Background
Many high school students have challenges that follow them into college, but it is possible to break the cycle. One Applerouth student, Jasmine, was struggling with high school AP Calculus and Physics when she and her parents came to us for help. With the guidance of an expert mathematics tutor we paired her with, Jasmine realized her abilities to excel in Calc and Physics – she’d just needed someone to cut out the confusion! She mainly needed someone to take the time to clarify things enough so she could ride that boost of confidence. When Jasmine later transitioned to college, she happily reported to her tutor that she was able to smoothly and successfully complete college-level Statistics.
Another student, Jay, sought our help as he was graduating from high school to college. He had been feeling overwhelmed by the transition to college-level classes, which is a feeling many students share. We know it often only takes a few habit adjustments to clear their way for success…so we got to work, and so did Jay. Applerouth matched him with one of our tutors that we knew would be great at providing academic and strategic support, while helping Jay to establish a stronger foundation of executive functioning skills. Jay made huge strides and learned to settle into his new expectations in a college environment. He had a successful freshman year of college, but more importantly, he has walked away with stronger adaptability skills that he can use throughout his life.
Approach
- When Jay and Jasmine’s parents found us, they were feeling apprehensive about their students’ struggles with subjects they knew would only become more challenging in college. First, their tutors addressed the challenges they were experiencing in their high school AP classes. After working from that level, they began to start focusing with them on what to expect – and the habits that are most helpful – in the college environment.
- Once Jay and Jasmine were in the college scene, their Applerouth tutors continued to assist them in navigating their classes in order to make sure they never fell behind. This is important because the sooner you bring light to confusion, the quicker and easier it is to untangle!
- They continued to focus on sharpening their executive functioning in order to adjust to the new pace that university classes demand. In the process, they gained adaptability skills they can re-use time and time again during the inevitable transitional phases of life.
Outcome
Both Jasmine and Jay successfully overcame their academic challenges, preparing for and keeping pace with college classes. They gained resilience and effective learning strategies they could use in both high school and college levels, as well as in their overall lives.
*Student's name and likeness have been changed for privacy.