Important Competencies for Success in College

While intelligence and academic excellence can play a role in predicting college success, a 2012 study published in “College Student Journal” emphasizes the role of non-academic skills and argues that these skills might be even more significant in predicting college performance than intelligence.

Psychological Health
Emotional well-being is an important aspect of college success. Students without good urge control might end up spending their time drinking and partying rather than studying. Students with psychological disabilities should talk to their school’s counseling center, and schools are legally required to offer accommodations to students with mental health disabilities. Students who don’t seek these accommodations, however, might strive.

Communication Skills
From emailing professors to networking with other students to form study groups, communication skills are crucial in college. Particularly when there’s a problem, students need to be able to speak confidently and competently to administrators and professors. Good communication skills involve the ability to ask direct questions, to advocate for oneself and to send clear, well-written emails. Students also need to learn to open themselves with roommates if they’re living on-campus.

Organizational Skills
Time management is key for succeeding in college. Students need to be ready for exams and projects, while still working on the daily demands of regular class and completing homework, or perhaps even working a part-time job. Good organization plays a big role in proper time management, and successful students monitor of deadlines, assignments, communications with professors and other obligations.

Academic Skills
Strong academic skills can help the student to stand out and excel in school. Especially important are reading and writing, which are needed in virtually every college class. Those students who possess good reading comprehension learn quickly and easily understand material, and good written communication can help students score well on papers, essays and projects.