Transcript

How to Succeed in College (Beyond Getting In) | Episode 019

Guest: Dr. Eric Endlich

The College Talk Show with Chris Bell

Opening

Chris Bell:
We always focus on getting in — and that’s fair. That’s really the focus of this show: college planning for high school students and everything around that. But tonight, we’re flipping the script. Tonight, we’re talking about success in college once you get there.

I’m joined by Dr. Eric Endlich, who works with students navigating college through many lenses, including neurodiversity. You’ll hear tips that are especially helpful for students who are neurodivergent or who may need mental health support. But even if that doesn’t apply to you, this conversation includes guidance for anyone who wants to succeed in college.

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Introduction

Chris Bell:
My guest today is Eric Endlich, a clinical psychologist and the founder of Top College Consultants, where he helps neurodivergent students navigate college admissions and college life. He has worked with students on the spectrum, students with ADHD, students with learning differences, and more.

Eric, thank you for joining me.

Dr. Eric Endlich:
Thanks for having me, Chris. It’s great to be here.

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Getting In vs. Thriving

Chris Bell:
Families put so much energy into getting into college. Why is it important to also think about how students will thrive once they’re there?

Dr. Eric Endlich:
There’s so much focus in our culture and profession on the admissions process. But that’s just the beginning. Not every student who gets into college ends up graduating. We want to make sure students are ready to make it all the way through — and that involves much more than grades, test scores, and recommendations.

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What Qualities Lead to College Success?

Academic preparation is important and relatively easy to assess. If you’re taking rigorous courses and doing well, you’re likely prepared for the academic demands.

But colleges can’t see whether you can:

• Get yourself up in the morning

• Advocate for yourself with a professor

• Get along with a roommate

• Regulate your emotions after a disappointment

Emotional regulation — the ability to handle feelings and bounce back from setbacks — is critical. College brings challenges: difficult grades, social disappointments, unexpected stress. The question is whether a student can recover and keep moving forward.

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Signs a Student May Not Be Ready

Eric encourages parents to examine the student’s full day.

Who wakes them up?
Who reminds them about assignments?
Who communicates with teachers?
Who schedules appointments?
Who manages health and self-care?

If parents are still heavily involved in these daily responsibilities, there may be work to do before a student is ready for independent college life.

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Building Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy develops gradually.

Eric describes a progression:

• I do (parent handles communication)

• We do (parent and student work together)

• You do (student takes ownership)

Parents can model communication, then guide students in writing emails or making phone calls, eventually shifting responsibility entirely to the student.

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Neurodivergent Students and College

Neurodivergent students face the same challenges as others — plus additional considerations.

Students receiving support through a 504 plan or IEP should evaluate:

• What supports are currently in place

• Whether equivalent accommodations exist in college

• Whether additional services such as executive function coaching are needed

College often begins with a clean slate socially. Students may need to proactively build community and seek out support.

Executive function systems — calendars, reminders, structured routines — become especially important.

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Evaluating Campus Support Services

Most colleges offer support services, but they are not all equal.

When evaluating counseling services, families should ask:

• Who provides the counseling? Licensed professionals or trainees?

• Is there a session limit?

• Are psychiatric services available?

• How accessible are appointments?

Beyond disability services and counseling, students should consider:

• Tutoring centers

• Writing and math labs

• Mentorship opportunities

• Residence hall support

• Clubs and campus organizations

Success often depends on using these resources consistently.

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Myth: Prestige Equals Success

One common myth is that getting into a prestigious college guarantees success in life.

For some populations — including first-generation or underserved students — attending a highly resourced institution can be transformative.

But for most students, success after college depends more on engagement:

• Finding mentors

• Joining clubs or activities

• Pursuing internships or research

• Studying abroad

• Taking initiative

What students do in college matters more than the name of the institution.

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The Most Important Mindset

If Eric could instill one mindset in every student, it would be a growth mindset.

Challenges are inevitable. Instead of thinking, “Maybe I don’t belong here,” students should ask:

What can I learn from this?
Who can help me?
How can I improve?

Treat obstacles as speed bumps, not stop signs.

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Closing

Whether or not a student needs formal accommodations or mental health support, the path to success in college includes independence, engagement, and resilience.

 

And remember — College is Awesome.