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The Transition to College

A gap year: more important than ever

Education
Why the “Right Fit” College Doesn’t Ensure Great Learning

Robin Pendoley Ed.M on October 2, 2018

Students and parents are told that finding the "right fit" college is the key to success. New research supports this. But, there is a key to college success that is missing.

Students and parents are told that finding the "right fit" college is the key to success. New research supports this. But, there is a key to college success that is missing.

Health
The Two Things Gen-I Needs the Most

Robin Pendoley Ed.M on September 28, 2017

This generation of college freshmen has spent their childhood on screens and overseen by helicopter parents. Here's how you can help them achieve independence.

This generation of college freshmen has spent their childhood on screens and overseen by helicopter parents. Here's how you can help them achieve independence.

Education
Avoid the Gap Year Mistake

Robin Pendoley Ed.M on May 4, 2017

Gap years can be transformational moments that set a course for career and life fulfillment. But, not all gap years achieve this. What gap year students do matters.

Gap years can be transformational moments that set a course for career and life fulfillment. But, not all gap years achieve this. What gap year students do matters.

Education
On Gap Years and Privilege

Robin Pendoley Ed.M on May 23, 2016

Gap years are often dismissed because they are associated with privilege. But, the story is more complicated than this, and those concerned with college success should look deeper.

Gap years are often dismissed because they are associated with privilege. But, the story is more complicated than this, and those concerned with college success should look deeper.

Identity
Helping Boys Become Ethical Men

Robin Pendoley Ed.M on May 11, 2016

Boys become adults at the same time they head off to college. Here's how to make this transition more intentional to help boys become healthy and ethical men.

Boys become adults at the same time they head off to college. Here's how to make this transition more intentional to help boys become healthy and ethical men.

Health
Every College Freshman Has Mental Health Needs

Robin Pendoley Ed.M on February 23, 2016

Whether you're a student, parent, or educator working with late adolescents/early adults, knowing how to identify and meet mental health needs is crucial.

Whether you're a student, parent, or educator working with late adolescents/early adults, knowing how to identify and meet mental health needs is crucial.

Addiction
Drinking, Drugs, and the College Transition

Robin Pendoley Ed.M on January 14, 2016

Substance abuse on college campuses is a frightening problem that few have solved. Here are lessons and approaches that have worked with students in the college transition.

Substance abuse on college campuses is a frightening problem that few have solved. Here are lessons and approaches that have worked with students in the college transition.

Education
Guidance Counselors Should Reconsider the Gap Year

Robin Pendoley Ed.M on March 16, 2015

Research shows that gap years contribute to college success. Why are college guidance counselors discouraged from suggesting them? More importantly, how do we fix this?

Research shows that gap years contribute to college success. Why are college guidance counselors discouraged from suggesting them? More importantly, how do we fix this?

Education
Making College the Right Kind of Sexy

Robin Pendoley Ed.M on March 13, 2014

Many students are excited about going to college. But, if we expect them to take full advantage of the learning opportunities higher ed provides, they have to be turned on for the right reasons. A gap year can help students see college as sexy for all the right reasons.

Many students are excited about going to college. But, if we expect them to take full advantage of the learning opportunities higher ed provides, they have to be turned on for the right reasons. A gap year can help students see college as sexy for all the right reasons.

Environment
5 Developmental Needs Gap Years Meet That Colleges Don’t

Robin Pendoley Ed.M on March 4, 2014

Recently, some of the biggest names in higher education (Princeton, UNC, and Tufts) have turned to the gap year as a means of meeting the developmental needs of students in the college transition. Why? Because college isn't built for freshmen. Gap years are.

Recently, some of the biggest names in higher education (Princeton, UNC, and Tufts) have turned to the gap year as a means of meeting the developmental needs of students in the college transition. Why? Because college isn't built for freshmen. Gap years are.

Education
Gap Years Succeed Where High Schools Fail

Robin Pendoley Ed.M on February 25, 2014

Laurence Steinberg recently suggested American high schools have failed to improve over the past 40 years. Paul Tough pointed to the importance of students having a sense of purpose for their learning if they are to succeed. Recent research shows that gap years help students find that purpose before heading to college, where they'll really need it.

Laurence Steinberg recently suggested American high schools have failed to improve over the past 40 years. Paul Tough pointed to the importance of students having a sense of purpose for their learning if they are to succeed. Recent research shows that gap years help students find that purpose before heading to college, where they'll really need it.

Education
The Value of the Gap Year

Robin Pendoley Ed.M on February 18, 2014

Families around the US are turning to the gap year to ensure their investment in higher education will pay off. With student learning in K-12 focused on grades and test scores to get into college, most students arrive on campus with no sense of purpose or direction. To gain value from higher ed, students need burning questions that drive their learning.

Families around the US are turning to the gap year to ensure their investment in higher education will pay off. With student learning in K-12 focused on grades and test scores to get into college, most students arrive on campus with no sense of purpose or direction. To gain value from higher ed, students need burning questions that drive their learning.