In high school, for the most part, students can get away with checking the boxes, filling out the worksheets, and thinking somewhat superficially. All of that changes at the college level.

At the college level, students are expected to think critically and dig deeper than they may be accustomed to. With smartphones, facts and data are a swipe away, but real knowledge and understanding of learned material comes when we ask questions, make connections, and consider the bigger picture.

At College Bound Thinkers we ask students to take risks by making independent decisions and answering open-ended questions. For example, many students are uncomfortable sending emails to professors. They procrastinate and avoid that task until they're forced to try. Instead of writing or dictating for them, we take the time to guide them through the process. At the end, when they ask, "Is this good? Is this OK to send?" we challenge them by returning the question with, "You tell me. What do you think?"