Santa Clara University

Surviving Senior Year: A Guide to the College Transition for Parents and Counselors

CPSY x980

The advent of a child leaving home to go to college is a significant and important marker in the life of a family. Unfortunately, we generally have few methods, strategies or rituals in place to guide us through this transition. What we do have is a lot of anxiety, procrastination and a general lack of good information. In this brief workshop, we will deal with the reality, rather than the myths of college selection. Parents will learn how to understand the emotional concerns of their college bound children and to use the glut of information available.

Specific methods, techniques and strategies will be presented to help your child maximize her/his chances of getting into the right school for their post-secondary education and future career. These include steps that parents and counselors can take to help their child/client through the process.

Information is presented from current college students about what they wished their parents had done and what they are pleased that their parents did. The notion of “fit” of college and student is explored and parents will be tuned into the wide range of schools that don’t necessarily have the most familiar names. Issues such as your child’s style of learning, level of independence, personality, finances, best ambiance in a school for an individual student, campus visits and diversity will be explored.