Posts from — July 2009

We send our students off to college to get an education.  We know that, in addition to their academic pursuits, they will be learning about life and the “real world”.  So why should we need to teach them anything before they head out the door?  Because there are some skills that will help them survive on their own as they navigate the world of college.  Here are eight skills that will help your student succeed in “College 101″.

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This post includes a list of fourteen books of interest to parents of college students.  The list is not inclusive: there are more books out there.  The authors of these books have different styles and different approaches.  Some are probably better than others.  We are not endorsing any of the books, but hope that the list will serve as a resource for parents who want more information.  You won’t want to read them all, but look for some of the titles that intrigue you.

Over the next few months, we plan to review some of these books to provide a bit more guidance about their content and approaches, but in the meantime, enjoy gathering some additional information – and recognizing that you’re not alone in your joys and concerns about your student heading off to college.

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The majority of college students, and their families, are busily seeking whatever financial aid might be available.  Students and their families fill out the FAFSA, the College Profile, individual college aid applications, and local college aid applications.  Some pursue corporate or organizational scholarships.  There is aid out there, but it is sometimes difficult work to find it.

 Three graduates of Harvard University have established a new model for additional financial aid.  Made public in April 2009, their organization, called UniThrive currently offers aid only to Harvard students, but they hope to expand quickly – perhaps by the fall.

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Most colleges conduct some kind of orientation for incoming students.  The orientation session may happen during the summer, or just prior to the beginning of classes.  Orientation is valuable and helpful for incoming students.   Your student is excited about beginning her college career.  But you are taken by surprise when it comes time for orientation and your student says she doesn’t want to attend – and may even say she’s changed her mind about attending college!  What’s going on?

 The entire summer before the first year of college is likely to be a pendulum for your student between excitement and terror, longing for independence and clinging to home.  He may not even realize what a roller coaster ride he’s on, but the more that you remember the enormity of this transition, the more that you can help – even if it is just through your patience.  Although orientation may seem just the natural next step toward college, it may be one of the biggest steps. 

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