Reality Check: Are High Schoolers Ready for College?

Being prepared is a critical — and perhaps the most important — skill for college-bound high school students.

Feeling unprepared when you have to face a challenge causes stress and angst. Yet it’s becoming more common for students to head off to college feeling unsure and not quite ready for that next major life step.

In 2022, 62% of high school graduates in the U.S. enrolled in a two- or four-year college immediately after graduation. While students report feeling “very” or “mostly” academically prepared for college, according to a 2023 ACT national survey, the lowest scores in 30 years on the ACT and SAT say otherwise. Experts also believe that students aren’t ready for college — even if they think they are.

Academics aside, key “soft skills” exist to help manage a new and more difficult course load and provide some even footing. But before we share some soft skills to cultivate, let’s explore the factors contributing to a general lack of college preparation.

Unprepared for takeoff: Why students aren't college-ready

Reduced reading literacy, lack of standardized tests and rising grades result in lack of college readiness.

Adam Kotsko, a long-time humanities and social sciences professor, noted significant changes in students’ grasp of basic skills within the past five years. Previously, he would typically assign about 30 pages of reading per class.

“Now students are intimidated by anything over 10 pages and seem to walk away from readings of as little as 20 pages with no real understanding,” Kotsko, an assistant professor at North Central College in Illinois, wrote in an essay for Slate.

Additionally, test-optional admissions policies became the norm during the pandemic — but now SATs and ACTs are making a comeback. It’s possible that students who didn’t submit test scores maybe weren’t ready for college, but those schools with the test-optional policies missed that potential flag. With more schools once again requiring students to submit test scores with their applications, students preparing for those standardized tests may improve their readiness for the rigors of higher education, too.

Grade inflation during the pandemic has led to a steady increase in high school grades. Pass/fail options, remote schooling, and relaxed policies have led to soaring GPAs. The expectation of a high grade in core classes leads to many students believing they’ll be able to achieve the same in college-level courses, especially after getting A’s and B+’s in AP courses.

But college isn’t like high school where you sit in class from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. every day. College includes breaks between classes and significantly more free time. That additional time can lead to unintentional procrastination as students learn to manage their time more effectively.

High school students' keys to success? These soft skills

High school isn’t just about learning to use complex equations, conduct experiments, or analyze literature. You’re learning important life skills, too — and you’ll carry your skills throughout life, including college! Here are the top skills to cultivate now, before you graduate, because they’ll hold you in good stead after graduation.

1. Time Management

The importance of time management: College students often have to juggle many things, including classes, assignments, extracurriculars, and possibly part-time jobs. Effective time management skills help to balance these demand

How to improve your time management: Using planners or digital calendars, no matter how simple or complex, is the most effective way to help you prioritize your life. Google Calendar, and other organizational tools like Notion, can help organize your time. Figure out what works best for you for early success.

Another tip? Break large projects into smaller and more manageable chunks, and set aside specific times for studying and relaxation. Intentionally scheduling workout classes and meals into your day ensures you’ll take care of yourself, something too many students back-burner in college.

2. Communication Skills:

The importance of good communication: Strong communication skills are crucial for effectively interacting with professors, classmates, and group project members. Some of these relationships can eventually lead to professional connections or life-long friends. Communication skills also enhance your ability to participate in class discussions and presentations, leading to a higher reward.

How to improve your communication skills: Practice active listening during discussions, engage in group activities, and speak up in class.You can even ask your high school teachers for feedback on your communication style — and recommendations on improving it. When you can, take advantage of opportunities to speak or present in public. It might feel terrifying to think about, but it’ll help keep the jitters away that first time you have to talk in front of a big group in college.

3. Problem-Solving:

The importance of problem-solving: When you’re (mostly) on your own in college, you’ll face challenges that you’ll need to handle yourself. Or you’ll have to figure out a way to get the help you need. Intimidating thought, isn’t it? If you started developing effective problem-solving skills now — like figuring out how to get to work when your car’s in the shop or making sure everyone assigned to your group project does their part —  will help you solve whatever problems you encounter later.

How to improve your problem-solving skills: Identifying the issue and brainstorming possible solutions is a great first start to solving a problem. Equally important? Staying calm as you navigate a hot situation. Use the resources at hand — trust us, there are a ton of resources on many college campuses including your professors, resident assistants, online resources and more — to pick the best option for you.

For example, your roomie is talking on the phone loudly with their long distance s/o when you just want to get to sleep. What are your options? Who can you go to for help? Complaining loudly about them to your next door neighbor is probably not your best bet, but neither is getting an RA involved so quickly. Maybe it’s to send them a text if you’re the non-confrontational type, or it’s to have a conversation one night at the dining hall.

College will bring lots of change, no matter what school or program you’re going into. The best way to be successful amidst all these changes is to be prepared and know that you will succeed, even if you don’t get an A on your first math exam.