At college, no one is going to wake you up and make sure you get to class on time. In high school, students follow a strict schedule moving from one class to another. In college, students have fewer classes to attend and more free time in between. To be successful in college, students need to plan their time wisely and make sure they have enough time to study, get to class, and potentially work a part-time job or participate in extracurriculars. 

To help your child develop time management skills, allow them to plan their schedule with you during high school. Sit down together and go over their school schedule, sports schedule, club schedules, or any kind of extracurriculars they are involved in. Additionally, they should practice scheduling study times throughout the week. 

Emotional intelligence, leadership, communication, and collaboration are just some of the people skills that successful college students demonstrate. Students interact with tons of people at universities such as professors, RAs, fellow students, librarians, etc. Being able to talk to people confidently and respectfully is crucial to building relationships at school. Students should also understand email and Zoom etiquette. One of the most helpful interpersonal skills a student can have is knowing how to ask good questions. This involves critical thinking which can be developed over time. 

If your child is struggling with interpersonal skills, challenge them to get outside of their comfort zone and work on these skills. Joining a debate team or a book club is a great way to start breaking out of your shell and learning to talk to people. 

A global mindset helps you work with people from all over the world. Universities encourage students to act as global citizens and critically observe global relations. Many college programs offer study abroad opportunities which can be extremely rewarding. If your child is interested in an opportunity like this, it is especially important that they develop global thinking skills. 

During high school, students can begin developing a global mindset by studying a foreign language, studying geopolitics, and discussing current events. Some high schools are on top of this, but it might be a topic you need to focus on at home. 

Don’t wait to start practicing these important skills!

Time management, interpersonal skills, and global thinking are just some of the crucial skills that students need to master before college. Doing so will ensure that they are prepared to face the challenges of higher education and thrive. By giving your child opportunities to develop these skills in high school, you’re setting them up for success in college. 

Club Z! Tutoring in Glenbrook specializes in providing individualized, in-home, and virtual tutoring for students K-12 in Northbrook and Glenview. If you want your child to work on developing skills that will translate to improved grades and self-esteem, contact us today at: bbalatsos@clubztutoring.com.