From High School to College: Why “Winging It” Won’t Work
Why Executive Function Coaching is Key for a Smooth College Transition
The jump from high school to college is one of the biggest transitions students will face. While many high schoolers believe they are ready for the independence of college, the reality often comes as a shock. At Connected Pathways Coaching, our Executive Function (EF) Strategists specialize in helping students develop the skills they need to navigate this transition successfully.
The Myth of “More Free Time” in College
One of the biggest misconceptions students have is that because college classes meet for fewer hours than high school, they will have more free time. However, they quickly realize that:
Class time is shorter, but the workload is heavier. Professors expect students to complete a significant amount of work outside of class.
Studying requires more time. The general rule of thumb is 2-3 hours of studying per hour spent in class.
Life responsibilities add up. College students must also fit in time for meals, laundry, errands, and self-care—things that were often structured for them in high school.
At Connected Pathways Coaching, we introduce students to real college schedules, helping them break down their time realistically so they aren’t overwhelmed in their first semester.
The Harsh Reality of College Deadlines
Many high school students are used to lenient late work policies, where they can submit assignments up until the end of the semester. Unfortunately, college is very different. Each professor has their own policy, and the penalties can be severe:
Some professors do not accept late work at all.
Others deduct points per day late—sometimes as much as 25% per day.
Some allow only a limited number of late assignments.
Students who aren’t prepared for these strict policies often find themselves in academic trouble, quickly. That’s why our EF coaches walk students through real college syllabi, helping them understand deadlines and plan ahead.
Why Executive Function Support is Essential
Students with executive function challenges often struggle with time management, organization, and self-motivation—all of which become even more crucial in college. Research shows that the brain structures responsible for motivation and planning are different in students with EF challenges, making it harder for them to adapt to sudden changes in responsibility.
Our EF Strategists help students by:
Teaching them how to break down large assignments into manageable tasks.
Helping them create realistic study schedules based on their coursework and personal responsibilities.
Introducing tools like planners, digital calendars, and time-blocking techniques to keep them on track.
Building self-advocacy skills so they feel confident reaching out to professors and using campus resources when needed.
Supporting Your Child’s Success
College is a major life transition, and without the right strategies in place, many students struggle unnecessarily. Hiring an Executive Function Coach ensures that your child has the tools and support they need to succeed from day one.
At Connected Pathways Coaching, we don’t just prepare students academically—we prepare them for life. Our personalized coaching approach meets students where they are, equipping them with the skills they need to manage their time, stay on top of deadlines, and navigate the challenges of college with confidence.
Interested in learning more? Contact us today to find out how we can support your high school student in making a smooth transition to college!
