Why High School Success Doesn’t Always Translate to College

 

By Paige Feldman, College Inside Track

 

“They had stellar grades in high school without even studying, but now they’re really struggling in college.”

This is a common story we hear from parents of high-achieving students. High school success doesn’t always seamlessly translate to college, especially at a demanding college institution. 

Understanding the root causes behind your student’s struggles is the first step toward helping them thrive. Here are some key factors that contribute to this challenging transition:

 

1. Lack of Effective Study Habits Many intelligent students breeze through high school without developing robust study habits. Their natural intelligence carried them through, so they never needed to learn how to study effectively. 
2. Time Management Challenges In high school, structured schedules and regular reminders from parents and teachers help keep students on track. College demands a higher level of independence and self-management, which can lead to procrastination and missed deadlines. 
3. Overwhelmed from Increased Independence The freedom of college life is both exciting and distracting. Hours can easily slip away on social media or socializing, resulting in last-minute cramming and heightened stress levels. 
4. Organizational Overload High-achieving students often rely on their ability to remember information without a formal system. As coursework intensifies, this approach becomes unsustainable, leading to forgotten assignments and increased anxiety. 
5. Shift in Accountability College students must take full responsibility for their academic progress. This sudden shift can result in procrastination and a lack of engagement with coursework. 

Certain majors, like engineering, can present a particularly steep learning curve even for high-achieving students.

 

Practical Tips for Parents: Supporting Your Student from Afar

Even if you’re not on campus, there are several ways you can support your student’s academic journey:

 

1. Establish an Academic Routine

Set an academic routine so you can plan your social life around that. Without a routine, trying to catch up takes time away from being social anyway.

Help your student create a structured schedule that includes:

• Class times
• Dedicated study hours for each course
• Buffer time for assignments that may take longer than expected
• Regular review sessions to prevent last-minute cramming
• Time for breaks, meals, and self-care activities

Encourage them to break down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks with individual deadlines. This approach makes assignments feel less overwhelming and reduces procrastination.

 

2. Teach Time Management and Effective Study Techniques

Many students arrive at college without strong study or time management skills. Here’s how you can guide them:

 

Encourage Active Studying Techniques:

• Summarizing information in their own words
• Teaching concepts to others to reinforce understanding
• Using notecards or one-page summaries for key information
• Incorporating physical activity before study sessions to boost focus

 

Introduce Time Blocking:

• Schedule dedicated study blocks for each course
• Focus on one subject per time block to improve productivity
• Find distraction-free study spots on and around campus
• Group similar tasks together, such as readings or problem sets

These strategies help students develop effective study habits and manage their time more efficiently.

 

3. Leverage College Resources

Colleges offer numerous resources to support student success. Encourage your student to take full advantage of these services:

 

Writing Center:

• Schedule regular appointments for feedback on papers and essays
• Get help starting papers when feeling overwhelmed
• Break down large projects into manageable pieces

 

Academic Advising:

• Meet with advisors in their departments to discuss academic goals
• Seek advice on balancing course loads and managing challenges
• Regular check-ins ensure they stay on track to graduate

 

Major-Specific Resources:

• Attend departmental study groups and review sessions
• Utilize tutoring services offered by specific departments
• Participate in academic clubs related to their field for peer support

 

Office Hours:

If you’re confused, go to office hours. Your professors and TAs are there to help! Building a relationship with them can enhance your experience and support your academic growth.”

Encourage your student to:

• Attend office hours regularly, not just when struggling
• Prepare specific questions or topics to discuss
• Ask professors and TAs about effective study strategies for their classes

 

4. Develop an Organizational System

An efficient organizational system is crucial for managing the increased workload and reducing anxiety. Consider these components:

 

Calendar/Planner:

• Digital Calendars (like Google Calendar):
  • Accessible across multiple devices
  • Easy to set up recurring appointments
  • Can sync with college portals
• Physical Planners:
  • Offer a tangible, distraction-free planning experience
  • Help with memory through physical writing

Encourage setting up reminders for deadlines and important dates.

 

Physical and Digital Organization:

• Physical Organization:
  • Use a binder with dividers for paper documents and handouts
  • Invest in a 3-hole punch for flexible storage
• Digital Organization:
  • Establish a consistent file naming convention
  • Create an electronic folder system for digital documents
  • Use bookmarks to organize frequently used websites
  • Declutter digital spaces by archiving old files

The best organizational system is one that your student will consistently use. This reduces mental clutter, minimizes procrastination, and frees up more time for other activities.

 

5. Foster Self-Understanding

Understanding how they learn (metacognition)  is the ultimate skill for academic success and lifelong learning. Encourage self-awareness through thoughtful conversations:

• “When are you most productive: morning, afternoon, or night?”
• “Do you study better in silence or with background noise?”
• “Which study method worked best for your last exam?”
• “How accurate are you at estimating task times?”
• “What’s your biggest distraction, and how do you manage it?”

These conversations help your student recognize their learning styles and develop effective study practices tailored to their needs.

 

6. Emphasize the Importance of the Basics

Remind your student that fundamental self-care—sleep, movement, and nutrition—is essential for academic success. Encourage them to:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, aiming for 7-9 hours per night
• Incorporate regular physical activity into their routine
• Take regular breaks during study sessions to stay focused and prevent burnout
• Practice mindfulness if they’re open to it

Prioritizing self-care improves overall well-being, increases resilience, and maintains the energy needed to excel academically.

 

Final Thoughts

Transitioning from high school to college is a significant change, even for the brightest students. By understanding the challenges and implementing these practical strategies, parents can effectively support their children’s academic journey. Remember, the goal isn’t just to succeed in college—it’s to become a lifelong learner who can thrive in any environment.

 

College Inside Track offers a College Success service, supporting students as they transition to college and thriving while they are there. Early intervention (when possible) leads to the best outcomes, so don’t hesitate to explore these resources if you notice your student struggling.  Request a free consultation to discuss your needs.