As you know, college with ADHD will be different from high school. There will be new and unique challenges from what you are used to. At college, no one is likely to monitor how you are keeping up with your classwork, if you’re showing up on time for classes, and whether or not you are spending the right amount of time studying. This you will need to learn for yourself and you will need to learn it quickly.
A piece of advice: When your new friends tell you it’s not necessary to attend class – just go online or read their notes – don’t listen to them. Ask any new freshman who was asked to leave college due to poor grades and they will tell you that’s the worst advice ever.
Remember, if you start off strong, you’ll keep going strong. If you start off weak, unfortunately, the same rule will apply and more weakness will follow. Below are my Top 7 Tips to Succeeding in College:
- Learn good study habits and apply them from day 1.
- Get daily exercise. Research shows exercise is the most important non- medication tool for the ADHD brain.
- Take your medications on time. There will be few second chances or do-overs in college.
- Sleep is critical for your brain to function optimally. Get enough of it during the week.
- Maintain attendance and go to class!
- Put academics first and play second: Use socializing, parties, and events for work-completion rewards.
- Get the support you need right away. Don’t risk falling too far behind to catch up.
Here is some further information on this topic: “People with ADHD can be successful in college”
Will ADHD Affect You or Your Teen’s College Success?
College is a completely different world from High School. The level of stress is higher and the level of support can be lower. How well you or your teen manages ADHD symptoms and behaviors in this new environment can lead to college success, struggle, or failure. Take the ADHD and College Success Quiz to find out whether your or your teen’s ADHD management is at the level it needs to be to reach college success goals.
