<p>I called one of the LACs on my son's list after reading their website. In asking questions about admissions, I found out they have a program where they look after freshmen to make sure they are acclimating well to the school. They cover study skills, organization, and time management, they help them find tutors if needed, and mentor them through freshman year. Is this unique to that school or do most of them offer this? How would my son research this? Do the schools mind if a parent calls for information? They must understand that students are not home much during business hours to make phone calls.</p>
<p>I would not hesitate to call schools and ask. I think the canned answer may be different than the reality. All schools provide some form of advising for students. Often this turns out to be minimal and it is up to the student to ask for help. If a school does have a strong program, you will probably hear about it from a phone call or the school webpages.</p>
<p>I agree completely with edad.</p>
<p>Would you mind sharing what school offers these services?</p>
<p>I know some schools that have freshman seminars and such that cover these things. I went to the University of Utah for my undergraduate degree and unless you were in the honors program you really had to take the initiative to get help. However, if you did take the initiative they were very very helpful. I know that they had a free tutoring program and after you used all of your free hours you could get subsidized tutoring. I utilized the program extensively when I took physics and I had a very positive experience in getting the help I needed.</p>
<p>lots of schools have free tutoring study groups etc.
My D school requires all freshmen to take the same HUM 110 class, and it was a place where they could find common ground- no matter what sort of pre college environment they had.
Lots of readings, discussions etc- and since her dorm was mainly freshmen, they all spent a lot of time in teh common room going over what was discussed
The UW has FIGS ( something shared at other universities)- about 20 or so first year students who not only live together- but also share a cluster of classes.
some schools even have a course specifically to help transition into college- good for students who may be late bloomers</p>
<p>I've read many web sites since I asked the question. The courses are all transition courses, study skills, learning resources, mentoring. All are about transitioning, although some give them a personal contact for help while others are classes in study and organizational skills. Some of the programs are only for minority/low income, so you need to ask.</p>
<p>The LAC's have a reputation for professor availability and help, tho maybe not a program with a name. D's school had freshman taking a freshman seminar class (choice of about 25) and they work with them there. Those profs are in contact with the student's advisors and recommend certain additional classes, etc. D has met with her advisor at least 6 times this year, and e-mailed even more.</p>