Why ADHD Students Who Excelled in High School Struggle in University
If you were a straight-A kid in high school, and suddenly started struggling in university, you’re probably wondered “what happened??” (and your parents might be wondering, too). It’s easy to assume that you might be getting distracted, maybe you suddenly lost motivated, or you’re simply just not trying hard enough. But when it comes to students with ADHD, there is often something a lot more complex happening beneath the surface.
The support you didn’t know was there is gone
Most people don’t realize just how important structure is for ADHDers, and how much structure high school naturally provides. Teachers will notice when a student is frequently absent from the class, or hasn’t handed something in on time. A bell goes off that moves everyone right from one class to the next without having to pay attention to a clock. Daily schedules are consistent, and breaks (like lunch) have an enforced start and stop time. You knew where to be, when to be there, and people were keeping tabs on you to make sure you did just that.
None of that is necessarily a bad thing. It meant that a lot of the executive functioning load was being supported by your environment, offloading things like planning, remembering, initiating and transitioning.
You didn’t suddenly forget how to be a good student. The environment chance, and suddenly you’re responsible for all these things that just happened. And no one taught you how to manage that.
What Actually Happens When You Get to University
And just like that, all the structure that was holding you up has not just reduced, it’s disappeared entirely.
No one is going to check in and make sure you’re keeping up with readings. The professor isn’t going to send you a message if you missed class. You are navigating an entirely new environment with new rules and none of the structure or external accountability systems that had been keeping you afloat.
Now, you’re responsible for building your own structure. It’s on you to decide when you should be studying, remembering all the deadlines, managing multiple courses, figure out when to ask for help and keep yourself moving on things even when no one is checking in.
You Are Anything But Lazy
While it might look like laziness on the surface, there is a lot going on underneath. You’re suddenly dealing with a much greater demand on your executive functioning. It may be less about a lack of ability and more about a gap between what you already know how to do, and what your new environment requires you to manage on your own Which is actually good news, because skills are something that can be taught and strengthened!
For example, getting help used to be asking the teacher a question during class. Now it’s going to office hours, which requires a lot more steps. They need to find out when the office hours are being held, where they are, schedule it in their calendar, remember to go and actually get there on time. Each step of the way is another strain on their already struggling executive functions, and this is just one of the many things they are now responsible for!
Shame isn’t the answer
Falling into a self-hatred spiral or just telling yourself to “try harder” isn’t going to solve the problem. What helps more is understanding where the cracks are and building the skills, systems and supports you need to address it.
What Actually Helps
Your goal shouldn’t be to recreate your high-school self, or find someone to watch your every move. You want to intentionally build enough structure and support so you can become even more independent!
That might mean learning how to break down your assignments, create realistic schedules you can stick with for longer than a week, or build accountability systems for this new chapter.
ADHD, AuDHD or executive function coaching helps you build independence. Instead of relying on your parents to remind you of things or prompt you into working on your assignments, coaching gives you the space to take ownership over these things and figure out how to manage university on your own.
Are you a parent looking for support for your student? Check out our “for parents” page →
Coaching help you get the skills and strategies they won’t teach you in school. Book a free 20 minute discovery call today to talk about what’s happening and see if working together would be a good fit.
Last Updated: September 2026
