One of the most important skills parents of college students need to learn is making what I call the “smooth referral.” This is in line with our role as your student’s most important behind the scenes consultants. We are really talking about getting your student to the resources he or she needs to thrive in […]
The Smooth Referral Read More »
There are lots of times when I will be speaking with a student who tells me “I applied to 15 colleges, and got into 12.” Really? Sure, do with your money what you will, but were you seriously considering each of those 15 (or 20 or 25) colleges? Or was part of your thinking that
Shotgun Versus Rifle Approach to Admissions Read More »
Sooner or later, all students are faced with a class that gets cancelled or rescheduled so they can’t take it when they want to. What often happens in these scenarios is the student calls home frustrated telling you that one of his or her courses has been cancelled or rescheduled and it’s going to prevent
Cancelled or Rescheduled Classes Read More »
We all know that visiting the college or university that your student wants to attend is essential. But how do you make the most of this visit? And how can you give your student the most latitude he or she needs to make the best decision? I have a few ideas about that, and they’re
You will inevitably receive several difficult phone calls from your student during their first semester. Or, if they are living at home while in college, the stressed reactions when they get home. Some of these calls will relate to roommates, others to how he or she is “fitting in,” and others about how terrible
College is Supposed to be Challenging Read More »
Perhaps the most challenging change for the parents of new college students, beyond the sadness because their son or daughter isn’t at home anymore, is the shift from parent of a child to parent of a young adult. While your student will be your son or daughter for life, and there’s nothing magical about turning
Becoming a Consultant to your Student Read More »
I can’t tell you the number of times students have come onto the office saying “I haven’t slept in two days because I don’t have time,” or, “Actually, I don’t think I ate anything at all yesterday: I’m not sure.” There is a nasty rumor going around that success in college requires students to completely
Sleeping, Eating and other College Routines Read More »
The admissions process can be stressful for both student and parents, that we know. While admissions counselors are sometimes seen as salespeople for their college or universities, ethical admissions counselors are also concerned with attracting the right students to their schools. Right in this case might mean attracting students who want the majors their school
Questions for your Admissions Counselor Read More »
One of the biggest transitions for parents and students during college is the lower level of communication that occurs when students are fifty, a hundred or more miles away. It’s certainly more difficult to have casual conversations when you’re not in the same house. Of course, there are other parents who say they don’t talk
Hide Their Favorite Sweater Read More »
A significant transition for new students to college is when they have to take care of their problems themselves. This applies to such things as basic health issues, finding time to study, getting sick, or finding their residence hall room too hot or too cold. These are the kinds of things parents took care of
First Time for Everything Read More »