for sustained productivity over longer periods.
In addition to these techniques, it’s important to create an environment that minimizes distractions. This includes both physical and digital distractions. Physically, students should choose a study space that is free from noise, clutter, and interruptions. Digitally, tools like website blockers can help prevent access to distracting sites during study sessions, while “Do Not Disturb” settings on devices can reduce interruptions from notifications.
Finally, accountability can be a powerful tool in overcoming procrastination. Whether it’s sharing goals with a friend, joining a study group, or working with a tutor, having someone else involved in the process can provide the motivation needed to stay on track. This external accountability helps to reinforce the internal discipline required to manage time effectively and meet deadlines.
Learning How to Learn (Hopefully, Not for the First Time)
The ability to absorb, retain, and apply complex information is critical to thriving in a college environment, where the expectations are higher, and the support systems are often less visible. While high school may have focused more on rote memorization and following instructions, college demands a higher level of cognitive engagement. Students must not only understand and remember vast amounts of information but also be able to synthesize and apply it in various contexts. This makes learning skills an indispensable part of a student’s toolkit for college success.
One of the most important aspects of effective learning in college is understanding the difference between recognition and recall. Recognition involves identifying information when it’s presented, like recognizing a concept during a multiple-choice test. Recall, however, requires retrieving information from memory without any prompts, such as during an essay exam. While recognition may help in passing exams, recall is what leads to deep, lasting learning and the ability to apply knowledge in new situations. Many students mistakenly rely on recognition-based study methods, like re-reading notes or reviewing flashcards, which might help them feel prepared but do not promote the long-term retention needed for true academic success .
To foster effective learning, students should engage in active learning techniques that enhance recall. Active learning involves interacting with the material in ways that reinforce understanding and memory, going beyond passive review. Techniques such as summarizing information in your own words, teaching the material to someone else, or creating mind maps to visually organize concepts are powerful methods of active learning. These strategies compel the brain to engage deeply with the material, leading to better retention and understanding.
Another crucial element of successful learning in college is the ability to self-direct one’s studies. Unlike high school, where teachers often guide the learning process, college students are expected to take initiative. This means setting goals, selecting effective study strategies, and continuously monitoring and adjusting their approach based on feedback and self-assessment. Developing metacognitive skills—awareness of one’s own learning processes—is key. Students who can plan, monitor, and evaluate their learning are better equipped to manage college coursework and adapt to different teaching styles and course structures. Spaced repetition, for example, is another proven method that involves reviewing material at increasing intervals over time, leveraging the brain’s natural forgetting curve to strengthen memory retention. Another valuable strategy is interleaving, which involves mixing different subjects or types of problems within a single study session. This approach helps students develop a more flexible understanding of the material and enhances their ability to apply knowledge in various contexts.
Lastly, students should not overlook the value of campus resources. Most colleges offer a range of support services, including tutoring centers, writing workshops, and study groups. Utilizing these resources can provide additional help and insights, making the learning process more manageable. Moreover, forming study groups with peers can enhance learning through collaborative problem-solving and discussion, leading to deeper understanding and retention of the material.
Impression Management Turned Up a Notch
Impression management, the art of influencing how others perceive you, is a vital but often overlooked aspect of college success. As students transition into college, they are not just stepping into a new academic environment—they are also entering a complex social landscape where first impressions and ongoing perceptions can significantly impact their experience. In high school, students might have been known by teachers and peers over many years, allowing for a reputation to be built gradually. In college, however, students have to quickly establish themselves in a community of strangers, making the ability to manage impressions crucial for both academic and social success.
One of the first and most important aspects of impression management in college is how students present themselves academically. This includes not only their performance on assignments and exams but also how they engage in class, interact with professors, and collaborate with peers. Professors, who may have hundreds of students in their classes, often rely on these interactions to form their impressions of students. Simple actions, like regularly attending class, participating in discussions, and visiting office hours, can significantly influence a professor’s perception of a student’s dedication and interest in the course. These positive impressions can lead to stronger recommendations, better grades, and opportunities for research or mentorship .
Equally important is how students manage their impressions in social settings. College is a time for building networks that can last a lifetime, and the way students are perceived by their peers can influence everything from group project dynamics to social opportunities. Effective communication is key here. This includes not only what students say but also how they say it—tone, body language, and the ability to listen are all critical components of building a positive social reputation. Being approachable, respectful, and considerate in interactions helps students to form meaningful connections and to be seen as reliable and trustworthy by their peers.
Developing strong impression management skills also requires self-awareness—understanding how others perceive you and identifying areas for improvement. This might involve seeking feedback from peers, professors, or mentors to gain insights into how your behavior is interpreted. Reflecting on this feedback and making necessary adjustments is crucial for refining your approach to impression management. For instance, if a student learns they appear disinterested in group work, they can take steps to be more engaged and proactive in future projects, thereby improving group dynamics and outcomes.
Self-advocacy is another essential component of impression management in college. Students who effectively advocate for themselves—whether by asking for help, negotiating deadlines, or seeking opportunities—demonstrate confidence and initiative. These qualities are highly valued by professors, peers, and potential employers. Self-advocacy also involves knowing when and how to assert your needs and rights in a respectful and constructive manner. For example, if a student is struggling with a heavy course load, they might approach a professor to discuss possible accommodations or extensions. Handling such situations with tact and professionalism not only helps manage their workload but also leaves a positive impression on the professor.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning to college is a pivotal moment that tests not just academic abilities but also a student’s capacity to manage newfound independence and responsibility. The challenges of this transition are significant, as evidenced by the high dropout rates among college freshmen. However, as we’ve explored in this guide, success in college is not solely determined by intelligence or prior academic performance. It hinges on the development and application of critical executive functioning skills—Organization, Time Management, Learning Skills, and Impression Management.
These four pillars are more than just tools for surviving the rigors of college life; they are the foundation upon which long-term academic and personal success is built. Organization provides the structure necessary to manage the complexities of a less supervised, more self-directed environment. Time management allows students to prioritize effectively, balancing academic demands with personal well-being. Strong learning skills enable students to absorb, retain, and apply knowledge in meaningful ways, transforming information into understanding. Finally, impression management ensures that students are perceived positively by professors, peers, and potential employers, opening doors to opportunities and fostering valuable relationships.
The strategies and insights in this guide are designed not only to help students navigate the transition to college but also to thrive in it. By mastering these executive functioning skills, students can take control of their college experience, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. These skills extend beyond the classroom and are essential for success in life after college. They empower students to manage their time and responsibilities effectively, adapt to new environments, and build strong, positive relationships—qualities that are crucial for both personal and professional success.
To learn more about Executive Function, please see our other blogs. For a more personalized approach, reach out to learn more about our flagship on-on-one academic coaching program. We offer this program virtually to college students all over the country.
