It's been a year! We have all enjoyed working with you and were constantly impressed with the resilience you demonstrated in every facet of the college application process. During countless challenges and unknowns, you rose to every occasion, and we couldn't be prouder to be part of your journeys. With freshmen year around the corner, here are some finals words of advice on starting college.

Best of luck with your new endeavors--your colleges are lucky to have you!


Lisa, Abby, Stefanie, and the CBM Team
Getting Your Legal House In Order Before Your Adult Child Leaves for College

Written By: Erin M. Nadeau, Esq.

Imagine the following scenario: Your 18-year old son is away at college in a neighboring state. He is hit by a car and sustains an injury to his neck and is unconscious as a result of the accident. His roommate notifies you, and you quickly call the hospital to get more information about your son. The hospital is not cooperative and gives you very little information as to your son's condition. In addition, since he is still unconscious, it is not clear who will make decisions as to his treatment.

Once your child turns 18, as a parent, you lose the legal authority to make decisions for them since they are now considered an adult in the eyes of the law.
 
Colleges Requiring Vaccinations

Click below for a regularly updated list of the colleges requiring students to be vaccinated.
Social Media Postings Matter

A few years ago, Harvard rescinded admission offers to 10 students based on inappropriate and offensive postings made in a private Facebook group. And last year, students had their offers rescinded from at least a dozen schools including Cornell, University of Richmond, and University of Florida for inappropriate posts. Your digital footprint is public. Be smart.
Sexual Assault on Campus

This is a tough but necessary topic for all families to discuss. 

The New York Times piece, "45 Stories of Sex and Consent on Campus" explores the complexity of sex on campus.
Choose Freshman College Classes Wisely

We overheard some students planning their freshman college schedule.

"I got a 5 on the AP Bio exam, so I'm placing out of Bio 100 and am taking a harder class."
"I crushed the math placement test and am jumping ahead to take the most advanced Calc class I can."

In high school, we encourage students to push themselves and to take the hardest class they can because the rigor of curriculum is important to selective college admissions. But the exact opposite is true for college freshmen. Go easy the first year as you acclimate to all the changes.
Financial Management, Healthcare, Meal Plans and more

How do I manage my finances? Which meal plan do I pick? These questions and more are covered in our recent video series.
Study Tips to Improve Success in College

"Students know that they should study. But that doesn't mean that they know how. Memorizing definitions and parroting the textbook might have secured students A grades in high school. In college, those habits might earn an F."
 
This quote from a recent article in The Chronicle of Higher Education highlights the challenges for students transitioning from high school to college-level work.
 
While the article focuses on addressing disparities in education, the tools and techniques Prof. Hogan, a Biology professor at UNC Chapel Hill, recommends are universal:

  • Practice--read the textbook before class and prepare any assigned guided reading questions
  • Participate in class, keep track of questions
  • Organize and review notes from class and ask any lingering questions
  • Take advantage of optional resources like peer mentors and tutors
  • Spend time studying for the course every day
Join us on August 2 @ 7 PM for Our Upcoming Webinar:
How Not to Gain The Freshman
15? (Taught by Elizabeth Miller)

How Not to Gain The Freshman 15? It's easy with the right tools.

You will learn:
  • Mental strategies for making healthy choices
  • How to handle social eating
  • When to incorporate nutritionally empty food and drinks
  • Ways to balance your health with newfound independence
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