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Talking College!

Preparing for college involves more than packing your bags and signing up for classes. It’s also about having important conversations that will help you navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. The Talking College card deck is designed to spark these conversations between you and your parents, mentors, or even your future roommates.

 

This card deck covers 11 key topics, including budgeting, self-care, academics, and relationships. The questions are thought-provoking and encourage you to think deeply about how you’ll handle different aspects of college life. For example, one card might ask, “What do you hope to improve about yourself before and

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Making Connections + Starting Conversations

One of the most exciting aspects of college is the opportunity to meet new people. Whether it’s making friends in your dorm, forming study groups, or networking with professors, building relationships is a crucial part of your college experience. But if you’re introverted or nervous about meeting new people, the idea of starting conversations can feel daunting.

 

Here’s the thing: everyone else is in the same boat. The start of college is a level playing field—no one knows anyone, and everyone is looking to make connections. The best way to meet new people is to put yourself out there, even

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Podcast Episode 75 – Preparing for College Life with Andrea Malkin Brenner, PhD (Part Two)

In part two of our conversation with Dr. Andrea Malkin Brenner, she discusses the differences between high school teachers and college professors, emphasizing the need for students to take initiative and establish connections with professors. She explains the importance of planning and preparation for college, and the need for students to take responsibility and start acting like college students in high school! Dr. Brenner then introduces her Talking College Card Deck, which provides prompts for conversations between college-bound students and their parents. These cards cover various topics related to college readiness and transition. Dr. Brenner explains the purpose of each

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Preparing for College: Taking Responsibility & Planning Ahead

The freedom that comes with college can be thrilling, but it also requires a lot of responsibility. No one will be reminding you to get up for class or finish that paper, and your success will depend on your ability to plan and manage your time effectively.

 

The good news is that you can start practicing these skills right now. Instead of waiting for college to teach you time management, use your senior year as a training ground. Wake up with your own alarm, manage your assignments without constant reminders from teachers or parents, and keep track of your schedule

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Finding Your Identity vs Reinventing Yourself

As you prepare for college, you’ll likely hear a lot about “reinventing yourself.” While it’s true that college is a time of growth, it’s less about becoming a brand-new person and more about refining and expanding who you already are. You don’t have to leave everything behind when you step onto campus. In fact, your high school experiences, interests, and values will serve as the foundation for the person you are becoming.

 

In high school, your identity was probably tied to your extracurricular activities—whether you were an athlete, a theater kid, or a band member. College, however, offers you the

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Podcast Episode 74 – Preparing for College Life with Andrea Malkin Brenner, PhD (Part One)

In this episode, Dr. Andrea Brenner discusses the challenges that high school graduates face when transitioning to college. She highlights the struggles in socio-emotional, physical, and academic aspects, particularly in terms of study skills and independent learning. The conversation also explores the importance of identity and reinvention in college, as well as the significance of preparing for roommates and managing time effectively. 

 

Stay tuned for part two of this conversation coming next Monday! 

Questions to consider while listening: 

  • How can you start developing the study skills and independent learning habits that will help you succeed in college, and what specific
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What’s Different about High School Teachers & College Professors?

The shift from high school teachers to college professors is a pretty big deal! In high school, your teachers probably reminded you about assignments, checked in regularly, and helped keep you on track. But in college, professors take a bit of a step back—they’re still rooting for you, but they want to see you take charge of your own education. No more hand-holding, but don’t worry—it’s all about growing into a more independent learner. Here’s how to make the most of it!

 

College Grading: It’s a Whole New Ball Game

College grading isn’t like high school, where you might get

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The Role of College Professors in Student Learning

College professors expect you to step up and take responsibility for your work. What does this mean? It means coming to class prepared, doing assignments without waiting for constant reminders, and staying organized. Your professor won’t chase you down if you miss an assignment (sadly, no one will!), but here’s the good news: if you do need help, they’re usually more than willing to assist—if you ask. The key is reaching out during office hours or via email when you’re struggling or need clarification.

Practical Tip 1: Get ahead of the game by jotting down important dates and deadlines

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Podcast Episode 73 – A Conversation with a Professor of Psychology

Allison Sligh, a psychology professor, discusses the challenges that college students face when transitioning from high school to college. She highlights the lack of control and unfamiliarity with new environments as major issues. Sligh emphasizes the importance of building a community and finding support systems to navigate these challenges. She also addresses the differences between high school teachers and college professors, emphasizing that college professors are experts in their fields and expect students to take more responsibility for their learning. Sligh provides advice for high school seniors, including learning life skills and familiarizing themselves with their college campuses.

 

Questions to

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Balancing Plans & Openness to Opportunities

College is often seen as a time to set and pursue specific goals, but it’s also important to remain open to the unexpected opportunities that come your way. While planning is essential for success, holding your plans loosely allows God to work in surprising and meaningful ways.

 

As you prepare for this new chapter, you likely have an idea of what you want to achieve—whether it’s choosing a major, building a career path, or joining certain activities. These plans provide direction and can help you stay focused. But sometimes, the path you expect to follow isn’t the one that leads

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