<p>My freshman is hard to get a hold of any time of day or night. He went on a trip for freshmen and when I went to help him move in upon his return he was clearly sleep deprived. In the 2 days I stayed to help him settle in it was clear he and his new friends were doing some major partying well into the night. He had the school lingo down and knew every frat. Classes have not started fortunately, but I am concerned my kid who didn't party much in high school and called home regularly when away has entered into a very new phase in his life. I did not see anything like this with my older two but they went to schools less know for partying. Advice needed!</p>
<p>Some parents have already gotten notice from the college that their freshmen are having too much fun!</p>
<p>My H is worried but I'm not. She does talk WAY more about EC's then classes, but that's not new, and nothing like "partying".</p>
<p>I quizzed my D's school on their less than stellar soph retention and it was explained this way "Some students come here well-qualified for college but only get half of the 'work hard-play hard' formula down. And it's the wrong half. They usually don't come back after Christmas." </p>
<p>After that blip the vast majority survive their four-years. Her school is tough on grades and expects a lot. </p>
<p>Made sense to me.</p>
<p>So the 98% graduation rate should give me comfort?</p>
<p>Yep. It would me. ;)</p>
<p>hmom,</p>
<p>Breathe, it will be ok. </p>
<p>Once classes start and he sees the speed of the quarter system; midterms after the first 3 weeks, another set of exams 3 weeks later that and then the final), he will tell you that he does not have time for anything ;)</p>
<p>Hopefully, it will get serious time once classes start. I was somewhat worried about my son but he is so passionate about actually starting class it is amazing. He found a fellowship that he wants to qualify for and he knows that he needs really good grades. You son has to find that passion for learning and realize how fortunate to have the opportunity that is before him. He worked really hard to get this far and now its time to go the next step. He is surrounded by incredibly gifted students and faculty. Hopefully, the partying will slow down to weekends and he will get back in the groove that got him where he is.</p>
<p>It is hard to put together the fact that these kids had to all work very hard to get there with what I read on the class Facebook page (please don't tell my kid I even know what Facebook is!) and what I perceived on move in day. I want my kid to have fun, really! He too has always been a serious and engaged student so I'm not overly concerned but maybe a bit surprised.</p>
<p>Key phrase- classes have not started yet. You can't worry until later, if at all. Sounds normal- good to learn all about the place, do as much as possible, then be ready to settle down for the academics with all of the rest out of the way.</p>
<p>98% grad rate (wonderful if it is within 4 years). Our D had a wonderful college time, but it seemed that academics took more of a back seat to extra-curriculars than I would have wished. Our plea--"PLEASE...just graduate in 4 years!" (she did)</p>
<p>Many schools have a week of orientation period, or a few days, before classes start. My daughter said it is the best time at her school because there is no time after that you could be so carefree to enjoy yourself. It is also a good time for new freshmen to bond. I don't think I would be worried yet, and it is quite normal.</p>
<p>Think I've quoted from this before, but following is was one of my favorite matriculation address quotes. I don't know if the students picked up on it, but the parents did (and yes, it was said with humor)-</p>
<p>"We expect you to be the type of person you described in your application. The Dean of Admissions assures me that none of you claimed to be loud, obnoxious, drunk, or offensive to your neighbors. We don't expect you to behave that way here either."</p>
<p>I think a lot of students go a little nuts the beginning of freshman year, but get on an even keel soon enough.</p>
<p>It sounds like he's doing fine. This period before classes start is often the busiest party time of the year. It's normal for him to be tired and/or on a different sleep schedule. If this seems to continue throughout term and he's not doing well in classes, you can start to worry. (And you can post on CC for some new advice. :))</p>
<p>Thank you everyone. Classes start tomorrow and son's thoughts seem to have shifted towards the academic. He called today (an event in itself!) delighted to have gotten a freshmen seminar he very much wanted. I guess I should give the school a lot of credit for designing orientation week so well that my least social child seems to have become a social butterfly. One of the aspects I like most about the college transition is the opportunity the kids have to reinvent themselves.</p>
<p>Can I ask what the academic calendar is that classes don't start until 9/24? DS has been in classes for a month already, as have most of his friends from hs.</p>
<p>Colleges within the UC system that are on the quarter system just started.</p>
<p>MY s is at a notorious party school. So far I've heard about his ultimate frisbee team, his paintball club, EMS service application, food, etc. Not much about classes! :eek:</p>
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Can I ask what the academic calendar is that classes don't start until 9/24? DS has been in classes for a month already, as have most of his friends from hs.
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<p>Dartmouth is on the quarter system and classes begin today.</p>
<p>jym626, S2 sounds similiar to yours. He is very upbeat when talking about life at college, food, football games, etc. but ho-hum, not much to say when talking about academics. It's only the first month. He's still settling into it. Hope it gets better,lol.</p>