Home > 8. Transition from High School Graduation to College Enrollment
8. Transition from High School Graduation to College Enrollment
Connect students to school and community resources to help the students overcome barriers and ensure the successful transition from high school to college.
Working Systemwide
- Students
- School
- District
- Parents/Families
- Community
- Help students understand the importance of task completion
during the summer transition. This transition includes logistical issues, such as requesting final transcripts, filling out forms, taking placement tests, arranging transportation to and from college or career and technical schools, and getting information for students with disabilities or who are homeless.
- Help students understand the personal changes ahead
and develop an adjustment plan to address difficulties with leaving familiar surroundings and changing relationships with peers and family. This is especially important if the student’s leaving causes changes in family financial circumstances.
- Help students identify materials and supplies,
and develop plans that include early financial planning and shopping checklists. The list might include dorm room supplies, such as bedsheets, suitcases, clothing and toiletries; classroom materials, such as computers, calculators, notebooks and pens; and supplies for technical school, such as drafting tools or uniforms.
- Develop and implement policies, practices and procedures
that support students making the transition from graduation to matriculation, such as a summertime manual that addresses logistical, academic, personal and wellness issues.
- Develop a checklist or profile sheet for each college
or career and technical school students plan to attend, so all students will be well informed about the forms they will need to submit and the procedures they will need to follow to complete the transition process.
- Inform teachers, administrators, or other school personnel about their role
in helping graduated seniors manage the challenges that can occur during the transition from graduation to matriculation, particularly if school counselors are not on duty during the summer.
- Collaborate with other high school counselors in your district
to develop and implement summer transition programs for students attending the same college or career and technical school to create cohorts and groups so students can support one another at school.
- Collaborate with other high school counselors in your district
to develop and implement parent transition meetings. Help parents support one another and their students through sharing rides, coordinating visits and tours, and providing personal support during this transition.
- Create outreach efforts to ensure that parents and families are aware
of their role in assisting their children in making the transition from high school graduation to matriculation (see student interventions).
- Help parents and families learn how to navigate the postsecondary system,
particularly financial aid, housing, meal plans, early financial planning to purchase books and supplies, and transportation to and from college or career and technical school.
- Help parents and families assist their children in adjusting to a new living and learning environment.
Help them make a plan that includes guidance for cultural, spiritual, medical and recreational supports that affirm their personal values and beliefs.
- Network with institutions your students plan to attend to help them
and their families have points of contact, particularly in admission, financial aid, housing and student services.
- Identify and connect students and families with local merchants
that are “freshman friendly” and offer savings on materials needed in the college or career and technical school transition process.
Data Elements
- Final transcripts processed
- Two- and four-year college enrollment
- Career and technical school enrollment
Featured Reading
From High School to College: Improving Opportunities for Success in Postsecondary Education