Welcome to our Success in College Blog!

For both Parents and Students.

Whether you’re heading off to college for the first time, returning after a gap year, or transferring schools, our College Success Blog will help you get started.

First Year (or Gap Year) College Students

Jump to one of our relevant articles below:

College Prep Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before Freshman Year

The Ultimate College Packing List

Important Conversations to Have Before College

Why College Success Coaching Matters

Don’t know where to start? Check our our personalized coaching College Success Program.

Looking for different content?

Head to our CAC blog for content related to College Admissions or SAT/ ACT Test prep.

Check out our SPP Blog to learn about admin updates, upcoming events & more!

We post our content to all of the relevant blogs - so you won’t miss out on any important information!

College Prep Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before Freshman Year

A practical checklist to help families prepare for a smooth transition.

Getting ready for college isn’t just about dorm shopping—it’s about setting your student up for success from day one. Here’s a helpful checklist to guide your family this summer:

1. Register for orientation and classes

Secure your student’s spot and make sure they’re signed up for any required advising or placement tests.

2. Review financial aid and payment plans

Double-check tuition due dates, confirm aid acceptance, and make a plan for any out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Finalize housing or commuting plans

Know move-in dates, roommate assignments, and housing policies. For commuters, map out daily transportation.

4. Buy or rent textbooks

Order early to avoid the rush and save money with rentals or used copies.

5. Set up student email and campus portals

This is where they’ll get billing info, class updates, and key announcements.

6. Learn about campus resources

Encourage your student to explore tutoring centers, advising offices, counseling, and health services.

7. Plan transportation and move-in details

Book hotels if needed, rent moving equipment, and make a packing plan.

8. Discuss expectations for budgeting

Help them set realistic goals for managing spending and using meal plans or bank accounts.

9. Talk through stress management strategies

Share ideas for staying balanced, from sleep habits to seeking help when needed.

10. Schedule time with a College Success coach

Our mentors help students organize all of this while building lifelong skills for success.

College is a big step. With the right prep, it can also be an exciting one. Ready to help your student feel confident about the transition?

Learn more about our College Success Program ➜

The Ultimate College Packing List

Everything your student needs to feel at home on campus.

Moving into a dorm (or first apartment) is one of the most exciting—and stressful—parts of starting college. Avoid last-minute scrambles with this essential packing list:

1. Bedding

Twin XL sheets, comforter, pillow, mattress topper.

2.  Towels & shower caddy

Easy to carry to shared bathrooms.

3. Laundry supplies

Bag or hamper, detergent pods, stain remover.

4. Toiletries & medications

Daily essentials plus a small first-aid kit.

5. Clothes for all seasons

Don’t forget jackets, rain gear, and shoes for different activities.

6. Laptop & chargers

Plus any school-required tech.

7. Notebooks & pens

Basic study supplies to start strong.

8. Backpack or book bag

College texts can be heavy - pick a comfortable bag to keep all your materials

9. Storage bins & organizers

Make the most of limited space.

10. Power strips & extension cords

Many dorms have limited outlets.

11. Snacks & reusable water bottle

For late-night studying or early classes.

12. Cleaning supplies

Disinfecting wipes, paper towels.

13. Important documents

Student ID, health insurance, and prescriptions.

14. The fun stuff: Personal décor

Photos of friends and family, posters, or small rugs help it feel like home.

Packing for college is about more than stuff—it’s about feeling prepared to live independently. Want even more support as your student makes this big transition?

Explore our College Success Coaching ➜

Important Conversations to Have Before College

Build trust, set expectations, and prepare them for independence.

Heading to college is a huge life change. Beyond the checklists and shopping trips, meaningful conversations can help your student feel ready, supported, and empowered. Here are some essential topics to cover this summer:

1. Money management and budgeting

Talk about how they’ll track spending, use a meal plan, and avoid overdrafts or credit pitfalls.

2.  Academic expectations

Be clear about your hopes while listening to theirs. Discuss time management and seeking help early if they struggle.

3. Handling stress and mental health

Normalize talking about feelings. Encourage using campus counseling if they need it.

4. Using campus resources

Tutoring centers, advising offices, health clinics—make sure they know these exist and are for them.

5. Safety on and off campus

Review rules for residence halls, transportation options, and strategies for staying safe socially.

6. Roommate communication

Discuss how to navigate conflicts, share space, and respect boundaries.

7. Balancing social life and responsibilities

College is fun, but they’ll need to prioritize. Help them think about setting limits.

8. Healthy habits

Sleep, exercise, nutrition—simple routines make a big difference.

9. How and when to ask for help

Remind them it’s strong—not weak—to reach out when they need support.

10. Keeping in touch with family

Set expectations about calls, texts, and visiting.

These conversations aren’t about controlling your child—they’re about launching them into adulthood well. Want extra peace of mind?

See how our College Success mentors can help guide these conversaions ➜

Why College Success Coaching Matters

Helping students make the leap to independent, successful college life.

The first year of college is exciting—and often overwhelming. New freedoms, responsibilities, academic demands, and social pressures can derail even the strongest students.

Here’s why structured coaching makes such a difference:

• Retention Rates: About 30% of college freshmen don’t return for their second year. Coaching programs improve these rates by up to 15%.

• Graduation Rates: Structured academic support can increase graduation rates by 12% or more.

• Confidence and Life Skills: Coaching helps students learn time management, navigate campus resources, communicate with professors, and handle stress.

• Parental Peace of Mind: Regular mentor check-ins mean families know their student has support—even if they’re hundreds of miles away.

What College Success Includes:

• Weekly 1-on-1 coaching (virtual or in-person)

• Academic planning and study strategies

• Stress management and non-clinical emotional support

• Campus resource navigation

• Flexible packages with

• Optional monthly updates for families

College is a big leap. Let’s help students land on their feet, prepared to thrive—not just survive.

Learn more about our College Success Program ➜