Parents, Family and the College Transition

The college admissions and college transition process is difficult for not only college-bound teens, but their parents and families as well. From figuring out the dynamics of who makes the final college decision and who is paying the tuition, to dealing with independence issues, missing mom's home cooking, and empty-nest syndrome, the college transition is really a family affair. And with just the right amount of support from parents of college-bound students, there really can be a such thing as a big, happy college-bound family.

Growing Up Doesn't Always Mean Growing Apart If you're afraid that going away to college means leaving your past behind, don't fret. As Jill Malinger explains, you can make new friends while keeping the old. Join the Club: Extracurriculars Can Help College Feel More Like Home College can be overwhelming and lonely, but joining an extracurricular can make all the difference. My Dorm Diaries Nine months. One room. Three roommates. Check out how one college freshman dealt with her dorming days... Hold On to Your High School Teacher Staying in touch with your high school teachers can be amazingly beneficial for many reasons: academic assistance, valuable input on course selection/career choice, study hints, and plain old moral support. Check out these tips for staying in touch. Making the Most of Week One at College Freshman year can be tough. Take it from these students who've "been there, done that" to make sure the first week of your freshman year doesn't turn out to be a bummer... Reflections on My Freshman Year The building we pulled up to didn't look much like home. It struck me as more of a miniature hotel. I scanned the row of windows lined up perfectly and symmetrically on both sides of the building's third story like a configuration of soldiers, wondering which one would be my new home for the next nine months as a college freshman. Top 10 Dorm Room Must-Haves What do you absolutely need to pack for college? For befuddled freshmen, here's a top 10 list of dorm room must-haves. How to Make Your Long-Distance Relationship Survive College Heading to different colleges doesn't have to mean the end of your relationship. With the right attitude and approach, you too can make your high school romance last through the college years. Parents Have College-Bound Stress, Too! We've got the proof - a whole variety of books on the college admissions process is available, just for Mom and Dad! If you think it's hard dealing with the college admissions process, wait until your teen is actually in college, far away from your guidance! A Hostile Hallway: GLBT Teens in High School High school isn't always a welcoming place for GLBT teens. In 2003, New York City's Harvey Milk High School sought to change that.