Getting Into College Is One Thing. Being Ready for College Is Another.

Courtney Ianiro

College Transition and Student Success Specialist

Throughout high school, so much attention is focused on getting into college. But once a student decides where they are going, another question becomes important:

Are they ready to manage college on their own?

College brings much more independence. Students are expected to manage schedules and deadlines, communicate with professors, make appointments, find resources, and recognize when they need help.

For students who have relied on accommodations, academic support, or significant parental involvement, that transition can take some preparation.

Understanding College Accommodations

Students with IEPs or 504 Plans need to understand that their high school plan does not simply transfer to college.

Students generally need to connect with the college's accessibility or disability services office, provide documentation, understand their approved accommodations, and learn how to access them.

The responsibility also shifts to the student. They may need to email a professor, arrange testing accommodations, make an appointment, or follow up when something isn't working.

These are skills students can begin practicing before they arrive on campus.

Preparing for Independence

College readiness is about more than being capable of college-level work.

Can a student manage several classes and deadlines? Do they know how to break a large assignment into smaller steps? Will they recognize when they are falling behind? Do they know where to go for help?

The summer before college is a good time to think about these questions.

Students can begin establishing systems for managing assignments and appointments, learning about campus resources, connecting with accessibility services when appropriate, and becoming more comfortable communicating directly with adults.

Support That Builds Independence

Some students benefit from continued support during the transition to college. Regular check-ins can help them plan demanding weeks, prioritize responsibilities, and recognize when they need additional help.

But the goal isn't to manage college for the student. It is to gradually put more responsibility in their hands.

Instead of asking, “Did you remember to do this?” we want to get to the point where we can ask, “What's your plan?”

Getting accepted to college is an exciting accomplishment. Being prepared to manage the independence that comes with it can make all the difference in what happens once a student gets there.