<p>As the parent of a college freshman (HS class of 2012, now college class of 2016) I have sure noticed the difference a year makes. Last fall during the application process it was all about “fit” and dreams. This fall, the rush of moving onto campus has given way to the ups and downs of adjusting to college life. This process has been much bumpier for some than others, but it seems like almost all freshman experience some rough patches. Difficulties include homesickness, academic struggles, changes of major, roommate troubles, romantic breakups.</p>
<p>It makes sense that we don’t want to send our young people off to college weighted down with apprehension. Also, just the fact that most of us parents have largely positive memories of college shows that most survive these first semester ups and downs and go on to a successful college experience. But yes, we do romanticize it a bit.</p>