The transition from high school to college is one of the most significant and often underestimated shifts in a student’s life. While many students leave home academically prepared, far fewer are equipped with the executive function skills required to manage their time, advocate for themselves, and navigate the independence that college demands.

In this episode, Brandon sits down with Hannah Bookbinder, academic coach and founder of AcademicAlly, to break down the five pillars of a successful transition to college. With over 25 years of experience working with students, Hannah shares a practical and deeply human framework for helping students build the skills they actually need before they leave home.

This conversation explores what changes when external structure disappears, why so many capable students struggle during their first year, and how parents can support the transition without creating dependence.

You’ll hear insights on:

• The five pillars that support a successful transition to college

• Why time management becomes a challenge without structure

• How students can develop self-advocacy and accountability

• The role of routines, planning, and follow-through in college success

• What parents can do to prepare their child for independence

This episode is especially valuable for students with ADHD or executive function challenges, but the principles apply to any student preparing to take ownership of their academic and personal life.

If your child is approaching college or already feeling overwhelmed by the transition, this conversation will give you a clearer understanding of what they need and how to support them in building it.

This conversation is especially valuable for students with ADHD, executive function challenges, or learning differences, but the principles apply to any student preparing for independence in college.

Learn more about Hannah's work:

https://mytoadapp.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-toad-llc-099450368/

https://www.youtube.com/@MyTOADCoach

https://www.facebook.com/mytoadapp

https://www.instagram.com/mytoad_llc/

My TOAD App & Book:

Special Offer for Listeners Use code SLADE10 for a discount on the My TOAD app and book.

App: Sign up at health.clickmedix.com/toad or download on iOS at ios.mytoadapp.com
Book (audio or hardcopy): Purchase at mytoadapp.com/shop and enter code SLADE10 at checkout

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Executive Function for All | A Podcast by Untapped Learning