Expert Advice For Parents To Simplify The College Transition

Going to college is a milestone event in the lives of both students and parents. It marks the beginning of a new chapter and can be both exciting and overwhelming. With all the changes and challenges that come with the college transition, it's important for parents to be well-prepared and provide the necessary support to their children.

The College Transition: A Time of Change

Leaving home to pursue higher education is a significant change for most students. They will be faced with new environments, academic challenges, and increased responsibilities. As parents, it is crucial to understand the various aspects of the college transition and provide guidance accordingly.

1. Start Early: Research and Preparation

A successful college transition begins long before the first day of classes. It's essential for parents to start early and assist their children with thorough research and preparation. Explore different colleges and universities, understand their admission requirements, and help your child identify their academic and career goals.

College Ready 2022: Expert Advice for Parents to Simplify the College Transition

by Christine Self(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1167 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Encourage your child to attend college fairs and visit campuses to get a feel for the environment. Discuss financial aid options and assist with scholarship applications. By starting early, you can alleviate some of the stress associated with the college application process.

2. Foster Independence

One of the primary goals of the college transition is to help your child become more independent. Encourage them to take ownership of their academic and personal life. Teach them essential life skills such as managing finances, doing laundry, and cooking.

Although it can be tempting to continue doing everything for your child, it's important to empower them to take responsibility for their actions. This will enable them to navigate challenges and develop crucial skills that will benefit them throughout their college years and beyond.

3. Communication and Emotional Support

The college transition can be emotionally challenging for both parents and students. It's crucial to maintain open and honest communication throughout this period. Listen to your child's concerns and fears, and offer understanding and support.

Encourage your child to actively seek support networks on campus, such as mentors or counseling services. Remind them that it's normal to feel overwhelmed and that seeking help is a sign of strength.

4. Set Realistic Expectations

Having realistic expectations is key to a smooth college transition. Understand that your child may face academic and social challenges along the way. They may struggle academically initially or face difficulties making new friends. Be prepared to support them through these obstacles and help them develop resilience.

It's important to avoid putting additional pressure on your child to excel academically or achieve specific goals. Instead, focus on their growth and well-being. Encourage them to explore different interests and take advantage of the opportunities available on campus.

5. Encourage Time Management and Balance

College life can be busy and overwhelming. Help your child develop good time management skills by encouraging them to create a study schedule and prioritize their tasks. Time management is essential for balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and personal life.

Remind your child to take breaks, engage in physical activities, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Encourage them to explore different clubs and organizations on campus that align with their interests. These activities can provide a sense of belonging and help in building a strong support system.

6. Trust the Process

Lastly, trust the process. Understand that the college transition may be challenging at times, but it is also an incredible learning experience. Your child will develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and a sense of independence.

Support your child every step of the way, but also allow them to make their own mistakes and learn from them. By trusting the process, you are equipping your child with the tools and mindset necessary to succeed in college and beyond.

The college transition is a significant milestone for both parents and students. By taking the time to research and prepare, fostering independence, maintaining open communication, setting realistic expectations, encouraging time management, and trusting the process, parents can simplify this journey for their children.

Remember, your role as a parent during the college transition is to provide the necessary support and guidance while empowering your child to take charge of their own future. With the right approach, this phase can be a transformative experience that sets the stage for a successful academic and personal life.

College Ready 2022: Expert Advice for Parents to Simplify the College Transition

by Christine Self(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1167 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	150 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Praise for College Ready

"A book that needed to be written; the whole family needs support for a successful transition to college. Let the national experts on parent and family engagement in higher education guide your family's transition." -Jodi Dworkin Ph.D., Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota

"The transition to college isn't just about your student. This step-by-step guide offers tips for a successful first year for the whole family." -Marjorie Savage, author of You're on Your Own (But I'm Here If You Need Me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years

"This book provides families with proven tools to set expectations from a myriad of perspectives across all facets of the transition from high school to college with amazing detail." -R. Yee, parent of three UCLA students and graduates

The first year of college is full of excitement and uncertainty for students and parents. And this Fall brings additional challenges and stress.

The 2022-23 college experience will be different from anything a parent might have experienced themselves, or anything they have experienced with other children, as each college student’s journey is unique. And there are additional unknowns as students begin college this year. College administrators are beginning to see the true impact of COVID on our young students. Incoming college students have experienced academic disruption again and again and may not even fully understand how to manage their time, and the study skills needed for college-level work.

Parental support of students means even more today.

College Ready 2022 provides practical guidance on what should be done during the summer, during drop-off, and the entire academic year.

College Ready 2022 addresses topics that parents think most about. Chapters provides expert guidance on top-of-mind concerns including packing, money, staying connected, promoting responsible independence and supporting academic success.

College Ready 2022 is action oriented. Checklists accompany each chapter so you don’t forget anything and don’t do things you shouldn’t!

And the book is full of ideas on how to start those tough, but very much needed, conversations. Not only will having these conversations assist you in your college preparations, but they will also open new lines of communication that can continue during the school year.

College Ready 2022 is edited by Chelsea Petree, Ph.D., who is the Director of Parent and Family Programs at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Each contributor to College Ready 2022 is a current or former college administrator who has worked extensively with parents and families of students.They are all members of AHEPPP: Family Engagement in Higher Education, the only professional association in the world dedicated to parent/family involvement in the college experience. These contributors are experts in the field overall and in the chapters they penned.

College Ready 2022 is for parents, family members, caregivers, siblings, mentors, and any supporters of a soon-to-be college student.