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You walk out of your first college class feeling immediately overwhelmed. That was a LOT of talking and information thrown at you. You know the professor said the syllabus was posted on Canvas, but it is long and full of what seems like useless information so you stop reading. You complete your first assignment but don’t review the rubric prior to submitting it and lose unexpected points. You miss the due date for your second assignment and lose points. You feel discouraged and unprepared for the upcoming midterm assessment. You don’t even think to advocate for yourself by emailing your professor. And this is all just for one class! 

These feelings are all too normal when it comes to a transitioning college student. Moving from a supportive high school setting, like Landmark School, into a college setting—even a supportive one—comes with a whole new set of challenges. And in college, students are expected to navigate these mostly on their own. 

The management system of the brain that controls all of these skills is called executive functioning. Simply put, our executive function skills work together to help us get stuff done. In college, students need this system more than ever before. Students can set themselves up for success by ensuring they implement strategies to support their executive functions.

1) Use a Calendar System

At least once a week, plug both short and long-term due dates into a digital or paper calendar and check these due dates frequently. All due dates should be listed on the syllabus for each class.

2) Implement To-Do Lists

Based on these due dates, decide what tasks to complete on what day and prioritize the tasks so you know where to get started. If using a calendar or assignment notebook, write these tasks on the day you want to do them.

3) Break Complex Assignments Down

Break an assignment down into discrete, manageable tasks. If you have to write a discussion post, break that down into completing the required reading, writing the post, editing and checking the rubric, and responding to peers.

4) Practice Self-Advocacy

Review professors’ office hours and make a goal to meet with each professor at the start of the semester. When you have questions about an assignment or the content, don’t hesitate to email your professors. Take advantage of the support services on campus, including disability services, tutoring, EF coaching (if available), etc.

5) Engage the Brain’s Quality Control:

Prior to submitting an assignment, make sure you’ve checked for an assignment rubric, have looked at any available models provided by the professor, and are aware of formatting requirements.

Most importantly, remind students that they are not alone. Encourage them to access the support systems and resources on campus to assist with all of these strategies. As a parent or guardian, show your child that you are a resource, too. Your student needs to know it’s okay to struggle as they transition to a new, more challenging setting. With time and support, they can begin to implement these strategies with more independence.

About the Author

Margot Marcou has been at Landmark School since 2010. She currently works as a part-time consultant for Landmark Outreach. Previously, she served as Assistant Director, Lead Teacher, and classroom teacher in the Prep Program at Landmark's High School. From 2016-2023, Margot was also the Director of the Skills+ Summer Program, which focused on teaching study skills to middle and high school students. In 2023, Margot founded Margot Marcou Coaching LLC, working with college students to provide executive function coaching.