How Can I Successfully Transition from High School to College?

Preparing for college is an exciting time. Students typically look forward to beginning a new chapter of their lives. With all of this energy spent looking forward, you naturally develop certain expectations. When the reality of an experience does not match an expectation, the gap between the expectation and reality can be difficult to handle.

High school students may develop these expectations from a variety of sources, including:

• Friends and older siblings

• Parents 

• Social media

• Television and movies

• Books

• Teachers

• Guidance counselors

These expectations are often ingrained long before you arrive at college. Eager to build a solid foundation for your future, you may set ambitious expectations for yourself, feel pressure to meet the expectations of others, or have a specific idea of what college life will be like.

Managing your expectations before arriving at college can prepare you to welcome surprise, accept new challenges as they arise, and grow as an individual. The aim is to maintain an ambitious, optimistic attitude while remaining aware of the common difficulties college freshmen face. For some students, talking with a therapist or life coach can provide an outlet for processing these challenges and help them discover new strategies for success.

 If you would like to learn more about how New Orleans therapist Dr. Eileen Wynne can help you or your child thrive in a new college environment, please contact her office today.