Top 4 Strategies to Ensure Success in College
As an ADHD Coach who often works with college students, I’m always on the lookout for proven, practical strategies to share with my student coaching clients.
While I don’t believe there is ever a “perfect” or “one-size-fits-all” strategy that will instantly solve every college student’s problems, I do believe there are many tips or strategies that can be quite effective for a wider majority of people—especially when those tips and strategies have plenty of room to add flexibility and shape to fit each individual.
Luckily, I just so happened to have a recent guest on Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast share some fantastic wisdom on this topic.
Top 4 Criteria to Predict Success in College
On a recent episode of The ADHD Podcast, Pete and I had a chance to welcome back Dr. Daniella Karidi to the show to share her knowledge on succeeding in college, as well as diving in to different memory skills for better studying.
But, it was really these top 4 predictors of college success that Dr. Karidi shared that truly blew me away—especially when she mentioned these 4 criteria came backed by scientific research.
Ironically, the surprising part was the lack of complexity that accompanied these ideas.
1. Attend Classes Regularly
The first predictor of success for college students is simply going to class. It might sound basic, but attending the classes you signed up for provides 100% more exposure to the material that is crucial for learning. If students aren’t able to, engage with the content in real-time, their chances of mastering it—or even being able to recall it at all—diminish significantly.
2. Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition
The second key to predicting success is “charging your battery”—which means ensuring you get enough sleep and proper nutrition, each and every day. Just like a phone needs a full charge to function optimally, our brains—and ADHD brains to an even greater degree—require rest and nourishment to process and retain information. Sleep deprivation can hinder your ability to make the neural connections needed for learning.
3. Know How to Ask for Help
The ability to ask for help stands out as a vital predictor of college success. Many students struggle with this, often due to fear of rejection or a lack of confidence. However, knowing how to articulate needs and seek assistance can dramatically improve academic performance and overall well-being.
4. Build Social Connections
Finally, the fourth predictor is the importance of socializing. Building friendships and engaging in social activities can significantly enhance a student’s experience and academic success. Research shows that having a supportive social network contributes to better mental health and increased motivation, making it easier to navigate the challenges of college life.
And that’s it! Just 4 “simple” strategies to propel your college journey to success. While I say “simple”, it doesn’t mean it won’t take effort or conscious thought to implement these strategies. Sometimes the “simplest” tasks or strategies are often the ones we skip or forget about because they seem so “easy”.
But, I know, even if you may struggle sometimes, you still have the opportunity, each and every day, to choose to try again to do your best. And that’s all anyone can ask for.
Thank for your time and attention,
Nikki
Discover even more resources for ADHD college students at Take Control ADHD™!