Vicki Nelson, College Parent Central
@collparcentral.bsky.social
Founder - College Parent Central, podcast host, college professor, Mom and Gram.
Being the parent of a college student isn’t easy. Wonderful moments, trying times, unexpected twists and turns, and great rewards. We're here to help. collegeparentcentral.com
Being the parent of a college student isn’t easy. Wonderful moments, trying times, unexpected twists and turns, and great rewards. We're here to help. collegeparentcentral.com
College can be hard! Academically, social, emotionally, it can be rough for some students. But some students struggle because they don't ask for help. It's not an easy thing to do. Help your student understand how to ask - and why it's so important. wp.me/punbM-tn
The Smartest Word Your College Student Can Use — How Your Student Can Ask for Help
This is the third of three posts about college students asking for help. In our first post we considered why students sometimes have difficulty asking for help. Our second post looked at who stude…
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January 19, 2026 at 5:04 PM
College can be hard! Academically, social, emotionally, it can be rough for some students. But some students struggle because they don't ask for help. It's not an easy thing to do. Help your student understand how to ask - and why it's so important. wp.me/punbM-tn
It's not too late! Our FreshStart! email series for students started on Sunday, but we're leaving registration open until Friday. Just-in-time tips and suggestions for a successful semester. wp.me/PunbM-16U
FreshStart Landing Page
Help your college student get a fresh start for the second semester of college! This semester’s FreshStart! series begins on January 18, 2026. Late registration CLOSES on January 22. FreshSta…
wp.me
January 19, 2026 at 2:31 PM
It's not too late! Our FreshStart! email series for students started on Sunday, but we're leaving registration open until Friday. Just-in-time tips and suggestions for a successful semester. wp.me/PunbM-16U
Having clear goals will help your college student stay motivated, but do they know how to create the action plans needed to reach those goals? Ask your student how they will reach there goals. What are the steps necessary? wp.me/punbM-kA
Helping Your Student With Goal Setting – and Action Plans
There’s a quote that’s attributed to Yogi Berra that says, ”You’ve got to be careful because if you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll wind up somewhere else.” In true Yogi Berra fashion,…
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January 18, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Having clear goals will help your college student stay motivated, but do they know how to create the action plans needed to reach those goals? Ask your student how they will reach there goals. What are the steps necessary? wp.me/punbM-kA
Time's running out! Our student FreshStart! subscription series for the second semester starts Sunday, Jan 18. Have you signed your student up for the weekly success emails? Give them a weekly boost with suggestions, tips and nudges that can make a difference between OK and great.. wp.me/PunbM-16U
FreshStart Landing Page
Help your college student get a fresh start for the second semester of college! This semester’s FreshStart! series begins on January 18, 2026. Late registration CLOSES on January 22. FreshSta…
wp.me
January 17, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Time's running out! Our student FreshStart! subscription series for the second semester starts Sunday, Jan 18. Have you signed your student up for the weekly success emails? Give them a weekly boost with suggestions, tips and nudges that can make a difference between OK and great.. wp.me/PunbM-16U
Sending your student off for the second semester should be a breeze, right? No big deal. Maybe. But maybe not. This second goodbye is different and you may be feeling the need to be even more involved. Here's why. wp.me/punbM-1d3
Why Some College Parents’ Involvement Increases During the Second Semester
You sent your child off to college this fall. It was hard. You said goodbye. You worried. You worked at adjusting to the empty nest. You worried some more. But somehow, both you and your student …
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January 16, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Sending your student off for the second semester should be a breeze, right? No big deal. Maybe. But maybe not. This second goodbye is different and you may be feeling the need to be even more involved. Here's why. wp.me/punbM-1d3
Your student keeps hearing “What’s your major?” but the smarter question might be “What’s your mix?” In this episode, Vicki and Sarah explore the real value of college minors—what they are, and how they can make a resume stand out.. wp.me/punbM-4h7
#146 – Minors Matter
Your student keeps hearing “What’s your major?” but the smarter question might be “What’s your mix?” In this episode, Vicki and Sarah explore the real value of college minors—what they are, how the…
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January 15, 2026 at 9:03 PM
Your student keeps hearing “What’s your major?” but the smarter question might be “What’s your mix?” In this episode, Vicki and Sarah explore the real value of college minors—what they are, and how they can make a resume stand out.. wp.me/punbM-4h7
How's your student's second semester transition going? It may be more significant than most students realize. In this podcast episode we talk about how to them be prepared. wp.me/punbM-4hE
#147 – Encore Episode – Second Semester of College: The Transition No One Talks About
The transition to second semester of college is so important – and often hidden – that we’ve decided to share this episode again. You and your student may be taken by surprise when the start of the…
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January 15, 2026 at 4:31 PM
How's your student's second semester transition going? It may be more significant than most students realize. In this podcast episode we talk about how to them be prepared. wp.me/punbM-4hE
When you take the campus tour, you see the spaces the school wants to show off. These are important spaces, but for most students, a sense of belonging will be found in quieter, less obvious spots on campus. How can your student find their special place? wp.me/punbM-4hP
More Than Classrooms: Where Students Find Belonging on Campus
When you take the campus tour, you see the spaces the school wants to show off. College campuses are often defined by lecture halls, dining halls, sports facilities, libraries, and dorms. These are…
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January 14, 2026 at 7:04 PM
When you take the campus tour, you see the spaces the school wants to show off. These are important spaces, but for most students, a sense of belonging will be found in quieter, less obvious spots on campus. How can your student find their special place? wp.me/punbM-4hP
There are more ways for your student to explore a school during the admission process than you may realize. Parents can guide and suggest that students explore, but let your student take the lead. Here are 16 explorations to consider. Have fun! wp.me/punbM-KF
Getting to Know You: 15 Ways to Learn About a College
College admission. It looms over students — often from an early age. There’s so much anticipation, excitement — and pressure – around college admissions that sometimes parents and their st…
wp.me
January 14, 2026 at 1:31 PM
There are more ways for your student to explore a school during the admission process than you may realize. Parents can guide and suggest that students explore, but let your student take the lead. Here are 16 explorations to consider. Have fun! wp.me/punbM-KF
Did your college student struggle last semester? They say they'll do better, and they want to, but do they know the action steps to get there? Our FreshStart email series can give them action steps each week, all semester - the right info just when they need it. wp.me/PunbM-16U
FreshStart Landing Page
Help your college student get a fresh start for the second semester of college! This semester’s FreshStart! series begins on January 18, 2026. Late registration CLOSES on January 22. FreshSta…
wp.me
January 13, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Did your college student struggle last semester? They say they'll do better, and they want to, but do they know the action steps to get there? Our FreshStart email series can give them action steps each week, all semester - the right info just when they need it. wp.me/PunbM-16U
Is your student starting to talk about what they'll do for spring break? What do they mean if they talk about Alternative Spring Break? wp.me/punbM-fh
What Does My Student Mean By Alternative Spring Break?
College spring break activities are legendary. Many students travel — often to warmer climates — and party, drink, and generally carry on. Many parents take these activities in stride, and many p…
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January 13, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Is your student starting to talk about what they'll do for spring break? What do they mean if they talk about Alternative Spring Break? wp.me/punbM-fh
Whether you're just starting the college search or making final decisions, you need to get to know as much as possible about a college to get past the "brand" name. Here are some ways to explore. wp.me/punbM-KF
Getting to Know You: 15 Ways to Learn About a College
College admission. It looms over students — often from an early age. There’s so much anticipation, excitement — and pressure – around college admissions that sometimes parents and their st…
wp.me
January 12, 2026 at 5:06 PM
Whether you're just starting the college search or making final decisions, you need to get to know as much as possible about a college to get past the "brand" name. Here are some ways to explore. wp.me/punbM-KF
Is your student about to make decisions about where to go to college? It's a stressful time, but now is the time you want to listen to this podcast episode on navigating college financial decisions: with New York Times financial writer Ron Lieber. wp.me/punbM-48J
#127 – Encore Episode – Navigating College Financial Decisions: An Interview with New York Times Bestselling Author Ron Lieber
If you are in the midst of the college search and admission process, financing this college education is likely top of mind. Merit aid is an important part of many financial packages and thereR…
wp.me
January 12, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Is your student about to make decisions about where to go to college? It's a stressful time, but now is the time you want to listen to this podcast episode on navigating college financial decisions: with New York Times financial writer Ron Lieber. wp.me/punbM-48J
Sending your student a care package to start the second semester? Here are a dozen ideas you may not have thought of for things to include. wp.me/punbM-491
A Dozen Quick Care Package Ideas
Care packages. Students love to get them and, most of the time, we love to send them. They make a connection. They send a message to your student that you’re thinking about them. There are many ser…
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January 11, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Sending your student a care package to start the second semester? Here are a dozen ideas you may not have thought of for things to include. wp.me/punbM-491
This podcast episode is all about helping students tackle those required courses that can seem so daunting they don't think they can manage. We share tips and strategies that can help students make even these daunting courses successful. wp.me/punbM-49e
#128 – Help Your Student Complete Challenging Required Courses
Almost all colleges have a set of required courses for all students – sometimes called General Education or Distribution courses. They’re designed to expose students to a variety of different subje…
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January 11, 2026 at 3:31 PM
This podcast episode is all about helping students tackle those required courses that can seem so daunting they don't think they can manage. We share tips and strategies that can help students make even these daunting courses successful. wp.me/punbM-49e
Knowing about support isn't enough. Students need to learn to be proactive about their learning, to establish a culture of independence and taking control of their learning. Becoming more proactive involves self-reflection, goal setting, and action plans. wp.me/punbM-49k
Why It Isn’t Enough to Know About College Resources
Sometimes, just knowing isn’t enough. How many of us know we need to get more sleep, eat more healthy food, or get more exercise? That doesn’t mean we get those things done. We know, but we don’t d…
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January 10, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Knowing about support isn't enough. Students need to learn to be proactive about their learning, to establish a culture of independence and taking control of their learning. Becoming more proactive involves self-reflection, goal setting, and action plans. wp.me/punbM-49k
Want to help your student make the most of their second semester? New challenges ahead! Our subscription email series for students in semester two begins on Jan 18 . The right info at the right time. Learn more. wp.me/PunbM-16U
FreshStart Landing Page
Help your college student get a fresh start for the second semester of college! This semester’s FreshStart! series begins on January 18, 2026. Late registration CLOSES on January 22. FreshSta…
wp.me
January 10, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Want to help your student make the most of their second semester? New challenges ahead! Our subscription email series for students in semester two begins on Jan 18 . The right info at the right time. Learn more. wp.me/PunbM-16U
One advantage of the college yearly cycle at most schools is that each new semester is an opportunity to reinvigorate students and to make some changes or start with a clean slate. What can my college student do to jump start the new semester? wp.me/punbM-kI
Helping Your College Student Jump Start the Second Semester
One of the advantages of the college yearly cycle at most schools is that there are two opportunities each year for a new beginning. September (or late August) and January mark the beginnings of n…
wp.me
January 9, 2026 at 6:03 PM
One advantage of the college yearly cycle at most schools is that each new semester is an opportunity to reinvigorate students and to make some changes or start with a clean slate. What can my college student do to jump start the new semester? wp.me/punbM-kI
There is no guarantee that the amount of financial aid your student receives will be maintained for 4 years, but most families can count on that aid for their student’s years at college. Be aware that there are a few things that might jeopardize that aid. wp.me/punbM-l9
What Might Jeopardize My College Student’s Financial Aid?
College is expensive, there’s no argument there. Many families rely on financial aid to make college a possibility. For most families, that financial aid package contains a combination of scholar…
wp.me
January 9, 2026 at 3:31 PM
There is no guarantee that the amount of financial aid your student receives will be maintained for 4 years, but most families can count on that aid for their student’s years at college. Be aware that there are a few things that might jeopardize that aid. wp.me/punbM-l9
Withdrawing from College Can Be a Brave Decision. It's not what you or your student planned, but it can be the right choice for some students. It's not the end of the road - merely a detour. wp.me/punbM-48M
Why Withdrawing from College Can Be a Brave Decision
More and more students are taking a winding path through their college career. Many students still take the direct, traditional path – enter college and graduate four years later. A few students ta…
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January 8, 2026 at 9:03 PM
Withdrawing from College Can Be a Brave Decision. It's not what you or your student planned, but it can be the right choice for some students. It's not the end of the road - merely a detour. wp.me/punbM-48M
Nearly half of recent college graduates are finding themselves back in their childhood bedrooms. If your student graduated in December, are you ready? These shifting family dynamics come with their own set of challenges and opportunities. wp.me/punbM-48v
#126 – They’re Back! Parenting Our Boomerang Kids
Nearly half of recent college graduates are finding themselves back in their childhood bedrooms, and it’s not just nostalgia pulling them home. Financial pressures are nudging this generation towar…
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January 8, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Nearly half of recent college graduates are finding themselves back in their childhood bedrooms. If your student graduated in December, are you ready? These shifting family dynamics come with their own set of challenges and opportunities. wp.me/punbM-48v
What’s the Difference Between Leave of Absence and Withdrawal from College? Make sure your student is clear about both before making any decisions. wp.me/punbM-48j
What’s the Difference Between Leave of Absence and Withdrawal from College?
Perhaps your student has had a difficult time at college. It happens – more often than many of us realize. There are many reasons your student may struggle, including academic issues, social issues…
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January 7, 2026 at 7:04 PM
What’s the Difference Between Leave of Absence and Withdrawal from College? Make sure your student is clear about both before making any decisions. wp.me/punbM-48j
Can you talk the college talk? Or understand your college student when they do? Test yourself on our list of college terms. We have nearly 50. wp.me/PunbM-10G
Glossary of Helpful College Terms
College Lingo for College Parents — Talk the Talk! Every profession, activity, or area of interest has its own jargon or set of specialized vocabulary. College is no different. College administra…
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January 6, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Can you talk the college talk? Or understand your college student when they do? Test yourself on our list of college terms. We have nearly 50. wp.me/PunbM-10G
A new year. A new semester. New beginnings require new approaches. Here are seven relatively simple actions that your student can take now to increase the chances that this semester will be a great one. wp.me/punbM-J3
Seven Actions Your College Student Should Take Now to Make This the Best Semester Ever
A new year. A new semester. For some transfer students or spring starts students, a new college. January marks a season of beginnings for many of us — and especially for college students. Some …
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January 5, 2026 at 5:03 PM
A new year. A new semester. New beginnings require new approaches. Here are seven relatively simple actions that your student can take now to increase the chances that this semester will be a great one. wp.me/punbM-J3
Is your student just starting college? Whatever the reason for beginning college at mid-year, it is important that to think about both the advantages and potential challenges of stepping into college at the midpoint of the year. wp.me/punbM-IV
What Your Student Should Know About Beginning College Mid-Year
Obviously, most college students begin their college careers in the fall. But for a growing number of college students and their families, January marks not only the beginning of a new calendar ye…
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January 5, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Is your student just starting college? Whatever the reason for beginning college at mid-year, it is important that to think about both the advantages and potential challenges of stepping into college at the midpoint of the year. wp.me/punbM-IV