Transition to College

College is an exciting, new adventure and it is also a big step forward in terms of independence and responsibility. Academics will be more challenging, new friends will be made, finances will need to be monitored, values may be challenged, and time has to be managed. Giving thought to each of these topics and talking them through with your family before leaving for college will help prepare you for freshman year. 

Listed below are some transition topics for you and your family to consider.

• College work may be more challenging: Talk to upperclassmen mentors at orientation and work with your advisor to choose a course load that has a good balance. Colleges have many resources to support your learning, but it is up to you to take advantage of them. Check to see if writing and tutoring centers are available and be alert to your professors’ office hours when they are happy to discuss issues and course work with students.
• Freedom and responsibility: With the new freedom you have in college, you’ll also have the responsibility to make wise decisions about how you manage your time, what you do for fun, and how you spend your money. Studying in the library may be helpful, holding to your values will counter temptation, and sticking to a budget will help keep your finances on track.
• Friendships and roommates: Getting involved with activities related to your interests and passions will provide opportunities to make new friendships. While you may or may not have a lot in common with your roommate, you’ll live together most harmoniously if you discuss quiet hours, visitors, cleaning, and borrowing.

A Note to Parents

As students go through the college-search and college-application process, it’s important for parents to find a helpful way to engage with them. There is much that can be done, even in the early years of high school, to support a focus on college. Here are a few pointers.

• Help students learn good study and time management skills by finding a quiet and productive place for them to study and by showing interest in their homework and other abilities.
• Encourage students to take the most demanding courses possible and get involved in school and community activities.
• Recognize and celebrate strengths and accomplishments throughout high school.
• On vacations, be aware of colleges in the area and visit if possible.
• Begin to think about financing college and talk about the options available. Remember not to shut out schools based solely on sticker price; many schools meet demonstrated need.

During January and February of junior year, students and parents will meet in person, or by Zoom or phone, with the student’s counselor. This will be an opportunity to talk about expectations and positive ways parents can stay involved with the college search and application process. Students will search and apply to colleges through their MaiaLearning accounts and parents can follow their progress through their own MaiaLearning account. If you do not have an account set up in MaiaLearning, your student or your student’s counselor can send you an invite to create an account.

While parents should be a part of this process, it’s important to remember that this is your child’s journey. Start letting go, allowing the child to take the lead role. Be informed, supportive, and helpful but let the child do all the work required for the application.

Once the student has made a college decision, support his or her independence. Students need to know how to communicate with the college and taking responsibility from the start will be helpful. Have a discussion about how to stay in touch once college begins and how often. Talk about drop-off day and how you can be helpful. This doesn’t need to be a sad time for parents. Supporting this progressive step can be broadening for parents as well as their children.

The Principia School Counseling Office will be available all along the way to help students and parents navigate this exciting journey.