<p>Just wondering what others think here. Do you think our high school seniors are prepared with the life skills they need for college (e.g. washing clothes and dealing with problem roommates) as well as the academic skills they need (e.g. studying, writing papers and note taking) to succeed in their first semester of college?</p>
<p>I am really pleased with my son’s life skills. He knows his way around the laundry room and kitchen, plays well with others, and his part-time job has been a great experience for him. His money management skills are improving now that he has a paycheck and access to checking and savings accounts. Time management still needs work, which spills over to studying/finishing assignments as well as his social life. I may ask him about the note taking. I’ve seen several interns and new hires at my work who never seem to take a note when we review procedures, then complain that they don’t know how to do things. Seems like it’s becoming a lost art.</p>
<p>It may not be pretty, but chances are your student is just like any other. Give them a hug and send them out-the-door.</p>
<p>Both my kids matured a ton in that last year before they went off to college (start of senior year to freshman drop-off). Things that scared the c*** out of me as a parent for them at college when they were deciding where to apply (by that I mean their own qualities that might make it hard for them to succeed) were in the rear view mirror by the time they started college. They will be ready, no worries. :)</p>
<p>They will be fine!</p>
<p>They may have life skills but I don’t think anyone can determine ahead of time if they have the emotional and psychological maturity to adapt to life at school.</p>
<p>It is impossible to generalize about all HS seniors. Eventually, they will all learn what they need to know.</p>
<p>It’s all right to learn the skills they need as they go along. There should be a learning curve during freshmen year - they’re supposed to be learning.</p>
<p>To use laundry as an example - even a kid who’s done laundry since middle school is going to learn a new way to do it in college. It’s different from conveniently doing your laundry at Mom and Dad’s house when you have to lug several loads to another building (as many kids do), try to pick a time when all the machines aren’t busy, either study in the laundry room or keep sprinting back and forth to see if your dryer time is up, etc. Fortunately, human beings are adaptable.</p>
<p>I do think that every kid should know where the Writing Center is at college, and should expect to go to their professors’ office hours. If the student is already a competent writer and doesn’t need extra help with individual subjects, wonderful. But those resources are there because students do need them.</p>
<p>If they get themselves up in the morning and out the door on time
If they get their homework and studying done without a parent reminding ot hovering
If they make wise choices when confronted with something they need to do vs. something they want to do</p>
<p>they are ready. Everything else they can learn or figure out.</p>
<p>A few WON’T do well, due to mental illness. I wish someone had given me a heads-up. This is the age it strikes. Just keep this thought tucked way back in your mind, and hopefully you will never need it: If your child hints that s/he needs help, LISTEN. Get an appointment with a counselor or doctor. And if school is too much for them, let them withdraw and gain back their strength. College is not a race! Our son fell ill his very first semester in college, and if we had it to do over again, we would have brought him home right away. Instead, he stayed at his school and struggled without telling us. </p>
<p>I’m bringing this up because you would be surprised at the number of kids, whose parents I “know” on CC, who have fallen ill. It’s just something you want to keep on your radar.</p>
<p>My kids knew the practical stuff but I supported their choice to take a gap year so that their choice to attend college was deliberate not rote.</p>
<p>I don’t know about them, but I was sure ready 
for their freshman year!</p>
<p>Need a “like” button for MaineLonghorn’s post. Make sure not to dismiss signs of distress and hints about needing help.</p>