Higher Education Solutions

Student Success Coaching customized to your campus and calendar

Studies Reveal Nearly All College Students Face Major Challenges in Achieving Their Goals

Do you have students struggling to thrive? My Life Tutors can help students successfully transition to and through college

College success coaching plays a crucial role in helping students transition from struggling to thriving by offering personalized guidance and support tailored to individual needs. A success coach provides students with strategies to effectively navigate the complexities of college life, from understanding academic expectations to managing time and balancing responsibilities. This tailored approach can be particularly beneficial for students who might otherwise feel overwhelmed or underprepared. Research indicates that students who engage in success coaching often experience higher levels of academic achievement and improved retention rates (Kuh, 2008). By addressing specific challenges and setting actionable goals, success coaching helps students develop the skills needed to excel both academically and personally.

Building relationships with professors is another key component of college success coaching that significantly impacts a student’s academic experience. Success coaches often emphasize the importance of networking and fostering meaningful connections with faculty, which can lead to valuable mentorship and academic support. According to a study by Tinto (1993), students who form strong relationships with their instructors are more likely to feel engaged and supported, which positively influences their academic performance and persistence. Success coaches assist students in developing communication skills and strategies for seeking out opportunities for interaction with professors, thereby enhancing their overall college experience and fostering an environment conducive to learning.

Enhancing study skills is central to success coaching and plays a pivotal role in helping students graduate on time and within budget. Success coaches work with students to refine their study habits, develop effective time management techniques, and adopt efficient learning strategies. This personalized support ensures that students are well-equipped to handle the academic demands of college without falling behind. A study by Bean and Eaton (2002) underscores the importance of these skills, highlighting that students who receive targeted academic support are better positioned to complete their degrees in a timely manner and avoid additional financial burdens. By focusing on these key areas, college success coaching helps students achieve their academic goals while minimizing the risk of academic failure and unnecessary expenses.

^References

^{- Bean, J. P., & Eaton, S. B. (2002). The psychology underlying successful retention practices.}^{Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 3}^{(1), 73-89.}

^{- Kuh, G. D. (2008). High-impact educational practices: What they are, who has access to them, and why they matter.}^{Association of American Colleges and Universities}^.

^{- Tinto, V. (1993).}^{Leaving College: Rethinking the Causes and Cures of Student Attrition}^{. University of Chicago Press.}

Success Coaching Supplements Campus Resources and Expands Access

College success coaching serves as a vital supplement to campus resources, especially for historically disadvantaged students such as those from low-income backgrounds, language minorities, international students, and first-generation college students. While many institutions offer a variety of support services, these resources are often underutilized due to a lack of awareness or difficulty navigating them. Success coaches bridge this gap by providing personalized guidance and advocacy, helping students understand and access the full spectrum of available resources. For instance, coaches can assist in interpreting complex financial aid options or connecting students with specialized academic support tailored to their unique needs, thus ensuring that students make the most of the opportunities available to them (Crisp & Cruz, 2009).

Moreover, success coaching plays a crucial role in expanding access and fostering inclusivity for students who may face systemic barriers to higher education. By offering tailored support, success coaches address the specific challenges faced by historically marginalized groups, such as cultural adjustments for international students or overcoming language barriers for non-native speakers. Research by Engle and Tinto (2008) indicates that such targeted interventions are effective in improving retention rates and academic performance among these populations. Success coaches not only provide practical assistance but also serve as mentors who can help students build confidence and resilience, contributing to a more equitable educational experience and enhancing overall student success.

^References

^{- Crisp, G., & Cruz, I. (2009). Mentoring college students: A critical review of the literature between 1990 and 2007.}^{Research in Higher Education, 50}^{(6), 525-545.}

^{- Engle, J., & Tinto, V. (2008). Moving beyond access: College success for low-income, first-generation students.}^{Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education}^.