Academic transition points often cause stress and frustration for students when what used to work for them in high school suddenly stops working. They may have succeeded in high school due to structural and parental supports, but now when they are in the much less structured world of higher education, they struggle to keep up. The best time to help a student succeed in college is before the student even leaves for campus. Some of the topics we can help students and parents navigate are:
- Understanding the expectations of college level courses
- Different domains of learning
- Managing time with a less rigid schedule
- Test taking skills
- Setting priorities when there are many competing interests
- Independence skills that will help students thrive
- Setting expectations and boundaries between students and parents
- Identifying what success at college looks like
An example agenda for a transitioning to college support:
- Meeting 1A:
- Parent: student needs and expectations from the parental point of view
- Meeting 1B:
- Student: student hopes and desires for the college experience
- Meeting 2:
- Student, parent: reviewing a customized plan for students success, with skills to develop
- Meeting 3:
- Student, parent: jointly exploring the resources and supports offered at the college of choice
- Meeting 4:
- Student, parent: Preparing for the start of the school year
- Meeting 5:
- Student: Check in on student success during the first two weeks of school