The Academic Skills Most Teens Are Missing Before College (And How to Build Them)
If you're a high school senior heading to college, or already a freshman who's hitting some academic walls, this one is for you. There's a stretch of skills your teachers probably aren't teaching, your parents may not have had to learn the same way, and that nobody is sitting you down to walk you through. They're the skills that decide whether your first year of college feels manageable or completely impossible.
Today's guest is Dr. Tara Williams, owner and founder of Innovative Collegiate Consultants, an organization that helps neurodivergent students with IEPs transition from high school to college and thrive in a neurotypical environment. Dr. Tara has been teaching for over 20 years and is currently a chemistry professor at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California. She works with students every single day on the exact skills you're about to hear about.
In this episode you'll hear what self advocacy actually looks like and why it's the single most important skill to start practicing now, why time blocking in 60 to 90 minute chunks works better than trying to white knuckle a four hour study session, the chunking method for breaking down a paper or huge assignment, why writing your own notes by hand makes the information stick, and the real reason office hours are your best friend in college (even if walking in feels intimidating). Plus the email habits that quietly separate students who thrive from the ones who fall behind in their first month.
What self advocacy really means and why it's the single most important skill to practice in high school
Why time blocking in 60 to 90 minute chunks works better than trying to study for four hours
How body doubling and study groups help your brain focus even when nobody is forcing you to
The chunking method for breaking down papers, essay questions, and huge assignments
Why writing your own notes by hand makes information stick (and why highlighting everything doesn't)
How to read before class so you actually understand what's happening when the professor lectures
Why office hours are your best friend in college and what to walk in and say
The professor relationships that turn into job and internship recommendations later
How to manage email so you do not miss critical college transition information
The calendar, planner, post it, or color coding system that actually works (the one you'll actually look at)
Parents: This is one of the most actionable episodes for any parent of a high school student, especially if your teen has an IEP, has ADHD, or struggles with executive function. Dr. Tara breaks down exactly which habits are worth practicing before college, how to scaffold them in a way that builds independence (not dependence on you), and why the email and self advocacy gap is the single biggest blind spot most families don't see coming. Listen with your teen if you can. Then pick one habit you'll start practicing together this month.
Ready to support your teen's transition to college, both academically and emotionally? Book a free clarity call with Leslie at leslierosecoaching.com/chat to talk through where they're at and what would actually help.
Connect with Dr. Tara Williams:
Website: https://innovativecollegiateconsultants.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-williams-phd/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iccedservices#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_innovative_consultants
Connect with Leslie:
Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here to help your teen or young adult resolve weight and unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.
Grab Leslie's free guide: The Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
Sign up for the Freshman Formula
Website: leslierosecoaching.com
Instagram: instagram.com/leslierosecoaching
Facebook: facebook.com/leslierosecoaching