As we briefly touched on living arrangements, financial aid and college preparation, there are some logistics to keep in mind, for the earlier stages. This refers ti the move-in process, transportation, conduct in visitations, dealing with your child’s new found independence, and so on. Having a child head off to college is a huge change for many parents, no matter how independent their child is; if you’re experiencing it for the first time, there are many questions and concerns you may have even beyond move-in day like when you can visit. We are here to support and guide you as parents during this transitional time.
Deciding where your child will live during their freshman year is a decision that should be made early, as it’s a student’s first year at school that sets the tone for the rest of their college experience. If they experience poor living situations or unpleasant commutes, it's likely to contribute to postsecondary year experiences; unpleasant experiences may render a new application process if your child decides to transfer.
Move-in day for freshmen can be fairly chaotic. Getting onto the actual campus will not be an easy task, considering the heavy traffic and everyone moving in. Even when you’ve made it to the dorm, there will be heavy wait times for elevators, difficulty navigating hallways and rooms, and lugging larger items into small spaces. Despite all the cramped space, the end result will be well worth it when your child is comfortably settled in for the next nine months.
Many parents feel a separation anxiety almost immediately. For many, this is the first time they will be away from their children, at least for an extended period of time. Good news: many colleges anticipate this and plan an event dubbed Parents’ Weekend– families can reunite on campus and take part in a wealth of activities. If you can’t make it for the festivities or simply cannot wait an entire month to see your child, don’t show up unannounced. Discuss with your child if and when their class schedule would permit a short visit and be mindful not to overstay your welcome.
Many colleges have waived SAT and ACT score requirements for high school seniors currently applying to college due to how difficult it has been to sign up for standardized testing during the coronavirus pandemic. Now some colleges are also waiving standardized test score requirements when awarding merit scholarships to incoming students. Instead of requiring SAT and ACT scores, these schools will award scholarships based on high school GPA. [...]
It’s new. It’s different. It can be frustrating. It’s probably how you’re experiencing school these days. It’s online education. The coronavirus has rapidly expanded the adoption of online, virtual and distance learning, from college all the way down to elementary school. As a relatively new practice, schools, students and staff have all had to make adjustments to their curriculums and their expectations. Students may be wondering – how can I be successful in online school? How can I make it work for me? Our new Online Education section has the answers to all of your online learning questions. [...]
Facebook is returning to its roots with the launch of Facebook Campus, a college-only space designed to help students connect with fellow classmates over shared interests, according to the press release. The social media giant, which had originally started its life as a networking site for college students, is now refocusing its efforts on connecting students, particularly in the wake of COVID, even if they are away from college. Here's what you can expect from the new Facebook Campus platform if you are a college student: [...]
