Most college success isn’t about IQ. It’s about organization, time management, follow-through, and knowing how to manage life when no one’s keeping tabs on you.

These are executive functioning skills—and they’re the difference between a student who thrives and one who quietly struggles, even if they’re smart and motivated.

So, what are executive functioning skills?

• Plan and prioritize  tasks – In college, no one tells you when to start. You’re juggling multiple deadlines and figuring out what matters most every week.

• Stay organized (even when no one else is) – With syllabi, readings, dorm essentials, and student accounts to manage, clutter creates chaos fast.

• Manage time and meet deadlines – Late work in college often means zero credit. Managing your time is managing your grade.

• Focus and filter out distractions – Phones, roommates, and campus noise compete with every assignment. Students need to focus without supervision.

• Start work—even when it’s hard – There’s no bell or teacher reminder. If a task is tough, students still have to begin on their own.

• Stay calm when stress hits – Midterms, roommate issues, and homesickness are real. Emotional regulation keeps students from spiraling.

• Adapt to new environments and solve problems independently – Whether it's scheduling a doctor’s appointment or emailing a professor, college life demands initiative and flexibility.

In high school, many of these were scaffolded by teachers, coaches, or parents. In college? Students are expected to manage them on their own—often with no roadmap and no safety net.

The Summer Before College Is a Critical Window
Too many students assume these skills will "just click" once college starts. But they don’t. And once the semester gets underway, it’s hard to slow down and build habits from scratch while juggling coursework, new social pressures, and the stress of adulting.  I've seen it happen so many times.  Even with my own children.  I had to help them and this blog series will help you help your own student.

The best time to work on these habits is before the semester begins—during the summer.

This isn’t about more homework. It’s about using real-life situations—summer jobs, travel, dorm prep, even daily chores—as low-stakes ways to practice time management, planning, and self-regulation.

Students don’t need to go it alone.
Parents are still a powerful part of the equation, especially during this summer transition. That’s why I created a free executive function assessment that students and parents complete together.

✅ Want to know where your student stands—and where they can grow?

Use this free PDF checklist to identify strengths and opportunities for growth in the executive function skills that matter most for college success.

👉 [Download the Free College Readiness Assessment Now]