Path to Academic Success Starts Before College

As a college freshman, “Jackie” found herself falling behind. Like many students, she struggled to keep up with the faster-paced and less-structured college environment.

College students often face an awakening, when they realize they – not parents or teachers – are now responsible for their own academic success. Parents can equip their student for the transition to college, by teaching some basic skills early in life. Numerous studies have shown students who perform well also exhibit stronger skills in several specific areas.

Time management is one of those areas. A University of Georgia study showed time management skills were a better predictor of a college student’s GPA than SAT test scores. As early as possible, students should be taught to develop structured study plans. They should learn to break large projects into more manageable and scheduled tasks. They should know how to set realistic deadlines, allowing sufficient time to complete projects or study for tests. Too often, students who procrastinate in high school continue to do so in college. Research at Ohio State University proved the negative consequences of procrastinating. On a 4.0 scale, severe procrastinators earned an average grade of 2.9 compared to 3.6 for low procrastinators.

Study skills also have a major impact on academic performance. Repeatedly, research has confirmed a correlation between weak study skills and a low GPA. Students should have a planned course of action for study and should ask themselves, “What approach to studying works best for me?” Do they find studying in the solitude of their room or the surroundings of a library to be more productive? Do they gain more from studying alone or in a group setting? They should also recognize their unique learning styles. Will listening, writing or reading be the most effective way to study? Having answers to these questions will help the college student, when parents are no longer around to provide guidance.

Interpersonal communications is another important area of development for future academic success. Early in their academic career, students should learn to interact with teachers, counselors and other adults. They should see educational authority figures as someone to help them, not someone to be avoided. Instead of always contacting teachers yourself, encourage your student to interact with teachers and ask questions himself. He should view the teacher as someone who can provide additional help and advise him how to succeed in a class. If parents have taught students to communicate with teachers and all adults early in life, interaction with instructors at the college level will be much less intimidating.

For the best opportunity of academic success, college students should be prepared to handle responsibility when they arrive on campus. The time to instill these skills is long before high school graduation. Instead of simply demanding that assignments be done, coach your student in developing his own time management and study plan. Encourage him to talk with teachers. When you’re no longer there to hold his hand, he will have the skills and knowledge to move forward independently toward a successful college and life career.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/path-to-academic-success-starts-before-college-334391.html

Shelley Ladin and Rhoda Geller, are college career coaches specializing in working with high school,college students and professionals in achieving their career goals.

Visit us at www.collegecareercoach.com

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