Future College Parents
You’re almost a college parent, but not quite there yet. Or perhaps college still seems a long way off, but you’re starting to think about it.
Good for you! The best time to start thinking about what it will be like to be a college parent isn’t when the admission letter arrives — or on Move-in Day. The earlier you start, the better.
You need a balance of information
Although college admissions, tuition, and financial aid are essential topics to consider, here at College Parent Central these topics are not our main focus. We think that makes us different.
There’s lots of information available (some of it better than others) about admissions and financial strategies. But there are two other topics that we think are equally important — and often ignored. They are how to prepare yourself for your new parenting role and how to prepare your student for a successful college experience.
As parents, we want the best for our children. That’s why many of us started college funds early, and why so many of us are so involved in the college admissions process. But what does appropriate involvement look like? How will you know if your student will be successful once they start college? These are the things we need to consider early.
Starting to build the right kind of relationship with your student while he/she is in high school — or even middle school — will help you both make the momentous transition later.
So what can you do now — before college — to help ensure that things go more smoothly later?
You begin here on College Parent Central.
Start Here
E-book to help you prepare your student for success
One good place to start is with our e-book: 60 Practical Tips for Using the High School Years to Prepare Your Student for College Success
There’s so much emphasis these days on getting into college, that we sometimes forget that many students need help getting ready to succeed once they get there. Check out the ways that this book can help you help your student prepare.
Preparing for the college experience
The Race to Place: A Parent’s Guide to Advanced Placement
Is Your Student Rising to the Challenge of Preparing for College?
Partnering with Your Student’s High School for College Success
Dual Registration May Give Students a Head Start on College
New Year’s Resolutions for High School Parents and Their College Bound Students
Beyond Admissions: Preparing Your High School Senior for College
Soft Skills, Strong Success: Fifteen Skills for College Readiness
Ten Things You Can Do to Increase Your High School Student’s Academic Readiness
Using Senior Year to Prepare Your Student for College Success
Making the most of the admissions process
Why College?
Five Conversations You and Your Student Should Have as You Begin the College Admissions Process
Is Your Student Heading to College for the Right Reasons?
Has Your Student Found the College with the Best Fit?
The College Decision Dilemma
Why Staging a Sit-in Should Be Part of Your Student’s Campus Visits
Delaying the college experience?
Should My Student Consider Taking a Gap Year Before Starting College?
Should My Student Consider Deferring Enrollment for College?
Should Your Student Consider a High School Post Grad Year?
Don’t Stop There
Check out the following categories for more articles that may be helpful to you right now — and then browse the rest of the site and get a head start on the college parent experience. Take your time, bookmark the site and return as you need more information.
High School and Admission
Orientation and Transition
Communicating with Your Student
Recommended Resources
Check out our Resources page for helpful book suggestions. Our Highly Recommended Books are a great place to start.
Invite us to speak to your high school, church, or community organization – or even just a gathering of your friends. We love to talk to parents!
Connect with us and get the information you need.
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Welcome to College Parent Central. We hope your college parenting journey is off to a good start.
Vicki
