Common Challenges in the High School-to-College Transition
Increased Academic Demands
College coursework moves at a faster pace and requires independent learning. Unlike high school, students must take the initiative to seek help.Â
Two common challenges frequently observed in students who are homeschooled:
- Academic Adjustments: Adapting to timed tests, strict deadlines, and lecture-based learning.
- Priority Management: Determining what must be done and back-planning to get it done on time.
Balancing Multiple Responsibilities
Managing coursework can be overwhelming, as well as homesickness and adjusting to new social dynamics.
Emotional and Mental Health Concerns
Anxiety, depression, and burnout are common among college students. Seeking support can help students develop resilience.
How Academic Support Services Help Students
Most colleges offer a variety of academic resources, including:
- Tutoring Centers: Subject-specific and general academic help.
- Writing Centers: Assistance with research papers and essays.
- Math Labs: Help with college-level math.
- Academic Coaching: Workshops on study skills and time management.
- Disability Services: Accommodations such as extended test time and assistive technology.
Preparing High School Students for College Success
Parents can help students build essential skills by encouraging:
- Time Management: Practicing independent study and long-term planning.
- Self-Advocacy: Teaching students to communicate with faculty and staff.
- Executive Functioning Skills: Using planners, setting priorities, sustained attention, metacognition, etc.
- Daily Life Skills: Managing schedules, budgeting, conflict resolution, and handling responsibilities.
- Learning Strategies:
- Moving from gathering knowledge (memorizing) to applying and analyzing it (critical thinking) in order to become an academic problem solver.
- Building on current foundational knowledge to strengthen vital skills and strategies to navigate college learning and life with wisdom.
Supporting College Students
The first year of college can be difficult, but parents can provide support by:
- Encouraging the use of academic and other support resources.
- Watching for signs of serious distress, such as social withdrawal or failing classes.
- Keeping communication open with supportive conversations.
- Encouraging independence.
Navigating Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Accommodations can provide necessary support for students with disabilities. The process typically involves:
- Self-identification and documentation submission (e.g., IEPs, medical evaluations).
- Meeting with Disability Services for an interactive process to determine accommodations.
Developing Self-Advocacy Skills
College students must take responsibility for seeking help. This includes:
- Communicating with professors about academic challenges.
- Scheduling appointments with advisors and support services.
- Attending self-advocacy workshops or working with peer mentors.
Academic support plays an important role in student success, helping individuals overcome challenges and build confidence. By equipping students with essential skills and a proactive mindset, they can navigate college with success and purpose.
The Cove at Cedarville University provides a variety of resources where students can access peer tutoring, academic coaching, disability accommodations, courses, and other programs designed to support their learning and maximize their academic success.Â
Kim Ahlgrim is an Academic Director with extensive experience in higher education, specializing in academic success, program development, and disability services. In addition to founding The Cove with her team, she also brings expertise in nonprofit work, teamwork, and public speaking as a senior trainer and consultant. Â
For over 35 years, Dr. Becky Kuhn has helped college students enhance their learning by introducing study strategies tailored to their academic goals and learning preferences. Drawing from the research of her doctorate in higher education student success as well as her experience as a professor and academic coach, she challenges and supports students as they navigate college.