How to Prepare for College — Beyond Grades and Test Scores
A Conversation with Dr. Andrea Malkin Brenner
What does it really look like to prepare for college — beyond grades and test scores?
In fact, knowing how to prepare for college isn’t just about GPAs or acceptance letters. Instead, the students who thrive in their first year are the ones prepared for everything that happens after move-in day. They know how to manage their time. They make decisions independently. Moreover, they navigate new relationships and handle the emotional weight of a major life transition.
In this live conversation, Emerging Consulting founder Laura sits down with college transition educator and author Dr. Andrea Malkin Brenner. She is the creator of How to College. Together, they unpack what truly prepares students for the leap from high school to higher education.
Watch the full conversation below:
How to Prepare for College: What Students & Parents Need to Know (College Transition Tips)
Throughout the episode, Laura and Dr. Brenner explore the emotional, social, and executive functioning skills that determine success during the first year of college. In addition, they highlight the areas parents most often underestimate.
How to Prepare for College: Who This Conversation Is For
Whether you’re a parent, student, or educator, this episode is designed for you:
- Parents preparing a teen for college
- High school students getting ready for college life
- Families navigating the transition from high school to higher education
- Anyone looking for practical, real-world college readiness tips
What You’ll Learn
In this episode, Laura and Dr. Brenner cover the essentials of how to prepare for college — both for students and the parents supporting them:
- First, what “college readiness” really means — beyond academics
- Next, why strong grades alone don’t guarantee a smooth college transition
- In addition, the independence, decision-making, and self-management skills every student needs
- Also, how parents can better support their teens before move-in day
- Finally, how to prepare emotionally and practically for the first year of college
Because she has worked with first-year college students for years, Dr. Brenner shares practical tools for families. For instance, she draws on insights from her book How to College. In addition, she offers resources designed to spark better conversations between parents and teens about college expectations.
In short, if you’re wondering how to prepare for college with more confidence, this conversation is for you. Whether you’re a parent or a student, it will help you approach the transition with greater clarity and intention.
Special Offer for the Emerging Community
Ready to go deeper on how to prepare for college? Dr. Brenner is offering $25 off registration for her How to College for Parents course.
Use code: SAVE25
About Our Guest
Dr. Andrea Malkin Brenner is a college transition educator and author of How to College. In addition, she is the creator of the How to College for Parents course. Overall, her work helps families understand how to prepare for college with preparation, perspective, and confidence. As a result, one of life’s biggest transitions feels far more manageable.
Continue the Conversation
Looking for more expert guidance on the college admissions journey? Explore more conversations and resources from Emerging Consulting. Ultimately, each one is designed to help parents and students move through every stage with clarity and support.
