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
10 reasons why your student may have a case of the "second semester blues." Want to help? Start by listening and asking a few questions. Understanding the reasons is a start. wp.me/punbM-1ch
10 Reasons Why Your Student May Have a Case of the ”Second Semester Blues”
It’s winter. In many places in the country it’s cold, and it’s dark a lot. The holiday break is over. The novelty of being a new college student has worn off. May, and summer vacation, seem a lon…
wp.me
January 26, 2026 at 2:31 PM
10 reasons why your student may have a case of the "second semester blues." Want to help? Start by listening and asking a few questions. Understanding the reasons is a start. wp.me/punbM-1ch
Playing the waiting game for those college admission letters? It's time to model some behavior and attitudes for your student as you both shift from getting applications ready to waiting for responses. wp.me/punbM-Th
Parents, Help Students Manage That Nasty Time Between Application and College Admission
The college applications have all been submitted. Check. It is the end of a long road leading to this point. For students, and their parents, there may be a let-down. As relieved as you are to …
wp.me
January 25, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Playing the waiting game for those college admission letters? It's time to model some behavior and attitudes for your student as you both shift from getting applications ready to waiting for responses. wp.me/punbM-Th
Deferred? Waitlisted? Help Your Student Take Action wp.me/punbM-NS
Deferred? Waitlisted? Help Your Student Take Action
The college admissions process is a roller coaster for everyone. Students spend months, or years, preparing — taking the right classes, taking tests, visiting schools, filling out applications, wr…
wp.me
January 25, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Deferred? Waitlisted? Help Your Student Take Action wp.me/punbM-NS
How to Help Your High School Student Work Now to Avoid College Remedial Courses. There's still time to take some steps to avoid those developmental courses. wp.me/punbM-O6
How to Help Your High School Student Work Now to Avoid College Remedial Courses
Is your student college ready? The answer may not be what you think. If your student has done reasonably well in high school and has high school diploma in hand, you may assume that your student …
wp.me
January 24, 2026 at 8:03 PM
How to Help Your High School Student Work Now to Avoid College Remedial Courses. There's still time to take some steps to avoid those developmental courses. wp.me/punbM-O6
As the college admission letters roll in, it may be time for your student to love their second choice college. Help them find the positives, evaluate carefully, and know there's no "perfect" school but their experiences will be what they make them. wp.me/punbM-Od
wp.me
January 24, 2026 at 4:31 PM
As the college admission letters roll in, it may be time for your student to love their second choice college. Help them find the positives, evaluate carefully, and know there's no "perfect" school but their experiences will be what they make them. wp.me/punbM-Od
In the rush of assignments, social pressure, and huge transitions, finding spaces that matter can offer your student a sense of grounding. More than classrooms, these places shape how your student experiences campus life and how they can feel they belong 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…
wp.me
January 23, 2026 at 6:05 PM
In the rush of assignments, social pressure, and huge transitions, finding spaces that matter can offer your student a sense of grounding. More than classrooms, these places shape how your student experiences campus life and how they can feel they belong wp.me/punbM-4hP
Our latest podcast episode unpacks the important changes in vocabulary and expectations between high school and college. Important info for everyone, but especially for families with a student with a learning disability. wp.me/punbM-4i0
#148 – Changing Vocabulary and Expectations in College
The transition from high school to college involves so many changes – and not all of them are obvious. In this episode, Elizabeth and Vicki explore the vocabulary and role changes that catch many f…
wp.me
January 23, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Our latest podcast episode unpacks the important changes in vocabulary and expectations between high school and college. Important info for everyone, but especially for families with a student with a learning disability. wp.me/punbM-4i0
Just starting college? Whatever your student’s 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…
wp.me
January 22, 2026 at 9:03 PM
Just starting college? Whatever your student’s 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
As a college parent, you want to support your college student. Evert parent is different. Every student is different and may take a different path. But there are really only three things you need to do. wp.me/punbM-Ep
Three Essential Elements of College Parental Support
As college parents, we want to support our college students. However, defining that support is sometimes more difficult than it seems. Each school is different. Each parent is different. Each st…
wp.me
January 21, 2026 at 1:31 PM
As a college parent, you want to support your college student. Evert parent is different. Every student is different and may take a different path. But there are really only three things you need to do. wp.me/punbM-Ep
How do you support your student who is taking a break from college? You talk, and help them create a plan. Then you stand back and let them find their way. This is a change of direction, but it can be a time of great learning and growth. wp.me/punbM-E9
January 20, 2026 at 7:03 PM
How do you support your student who is taking a break from college? You talk, and help them create a plan. Then you stand back and let them find their way. This is a change of direction, but it can be a time of great learning and growth. wp.me/punbM-E9
As a college parent, you want to support your student. Every parent is different. Every student is different and may take a different path. But there are really only three things you need to do. wp.me/punbM-Ep
Three Essential Elements of College Parental Support
As college parents, we want to support our college students. However, defining that support is sometimes more difficult than it seems. Each school is different. Each parent is different. Each st…
wp.me
January 20, 2026 at 3:31 PM
As a college parent, you want to support your student. Every parent is different. Every student is different and may take a different path. But there are really only three things you need to do. wp.me/punbM-Ep
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…
wp.me
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,…
wp.me
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 …
wp.me
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…
wp.me
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…
wp.me
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…
wp.me
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…
wp.me
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…
wp.me
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