Novella Prep

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| What are the 12 executive functioning skills? | Novella Prep

What are the 12 executive functioning skills?

The twelve executive functioning skills are self-restraint, working memory, emotion control, focus, task initiation, planning/prioritization, organization, time management, defining and achieving goals, flexibility, observation, and stress tolerance.

Why Executive Functioning Matters

Research consistently shows that these skills not only help academically but also significantly reduce stress and help students adapt to life changes more fluidly. As students near the end of high school and face the complex college application process, gaps in executive functioning skills can become apparent. To truly thrive in college and beyond, students need to develop and hone their executive functioning skills.

Signs of Executive Dysfunction

Issues with executive function, called “executive dysfunction,” can affect anyone and manifest through a wide spectrum of symptoms, such as:

  • Difficulty organizing tasks.
  • Poor time management skills.
  • Challenges with focusing on tasks.
  • Trouble following through on tasks from start to finish.
  • Difficulty remembering details of tasks or instructions.
  • Problems with making decisions or analyzing information.
  • Impulsivity or trouble controlling emotions.

These issues can cause frustration, academic setbacks, and a lack of confidence, but they can be improved with support.

How Novella Prep Helps

At Novella Prep, we concentrate on elevating students’ executive functioning skills through a comprehensive approach that can help them reach academic and personal success. Our program allows students to develop healthy study habits that champion hard work, focus, and discipline, preparing them for both academics and life. We take a step-by-step approach to completing tasks and work with students to organize their time, plan tasks more effectively, and encourage them to ask questions when they need clarification.

Sharpen Executive Functioning with Study Skills

Strong study skills are built on a foundation of executive functioning. Focus, time management, and planning all influence how well a student learns and performs.

With our executive functioning and study skills programs, we help students:

  • Create effective study routines
  • Prepare for exams in advance
  • Use organization tools and note-taking strategies

The result is stronger academic performance and reduced stress.

Executive Functioning and College Planning

Executive functioning skills are key during the college planning process. From organizing deadlines to managing essays and applications, students must stay focused and on schedule.

Our college planning programs reinforce these skills by helping students:

  • Build timelines and task lists
  • Manage priorities across multiple deadlines
  • Make thoughtful decisions about schools and goals

Develop The 12 Executive Functioning Skills with Novella Prep

Strong executive functioning skills support every part of a student’s journey, from mastering daily study habits to staying on track with college applications. At Novella Prep, we help all students develop the structure, discipline, and confidence they need to succeed now and in the future.
Contact us today to learn how our Executive Functioning and other Study Skills Programs can help you achieve success in school and beyond.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to start college planning is right after receiving your PSAT score, particularly for sophomores, and of course for juniors. The reason? The PSAT provides an early indication of your future SAT or ACT score, and coupled with GPA and potentially AP scores, provides a powerful tool for admission officers to utilize for admissions decisions, and therefore, for you as well! But, planning in the 10th grade means becoming aware of longer-term goals and mindsets, approached at a pace that is comfortable for the student as a means toward both personal growth and planning practicality. Plus, you will need to know what requirements you will need to fulfill while there is still time to meet those needs! For tips on the visits, watch this video.

If study skills are like cardio training, and tutoring is like the skill to play a sport, we know that the foundation is endurance and the fundamentals. Same with school. Start with an evaluation of your study habits, routines, and results from your current level of effort, and then consider tutoring only if still necessary. Otherwise, tutoring without fundamentals is a costly band-aid that creates dependency. See this video to learn more.

As of January 2021, The College Board announced they will no longer be offering SAT Subject Tests to U.S. students in an effort to streamline the application process for colleges and prospective students alike. Instead, your student should focus their efforts on the Reading and Writing & Language components of the SAT, and look to utilize subject-specific AP courses and exams to demonstrate mastery in a discipline’s core competencies. For more guidance on the advantages of AP tests, here is a helpful video on this topic.

Many students are applying to ten colleges, which means starting with a list of 20 makes sense. Consider some schools, initially, that take into account family and friends’ recommendations, but ultimately, use your results from Naviance, PSAT score, GPA, and major to refine your list. Make sure it is balanced in terms of how selective each choice is. For more information, here is a helpful video.

While there is no strategic benefit to taking the SAT or ACT in terms of admission, there are some differences to the format and item types. Novella Tip: Take a free practice SAT and ACT to see what feels like a better fit for you.