The Tough Decision: Should Your College Student Withdraw?
As a parent, watching your child struggle in college can be heart-wrenching. The decision to withdraw from school is never easy, but sometimes it's necessary for a student's well-being and future success. This article will explore key considerations and resources to help you and your student make an informed decision about whether withdrawal is the right choice.
Understanding the Landscape
Before diving into the specifics, it's important to understand that you're not alone in facing this challenge. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, only about 62% of students who started college in 2019 returned to the same institution for their second year. This statistic highlights the prevalence of students reconsidering their college paths.
Mental Health Considerations
Mental health is a critical factor in a student's ability to thrive in college. The American College Health Association reports that 41% of college students experienced depression, and 65% felt overwhelming anxiety in the past year. If your student is struggling with mental health issues, consider the following:
Continuity of Care: Ensure that mental health treatment continues even if your student takes a break from school. Work with healthcare providers to maintain treatment plans and consider telehealth options.
Campus Resources: Encourage your student to utilize on-campus counseling services and support groups. Many colleges offer free or low-cost mental health resources.
Parental Involvement: Be actively involved in your student's mental health care, as family support can be crucial for recovery and well-being.
Academic Support Services
Before considering withdrawal, explore the academic support services available at your student's college:
Academic Advising: Meet with an academic advisor to discuss potential course load adjustments or alternative program options that might better suit your student's needs and abilities.
Tutoring and Study Skills: Many colleges offer free tutoring services and workshops on time management and study skills. These resources can significantly improve academic performance.
Financial Implications
Withdrawing from college can have significant financial consequences. Consider the following:
Financial Aid and Scholarships: Understand how withdrawal might affect current and future financial aid. Some scholarships may have specific enrollment requirements or penalties for withdrawal.
Tuition Refunds: Review the college's refund policy. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual cost of attendance at a four-year institution is over $28,000, so timing can significantly impact potential refunds.
Housing Contracts: Check the terms of any housing contracts to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Alternative Options
Before deciding on full withdrawal, consider these alternatives:
Leave of Absence: Many colleges offer a formal leave of absence policy, allowing students to take a temporary break without fully withdrawing. This can be an excellent option for addressing short-term issues.
Transfer: If the current college isn't a good fit, transferring to another institution might be a better solution than complete withdrawal.
Communication and Planning
Open communication between you and your student is crucial during this decision-making process:
Honest Discussions: Create a safe space for your student to express their concerns and reasons for considering withdrawal.
Future Planning: If withdrawal is the chosen path, work together to create a plan for the future, whether it involves returning to school, transferring, or entering the workforce.
Additional Resources
Take advantage of these resources to make an informed decision:
College Counseling Services: Most colleges offer counseling services that can provide guidance on mental health, academic performance, and future planning.
Parent Support Forums: Websites like College Parent Central's forum offer valuable advice and support from other parents facing similar challenges.
College Policies: Thoroughly review your student's college policies on withdrawal, leave of absence, and readmission to understand all available options.
Remember, the decision to withdraw from college is deeply personal and depends on individual circumstances. By carefully considering these factors and utilizing available resources, you and your student can make the best decision for their future. Whether that means taking a break, transferring, or continuing with additional support, the goal is to ensure your student's well-being and long-term success.
