Is Your High School Graduate Ready to Transition to College?

Soon after students graduate from high school, it is important to begin the “transition to college” conversations with your teens to help them better acclimate to this new experience. It is not just the academic changes they will encounter, but more importantly an opportunity to discuss what they will need to do in order to have a successful transition.

As a college admissions consultant, I make an appointment with each student to discuss time management, financial matters and getting off on the right start. I know that many students are academically prepared, but the college schedule is usually dramatically different from what they are used to in high school. They need to learn where and when to study and understand the expectations of their college professors. They also need to know where to go if they need academic help.

New college students need to understand how to handle their finances and learn the basics of financial literacy so that their credit remains good and they do not get into problems involving money. Most importantly, students need to be responsible with credit cards and realize how easy it is to go into debt by charging items and not paying off the balance. Too many credit companies prey on college students.

As a independent college consultant, I like to pay special attention to safety on a college campus and helping students do everything they can to use the necessary precautions. I think every student needs to understand how drinking and drugs can be the road to disaster. I emphasize, especially with the young women, that they come together and leave together when attending a party or event, watch their drinks and never leave them unattended, and be very cautious when walking on a campus at night.

Since mental health is such a big issue on college campuses, I emphasize to every student how important it is to get help if they feel anxious, depressed or suicidal. Students should know where to go on the college campus to get the assistance they need and not wait and hope things will get better. They also need to tell their parents how they are feeling so that their parents can intervene if necessary.

These are just a few of the “transition to college” talks to have with your student. They need not be long, but they do need to be discussed. I think if parents begin these conversations during the summer, students will feel more confident as they begin their college experience.

College Direction meets with high school graduates and their parents to have the “transition to college” conversation. Call 303-692-1918 if you are interested. Sometimes students respond better to a college consultant because I am not their parent.

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Why Hire a College Admissions Consultant?

Here are nine reasons why your family could benefit from using a college admissions consultant:

1. They are experts in the college admission process and visit colleges and universities extensively every year to determine the unique qualities in each school.
2. They help students with the college search and are not just interested in brand name schools, but want to find colleges that fit your student’s academic, personal and financial needs.
3. They do not have an emotional attachment to your child and this allows them to provide unbiased, professional advice.
4. They get to know students on a personal basis which enables them to help students become stronger college applicants.
5. They help provide direction for students on their applications and essays. This assures students that they are adhering to deadlines set by their high school and colleges.
6. They assist students and families in finding schools that are affordable. They also provide information on financial aid and scholarships.
7. They are not limited in the number of hours they can work with students. This allows them to be available when students need them, with the answers they need.
8. They want to help students find colleges that are committed to seeing their students graduate in four years, rather than the usual five, six or more. This can save parents a considerable amount of money.
9. They are members of professional organizations like the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) and Independent Educational Consultants (IECA). College admission consultants attend state and national conferences to continue their professional development.

Most college admission consultants charge affordable fees and are very generous with their time. Many families believe that hiring an independent educational consultant is the best investment they have made.

Senior Grades are Important for College Admissions

Some students believe that once they have been accepted to college, they can relax and not worry about their grades anymore. This couldn’t be further from the truth.  Most colleges request both first and second semester grades.  They also expect students to take all of the courses they have listed on their college applications. Colleges are sending a message that they have no problem turning down an applicant in in the summer who has slacked off the second semester.  They always have a waitlist with students who have worked hard until graduation.

Comfort and Joy in the College World

Higher education is at a pivotal point. How will it all turn out? Answers are at both ends of the spectrum. An interesting read from two different points of view.

Comfort and Joy in the College World.