As high school students prepare to navigate the college application journey, it’s easy to get caught up in the external markers of readiness—SAT scores, GPA, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters. But beneath those measurable achievements lies something equally important and often overlooked: executive functioning skills. These are the mental tools that allow students to manage time, plan ahead, stay organized, and adapt to new situations—skills that are not only essential for the application process but are also critical for thriving once they get to college.
Whether you’re a parent guiding your teen or a student preparing for independence, understanding executive functioning can make the difference between a stressful college transition and a confident, successful start.
What Are Executive Functioning Skills?
Executive functioning refers to a set of cognitive processes that help people regulate their behavior, make decisions, and achieve goals. Think of it as the brain’s management system. In college, students rely heavily on these skills to juggle academic demands, manage social commitments, and live independently for the first time.
Here are the core executive functioning skills every college-bound student should develop:
1. Time Management
College students must balance classes, homework, part-time jobs, and social activities without the structure they’re used to in high school. There are no bells ringing between classes and fewer reminders from adults. Students who struggle with time management often miss deadlines, cram for exams, or burn out from trying to do everything at once.
How to Build It: Use digital calendars or planners to schedule everything—from study sessions to meals. Practice estimating how long tasks will take and build in buffer time for unexpected delays. High school is a great time to experiment with different tools and routines.
2. Organization
From managing course syllabi to keeping track of assignments and emails, staying organized in college is a must. Disorganization can lead to missed deadlines, lost materials, and unnecessary stress.
How to Build It: Encourage students to maintain organized binders or digital folders for each class. Introduce systems for managing email, such as labeling or flagging messages. Building consistent organizational habits in high school lays the groundwork for college success.
3. Planning and Prioritizing
College work often involves long-term assignments and open-ended projects. Students must learn how to break down large tasks into smaller steps and prioritize what needs to be done first.
How to Build It: Work with students on creating study plans for big exams or long papers. Help them identify “urgent vs. important” tasks and learn how to create to-do lists that reflect both short- and long-term goals.
4. Initiation
Unlike high school, college professors won’t always follow up if assignments aren’t turned in. Students must take initiative—whether it’s starting a paper early or reaching out for help.
How to Build It: Encourage students to start homework promptly instead of waiting until the last minute. If they’re stuck, coach them through taking the first small step. Practice emailing teachers with questions or attending office hours to build self-advocacy.
5. Self-Monitoring and Flexibility
College life brings unexpected challenges—missed deadlines, roommate issues, or disappointing grades. Students need to evaluate what’s working and make adjustments as needed.
How to Build It: After tests or major assignments, help students reflect on what went well and what could improve. Model problem-solving strategies and reinforce that mistakes are part of the learning process.
Final Thoughts
While academic preparation is important, executive functioning skills are the bridge between high school success and college independence. Parents can support this growth by gradually stepping back and allowing teens to take more ownership of their responsibilities. Students can practice these skills now, with the safety net of home, before the full independence of college sets in.
The college application journey is not just about getting in—it’s about being ready once you arrive. Strong executive functioning gives students the confidence and capability to not only survive but truly thrive in college.
