Success in College
What Summer Programs Can and Can’t Do for Prospective College Students
If you are a high school freshman, sophomore, or junior, it’s likely you are receiving marketing materials for summer programs from colleges. Parents ask us, “Are these worth it?” and, “Will this increase our student’s chances of admission?” There are several benefits to summer programs, but certainly no guarantees. Let’s dig deeper into the pros…
Read MoreHow to Develop Executive Function Skills
By Paige Feldman Developing executive function (EF) skills is a gradual process that requires consistency, patience, and support. Different groups—parents, educators, athletes, and young adults—can use specific strategies to foster EF development. Routines, accountability, and positive reinforcement are key elements in supporting EF growth. For Parents Establish Routines: Routines create predictability and reduce…
Read MoreWhat are executive function skills?
By Paige Feldman Executive function (EF) skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, organize, and complete tasks. These skills are essential for success in school, work, sports, and everyday life. Key components of EF skills include: Planning and Prioritizing: Figuring out the steps needed to achieve a goal and determining…
Read More10 Essential Skills for College Success
By Paige Feldman, Meet Scarlet, a bright-eyed, first-year engineering student who has just stepped onto campus, buzzing with excitement and dreams. Like many new students, Scarlet is eager to dive into her studies and embrace the independence college offers. However, as the semester progresses, she begins to feel the weight of her newfound responsibilities.…
Read MoreWhy Student Engagement Matters, and Why College Is WAY More Than Your Classes and Major
Heather V McCowen, PhD College Consultant College Inside Track March 2024 What is Student Engagement? Why is it important? Student engagement is a multifaceted concept strongly associated with student learning, persistence, and attainment. Research has shown that student engagement can positively impact student learning communities, influencing student grades and course completion rates. For example, a…
Read MoreWellness Resources For Your College-Bound Child
CIT Consultant Stephanie George discusses how to help your college-bound child plan for wellness Q. Nationally, there has been a strong uptick in students reporting depression and anxiety as a function of the transition to college. What’s your best advice for parents, including advice about resources? Before your child heads to college, I suggest…
Read MoreMental Health and Your College Student: Things You Can Do To Help Your Child Now
Written by CIT Consultant Susan Whalen We’ve all heard the grim news: mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, and more are steeply rising among high school and college age students. Coping effectively with these issues can be sufficiently challenging when your teenage child is at home with you, but once your child…
Read MoreFirst-Year Trips Ease the Transition to College with CIT Consultant Anne Weber
Just before the school year starts, you’ll hear plenty of parents reassure their hesitant children, “Don’t worry, everyone is just as new as you are.” But let’s be honest, most people are still nervous about transitioning to a new school. Entering college is no different. That’s why many colleges and universities work hard to make…
Read MoreTips For Students Considering A Gap Year
CIT Consultant and Gap Year expert Lessa Scherrer gives strong tips for parents and students considering a gap year. What is a gap year, and why should I take one? A gap year (or sometimes, gap semester) is typically a break from the standard progression through high school to college. Although often taken the year…
Read More