adjustment in college

College classes start up again soon—and whether your student is a freshman or senior, it can be a stressful time for both parties due to finances, moving, and new experiences. You might think that because you're assisting financially – tuition payments, rent, food, or other expenses – that you have a say in the career path or courses your child chooses. But here's why you should take a backseat at the start of this new semester:

We like to think of it as College 101 - but really we do more to support college parents then just share articles. We are here to monitor the topics and themes of greatest interest to college students and their families and to help make sure that the investment your family is making in a higher education generates a great return for the life and career choice of your child. Keep these tips in mind and most of all keep a good sense of humor when dealing with your child. It often helps to share the warmth of a smile or laugh that only a supportive parent can give.

As college parents, we have witnessed the influence of our children's friends. From elementary school to high school many of us have taken steps to encourage certain friendships or even to discourage other friendships.

We fundamentally believe in the value of higher education to advance the quality of the lives of the students, families and communities where they eventually serve. 

We have a continuing theme regarding the first year experience of college students that we are exploring. Most families we speak with share with us the anxiety about this transition.   The reality is that families of new college students recognize that the transition to college is a BIG deal.   The transition is a major life event for both students and the family. Our last post reported research by UCLA - that about 25% of freshmen students do not progress successfully to become sophomores. 

Parents of new college students recognize that the transition to college is a BIG deal.   The transition is a major life event for both students and the family. In fact, according to the research by UCLA - about 25% of freshmen students do not progress successfully to become sophomores.  Despite the efforts of so many people to select, enroll and pay for that freshmen year, many students do not overcome the obstacles they face in their new environment.  

First day. Freshman year. Alone. Nervous. It was like being a baby bird, and then your mother comes home to nest one day and tells you, “Go ahead. Fly.” I stood on the campus of Howard University in a daze. Upperclassmen brushed past me, hurriedly running to class. Everyone seemed so…busy. It was hard to focus even. But slowly and surely I got that hang of it, and things became fluid. I loved my classes.

According to a recent article on Inside Higher Ed, Duke University just launched their first-ever sophomore convocation, where the universit

College classes start up again soon—and whether your student is a freshman or senior, it can be a stressful time for both parties due to finances, moving, and new experiences. You might think that because you're assisting financially – tuition payments, rent, food, or other expenses – that you have a say in the career path or courses your child chooses. But here's why you should take a backseat at the start of this new semester:

When you want something in life, it's best to have a plan for how you will get it. Everyone wants a life of financial security—the ability to save and invest so that your money is working for you in a way that enables you to fulfill your life's goals. To achieve financial security, you need to create a financial plan.