As graduation approaches, many Edison students are thinking beyond finishing high school and focusing on what they need to do to prepare for college. From managing their own schedules to advocating for themselves, students and counselors say the transition to college requires more than just strong academic performance.
Edison offers guidance resources, college counseling, and real-world learning experiences. These supports become important at this time as students are preparing for life after graduation.
According to Ms. Rosario and Ms. Minaya, promptness and time management are two of the most important skills students need when transitioning to college. Unlike high school, where schedules are structured, college requires students to manage their own time.
“In college, you can have five finals in one day,” Ms. Minaya, Edison’s College Counselor said. “Procrastination can really hurt you.”
“When you’re in college, you pick your own schedule and you don’t have anyone reminding you to do things,” Ms. Rosario, Edison’s Work-Based Learning Coordinator said. “That routine is very different from what students are used to.”
Ms. Rosario explained that many students struggle with skills like studying independently, and keeping track of assignments. These skills are often overlooked but play a major role in student success once they leave high school.
“They don’t always know how to study on their own,” Rosario said. “Those study skills and executive functioning skills are really important.”
Edison provides several opportunities to help students strengthen these skills before graduating. Programs such as College Now and their shop classes allow students to experience college-level expectations and develop real-world skills that can give them an advantage after high school.
“The experiences here are like your shop,” Ms. Rosario said. “What you learn gives you an advantage.”
College Counselor, Ms. Minaya also emphasized the importance of study skills, self-advocacy, and social adjustment when students enter college. She explained that students often need to speak up for themselves in college, whether that means asking professors for help or communicating with administrators.
“Sometimes you need to talk to a professor or someone in administration to get clarity,” Ms. Minaya said. “That can be difficult at first, but it’s a really important skill.”
In addition to academics, Ms. Minaya said that building a strong support system is essential. Adjusting to a new environment and forming relationships can help students feel more comfortable in college.
“Who you surround yourself with can have a big impact on your life,” she said. “Having a good friend group helps you feel like you belong.”
Despite challenges some students might have, Ms. Minaya believes Edison students are motivated and willing to put in the work needed to succeed. Many students are excited about the next stage of their education and are prepared to take responsibility for their learning.
Senior, Manpreet Singh explains how students should start preparing now by practicing skills related to what they want to do.
“Students should spend 30 minutes a day working on a side skill,” Singh said. “Whether that’s writing, reading, or something related to the field they want to go into.”
Manpreet believes Edison helps prepare students by offering hands-on experiences that many high school students do not have access to. He said shop programs give students a taste of real-world expectations and responsibility.
Junior Narine Persaud said he feels confident about college but continues working to improve certain skills. He explained that public speaking is one area she is actively developing through her classes and extracurricular activities.
“A skill I’m trying to improve is my speaking skills,” Narine said. “I want to talk more confidently and persuasively.”
Narine believes that taking AP and college-level classes has helped him feel prepared and manage a balance between academics, social life, and mental health.
“I feel pretty confident about college because I am taking multiple AP classes and have taken numerous college classes now and felt that I handled them pretty well,” Narine said. “I’ve been able to balance that with my social life and physical and mental health.”
With guidance counselors, college programs, and real-world learning opportunities, Edison continues to help students strengthen the skills needed for college success.
