Making the transition from high school to college

Mary Martha

By Mary Martha
Empty Nester / Mother of Two

In between college planning tasks, AP test preparation, college orientation days, working at jobs, and continuing to study hard (despite serious cases of "senioritis"), it's easy for graduating seniors to become overwhelmed and stressed out. And it's easy for parents to join them! The list of "to do's" can often overshadow the excitement and sense of accomplishment related to graduating high school. It's important to take time to celebrate as well as remembering to thank those who played a role in getting the student (and parents) to this juncture! Here are a few suggestions to consider in wrapping up the transition from high school to college.

Students:

  1. Don't forget to request that your final high school transcript be sent to your college.
  2. Make a final appointment with your school counselor to ensure there are no unforeseen surprises and to ask any last minute questions.
  3. Although this time is "all about you" and your accomplishment, don't neglect those people - teachers, counselors, mentors, parents, and friends - who have helped nurture, nudge, and inspire you. Hand-written thank you notes are priceless! Not only do they convey your gratitude, they show you cared enough about the person to take 10-15 minutes to personally express this gratitude.
  4. Enjoy time with your friends! Being excited and having fun is all part of graduation, but use the "3S measuring stick" for good decision-making: be smart, safe, and sober!

Parents:

  1. See them through 'til the end! Finding the right balance for keeping seniors focused and allowing them different ways to celebrate their success may seem like an oxymoron, but both are equally important. (I'm still searching for the right mix!)
  2. Recognition, Reward & Responsibility! Recognition may not cost anything, however, the payoff can be huge. Don't forget to tell them how proud you are of them - and why. Reward them with a graduation party where friends and family can share in the celebration, and/or plan a special trip or outing that will become a treasured memory of this time. (My husband has to travel to Puerto Rico every May for 5 days, and we decided to have Jake and one of his buddies go with him for a few days on the beach prior to graduation. By using his dad's airfare miles to pay for the trip, it was inexpensive, and Jake and his buddy will have great fun.) This is also a perfect time to reinforce responsibility as part of being a young adult. For as we all know, with freedom comes responsibility!
  3. Congratulations! With nearly a 30% high school drop-out rate in the United States, don't forget to give both yourself and your teen a "high five!" A parent's involvement in and support of their children's education is one of the most defining factors for student success.

As we head into the summer months, I'll update you on our final financing decisions and how each of us is handling the transition from high school to college.

Tagged: ,

Comments