Home

/

Parents

/

Parents of College Students

/

Planning

/

Plan for Success

Plan for Success
According to ACT, one in every four students leave college during their freshman year. How can you make sure your son or daughter is not a statistic? Use the following advice:

Warn About Risks
Have a talk with your student about the dangers of alcohol and drug use in college. Binge drinking is a serious problem for many college students. Heavy drinking can lead to missed classes, drunk driving accidents, risky sexual activity, alcohol poisoning, injury, or other negative effects. [More Information]

Strike a Balance
Having too much fun may lead to failure. It is important to talk to your student about learning how to balance socializing with studying. Effective time management skills play an important role in your student's success.

Prepare Academically
A lot of students find that they are not adequately prepared for the demand of college-level academics. If your child is lacking the study skills necessary to succeed, encourage him/her to join a study group or take advantage of tutors available on campus. Let your student know it is okay to ask for help.

Encourage Participation
Your child may long for his high school friends if he/she doesn't get out and meet people. The easiest way to make a connection to the campus is by joining some type of extracurricular activity. Meeting new people and trying new things, will cut down on homesickness. Advise your child to stay on campus and get involved instead of coming home every weekend. Try to limit your phone calls as well.

Take Advantage of Opportunities
The campus is full of various opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Tell your child to look for leadership opportunities, study-abroad programs, internships, career services and other opportunities on campus. Some of the activities may provide networking avenues in addition to resume building material.

Foster Independence
Advise your student on how to handle situations but don't handle things for him/her. Your child needs to learn problem-solving skills, and college is an excellent place to start. The college will treat your child as an adult - you should too!

Help with Finances
Financial pressures is a common reason for students to drop out. Communicate with your student about money issues before college begins to help solve any problems that may arise. If you are unable to provide additional financial resources, offer advice. Help your child develop a budget, look for additional resources, or find assistance. Some colleges offer financial counseling for students.  Check with the Commission or the financial aid office on campus for information.