Photo: Lucy Devine '20 / Harvard College Communications
Closing a Chapter: High School
As your student gets excited about enrolling at Harvard and all the growth and memories that await them in Cambridge, they are also likely knee-deep in the things that come with the end of high school. Final exams, graduation celebrations, goodbyes to friends, teachers and administrators. There are many things that continue to occupy your student’s plate despite saying yes to coming to Harvard in the fall.
Below are some conversation starters that can help you meaningfully engage with your student as they navigate the end of high school. Asking open ended questions is a helpful way to encourage more in-depth conversations.
I know you must be excited to graduate high school and start at Harvard! How are you thinking/feeling about finishing your classes?
I know you still have finals and other exams coming up soon. How are you thinking/feeling about them and how can I support you?
How do you think the classes you’re taking now will influence what classes you might want to take at Harvard?
Are you concerned about ending the year strong in any of your classes? If so, why?
How are you thinking/feeling about being far away from your friends when you’re at Harvard?
What are your plans with your friends before many of you go off to different places doing different things?
I am excited for you to meet some amazing people at Harvard! Are you nervous about losing touch with your friends in high school?
Do you have any teachers you hope to keep in touch with once you graduate from high school?
I can’t believe that you will be living on campus in Cambridge in just a few months. How are you thinking/feeling about living on your own and with a roommate?
What seems to be an inescapable reality in colleges across the country is that students are inundated by seemingly unending lists of things to do and submit before they take their very first class. It is important that students keep track of all that they must do–but it is very easy for things to fall through the cracks and for deadlines to be missed.
During this time and because of the complex nature of some of the things that need to be completed, your student will need support. Here are some suggested topics for you to engage your student in order to support them through the logistics of starting their journey at Harvard.
Do you think/feel that you have a clear sense of what you need to do and submit to Harvard?
I know that you must have a lot of things to send over to Harvard before you start in the fall–how can I help you?
I read that Harvard requires you to participate in information/training sessions before classes start. What do those sessions look like?
Is there anything that you need from me regarding your [health records, financial aid documentation, other family-related information]?
I am excited to help you move in! How can I help you make sure that traveling to Cambridge is as smooth as possible? I know you must be busy with other things.
Have you thought about how you will move-in? I know it can feel overwhelming so please let me know how I can help you.
Based on what you are learning about Harvard, do you think/feel like you are excited? Nervous? Overwhelmed? Maybe a combination of feelings? [this can be asked in terms of the academic, residential and social aspects of Harvard]
I am so excited for you to go to Harvard! Do you think/feel you have a general idea of what to expect?
Just as students bid farewell to many of those who were part of their communities in high school, they will start to meet new people who will play key roles in their transition to Harvard. Helpful advisers and staff members are eager to welcome your student into their next four years. These folks will be critical in ensuring that your student is successful as they begin their first year and can be a powerful support system for your student’s entire college career.
Your student will also start to meet and engage with fellow students. It is important to note that your student might start to feel a combination of emotions–from excitement to a sense of unbelonging–as they encounter others who come from diverse backgrounds. Know that your student does belong at Harvard and that they add richness to the campus community. Here are some potential ways to talk to your student about the new communities that await them at Harvard.
How have faculty and/or staff supported you throughout the process of starting college? Are you in need of additional support and if so, do you know where to find that support?
How do you think/feel you’re connecting with the staff members/advisor you have been working with?
I know that it must be stressful doing everything that needs to be completed before you start college. Do you know where to find that support or can I help you find that support?
Have you participated in faculty office hours and if not, do you know how to or why you would?
