College is a very social environment where students have to be able to cooperate while still asserting themselves. For instance, learning how to resolve conflict in a productive manner is a crucial skill. Much of this is learned in the context of the home environment.

Also, saying "good-bye" and leaving home with a sense of resolution is very important.

Parents can make two major mistakes in preparing their children for college.

They can be:

Authoritarian - These parents make the majority of decisions for their children. Perhaps they even select the college the child will attend and what the major will be. Maturity is developed in teenagers by allowing them to have the freedom to fail.

Permissive - These parents provide very little guidance and support in helping the young adult make the successful transition to college. Typically, what will happen to these students in college is that the young adults will flounder.

Success parents are Authoritative. They recognize that the ultimate goal for their children is to be independent. Yet, they must guide and provide support when necessary. It is like when a 16 year old learns how to drive. We have to give them the wheel but we still sit next to them and guide their decisions when they travel to unfamiliar places.

The three issues of persistence in college:

• Young adult does not break away from h.s. friends and family.
• First generation to attend college.
• Don't bond with college

College Transition Group addresses all of these issues in the seminar and in the e-book