The Transition to College

For Parents

Transition to College for Parents and Students

Going to college is a transition the family makes together.

Transition to College for Parents and Students

Going to college is a transition the family makes together.

Parental support during the college application and college transition process is instrumental to student success. Parents may feel like they don’t have the know-how when it comes to making decisions about college, however, studies have shown that their involvement remains pivotal during this stage of a student’s life. The final year of high school and first year of college mark an important life transition for you and your child. We are here to support you through the journey.

Supporting Your Student During the College Application Process

Although parents and families may not be well-versed in certain aspects of the college process, their efforts to provide positive feedback, validate students’ choices and serve as sounding boards support the student’s motivation throughout the process.

What Parents Can Do

Be involved: Even if you have never attended college yourself, the college application process is something that you can learn about together.
Listen and make suggestions, but validate your child’s ability to make their own decisions about where to apply and where to attend college
Talk with your child’s college counselor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding applications and your family’s financial options

Adapted from: Allison M. Mitchall & Audrey J. Jaeger (2018) Parental Influences on Low-Income, First-Generation Students’ Motivation on the Path to College, The Journal of Higher Education, 89:4, 582-609, DOI: 10.1080/00221546.2018.1437664 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/00221546.2018.1437664

Supporting Your Student During the College Application Process

Although parents and families may not be well-versed in certain aspects of the college process, their efforts to provide positive feedback, validate students’ choices and serve as sounding boards support the student’s motivation throughout the process.

What Parents Can Do

Be involved: Even if you have never attended college yourself, the college application process is something that you can learn about together.
Listen and make suggestions, but validate your child’s ability to make their own decisions about where to apply and where to attend college
Talk with your child’s college counselor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding applications and your family’s financial options

Adapted from: Allison M. Mitchall & Audrey J. Jaeger (2018) Parental Influences on Low-Income, First-Generation Students’ Motivation on the Path to College, The Journal of Higher Education, 89:4, 582-609, DOI: 10.1080/00221546.2018.1437664 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/00221546.2018.1437664

Supporting Your Student During the Transition to College

“Going to college is more than just ‘going back to school.’ The departure is a significant milestone in the life of a family and ushers in a time of separation and transition, requiring an adjustment on the part of parents, the college-bound teenager and the whole family.”

Challenges for Parents

Feeling a void: Feelings of joy may be mixed with a sense of loss.
Feeling left out: Parents must learn to adjust to the diminished oversight they will have.
Relinquishing control: College students will have to make some adult decisions on their own.

What Parents Can Do

Speak to your child about values and specific issues that might arise as young adults.
Guide rather than pressure: Support the student’s academic interests and passions.
Plan Ahead: discuss and decide on financial matters such as checking accounts and spending money.
Determine appropriate expectations such as financial contributions, phone call frequency, holiday visits, etc.
Allow for autonomy: encourage and accept the young adult’s ability to make independent decisions