Attending college is a major event that changes the lives of all who enroll. College exposes students to new ideas, people, and life experiences. For most, it is an enjoyable (if challenging) time. But for some students, college is an eye-opening experience that is fraught with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Struggling in college is not uncommon, and many parents aren’t sure how to help their child improve their experience and succeed in their academic pursuits.
While tutoring, counseling, and other services can help your student, sometimes the issue is that the college may not be the right fit for them. Some students apply to and accept offers from colleges that look great on paper, but do not offer the academic, social, and engaging experiences as other colleges. This mismatch can (and does) lead to many students struggling in college. Here are three ways we can help your struggling student.
#1: Find the Right Fit
Each college or university offers students a different experience than other institutions. This includes, of course, programs and specializations, but also other key elements of college that often get less attention when it comes to students’ struggles.
A substantial part of college is the experience your student has outside of formal education. Younger adults are especially social and inquisitive. If their college does not offer the right social opportunities for their personality and goals, this can contribute mightily to their unhappiness. This is especially true for students who prefer more intimate settings and ultimately accept an offer from a college or university that hosts tens of thousands of students.
If this is the case with your child, we can help them find a new college through our college search counseling. We can help you and your student explore their options for other universities that may offer them a better educational experience based on their personality, goals, and needs.
#2: Cover Costs
As the price of college continues to contribute to students’ stress, it’s not uncommon for the worry of loans and financial aid (or lack thereof) to induce anxiety. For some students, it becomes a make-it-or-break-it point: choose to continue under mounting debt, or drop out and look for work.
But there’s good news. There are many funding opportunities available to students with varied backgrounds and needs. EAS can help you and your student find the funding they need to pursue their educational goals without the fear of crippling debt. We provide guidance on not only seeking out scholarships and financial assistance but also help your student prepare their application. We do this by helping your student write scholarship essays that highlight their strengths, personality, views, and fit for a particular college, ultimately increasing the likelihood of assistance.
#3: Move On
If your student is determined to find another college or university that is more aligned with their wants, needs, and goals, they don’t have to go through the application process alone. EAS’s application services guide your student through each step of the application process to increase their chances of acceptance.
If your struggling student’s GPA has room for improvement, don’t worry too much; GPAs are important, but admissions reviews more than just GPAs. Specifically, college essays weigh heavily in the consideration process. This is another area in which we can assist. Our college essay writing services help your child craft an essay that highlights each area of their strengths, as well as helps them convey why they’re a perfect fit for a particular college.
Let’s Help Your Child, Together
As a parent, we understand that it’s difficult to see your child struggle through what should be an exciting time in their life. But if your child is struggling in college, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can improve your child’s college experience.
