5 Important Skills College Bound Kids Need

Nov 29, 2018

Guest Post by Groza Learning Center

These five life skills will help any student be more successful when they go to college. Encourage your child to practice these skills in their everyday lives.



Girl thinking at her desk

5 Important Skills College Bound Kids Need

{This post may contain affiliate links.}


Although college prep classes teach your children the writing, math, and science skills that they will need for college, there are other skills that a child will need to focus on before leaving home. These skills will also be extremely important to employers after their college education is completed.
These skills focus on the ability to change and adapt to circumstances as well as having the willingness to learn through their own experiences. These five skills are important in all future aspects of their lives. Below, Groza Learning Center shares five most important skills for college-bound students to have.

Kids need to learn collaboration skills.


Functioning appropriately and efficiently in groups is imperative for students who are headed for college. Having the ability to collaborate on projects, as well as accepting constructive criticism from group members, is certainly an important skill for college classes and the jobs that follow. If your child works well alone, but struggles in groups, they will have a hard time both in college and their career. Developing these skills can accomplished by having your child participate in extracurricular activities and athletics; participating in homeschool groups or co-ops, and of course working in groups in their homeschool. There are a variety of community service opportunities that your child can take advantage of to help with these skills, as well.

Teach your child communication skills.

Young people need to learn how to effectively have a conversation. This skill should include maintaining eye contact, actively listening, and asking questions. In this day in age, electronic devices have drastically altered the way people connect with one another. It has lessened many young people's ability to communicate effectively in person, or on the telephone. These skills remain important in college and the real world. Students will be expected to interact with professors, and gain recommendations and references for future use.




Most homeschoolers are able to build relationships with people of all ages. Still, some may find it more difficult to communicate with authority figures. If your child is unable to effectively communicate, it will show in college interviews. If your child is taking classes outside of them home, such as in a co-op or some other class or even a team sport, they can improve this skill by talking to their teachers alone. Not only will this help train them to speak to their college professors, but this will also give them an opportunity to gain references prior to beginning college. Another option is taking part in an internship to enhance their communication skills.

Problem-solving skills are a must for all college students.


Your children will be faced with many unexpected challenges in life and will ultimately face these challenges alone. They must be ready to solve the problems that arise in creative ways, and figure out solutions to issues that have no single answer. Students who are used to following a learned process, and cannot veer from that learned way of thinking, will struggle when a more difficult problem arises. Students can work on their problem-solving abilities by taking in classes or homeschool courses that use experiences as a learning tool, rather than memorization. Students can also participate in extracurricular activities that put them in difficult situations, such as a debate club.


Girl at a table with school books


Time-management is an essential life skill for daily life.

The structure that public high school students become familiar with to organize their work and finish assignments is almost non-existent in college. It is important that they learn to become self-sufficient when it comes to managing their time and prioritizing the things they do. Time management is essential when it comes to everyday life. This skill can be improved by taking on more responsibility during high school. They also need a good academic planner for organizing their lessons and activities. Being able to keep track of many different projects in an efficient and organized way, and prioritizing these tasks intelligently is important for students beyond just school. A student who can balance their school work, a part-time job, and extracurricular activities should be able to maintain their ability to manage time throughout the rest of their lives.


Give your kids opportunities to assume leadership roles.

Leadership skills are another important aspect of a successful college life. If your child can assume a leadership role in their volunteer work or a sports activity, take advantage of the opportunity.


Be sure to follow me on FacebookInstagram, and Pinterest.

Want to receive more of this in your inbox? 

1 comment

Join the conversation!