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It is the season where high school seniors all over the country are committing to their colleges of choice. As parents, we want to support this process and help our seniors make a great choice. A lot goes into picking a college, but the real hard work is staying in college and graduating in a reasonable amount of time. For parents, the following should provide you with some insights and tools to help your graduate be successful while in college. Discussions about these issues before they become critical is a great parenting tip.
Colleges and universities are constantly trying to improve graduation rates for a number of important reasons. Administrators will refer to it as “student retention,” and students more commonly call it “dropping out of college.” Either way, one of the most important metrics that is tracked in upper education is whether someone who enters college graduates within six years. It is important to know what you can do to increase your child’s chances of graduating and what colleges and universities are doing to help them be successful.
Other factors influencing your academic performance include poorly developed study skills, attendance, test-taking ability, and poor time management. The good news is that almost every campus has support to help you learn these skills. Availing yourself of the support is a good sign that your academic performance will improve.
Financial Stability: It is no secret that college is expensive, and tuition is only part of it. When you add books, rent, meals, transportation, parking, etc., the cost can be very high. If you are going to class or studying, then you are not working and making money during those hours. The good news is that there are a lot of opportunities for financial aid, scholarships, on-campus jobs, and other forms of financial support that can help those struggling with the high cost of their education. Don’t be shy about asking for help finding the best opportunities for financial assistance at your school, as there is usually a lot more available than you think, and they will help remove some of the pressure you feel financially.
Social Support: Students who feel connected to peers and people on campus are more invested in their academic journey. A strong group of friends who mutually support each other is a great way to manage the stress of your academic journey. Take advantage of the numerous clubs, events, and activities for a sense of connection and as a mechanism for finding people who share your interests.
Campus Engagement: A powerful way of connecting with your college is to get more involved. There are a lot of ways to feel more connected: You could give campus tours to prospective students, volunteer at campus events, or even do social media promoting your campus. If you have been there for a few years, there are a lot of opportunities to be a mentor to incoming students. A recent student told me that she got a job that was only a few hours a week, which involved going to the admissions department and calling and emailing admitted students and asking them if they had any questions about student life at their university. She enjoyed it a lot, appreciated making a little extra money, and said that the experience really made her appreciative and proud of her school.
College Counseling Centers and Academic Support Centers: There is a lot of institutional support available on-campus and digitally. If you are finding it difficult to develop friendships, maintain enthusiasm for school, or are even feeling down emotionally, then making an appointment at the counseling center is an important step to take. Counseling centers often have programs to help students with low self-esteem, peer problems, high levels of stress, etc. Academic support centers are the place to go if you want help learning test-taking strategies, study skills, and a wide variety of other tips for academic success. Going to your school’s website is a great first step. There, you will find all you need to know about how to contact them, make appointments, and what services are available. The good news is that most of these things are free just for being enrolled at the college. If you are feeling like you could use some extra support in one of these areas, then reaching out to them is a great first step.
Colleges and universities are trying to do their part, too, because graduation rates are an important metric that is used when students are determining if a certain school is a good fit for them. Colleges are looking for ways to make graduating more attainable for nontraditional learners or those with family responsibilities, for students with English as a second language, and for those with any number of medical or mental health barriers. Creating a campus atmosphere that is inclusive and accommodating to the learners’ various needs is a great step in making sure people stay engaged and graduate in a reasonable amount of time.
In conclusion, reducing college dropout rates requires a comprehensive and collaborative effort between parents, students, and educational institutions. By addressing academic, financial, mental health, and systemic challenges, we can create an environment that empowers students to persist in their educational pursuits and ultimately graduate.
