Last week, the JED Foundation, Partnership for Drug-Free Kids and The Jordan Porco Foundation published their findings in a national study of the “First-Year College Experience.” 1,502 college freshman were surveyed, and it was discovered that emotional preparedness—defined as “the ability to take care of oneself, adapt to new environments, control negative emotions or behavior and build positive relationships”—plays a key role in students having a positive college experience.
Students who define themselves as less emotionally prepared for college tend to do more poorly in school (with an average GPA of 3.1, versus 3.4 for students who think themselves more emotionally prepared), and 22% of less-prepared students feel that their college experience thus far is “terrible” or “poor,” versus 5% of their better-prepared peers. 60% of all students surveyed wish they had received more help in preparing for college life. First-year students with lower GPAs are more likely to consume drugs or alcohol, consider transferring schools, or take a leave of absence after their first semester, according to the study.
Academics are just one part of being prepared for college life. 45% of students surveyed reported feeling that “it seems like everyone has college figured out but me.” Many students reported that paying for college expenses, making new friends, keeping in touch with family and old friends, and being independent are “extremely or very challenging” aspects of their lives. 50% of students surveyed feel that they are stressed “most or all of the time.”
“Survey data indicate that college readiness requires far more than just a solid academic foundation – a finding that seems counter to conventional higher education preparation. It is clear that emotional preparedness should be better integrated into the work that high school communities are doing to guide students through the transition into college,” said John MacPhee, the Executive Director of the JED Foundation.
Currently, high schools and colleges lack the resources necessary for students to get emotional support. 51% of students surveyed have found it difficult to get support, and 11% said they do not seek support at all. 76% of students go to friends when seeking emotional support, while only 24% go to university staff. Difficulty in getting proper mental health treatment has been a recurring problem on American college campuses that is only just beginning to be addressed.
87% of students believe that more emphasis is placed on being academically prepared for college, rather than being emotionally prepared. The goal of the JED Foundation, Partnership for Drug-Free Kids and The Jordan Porco Foundation is to increase resources for high school and college students to find emotional support and improve their independent living skills. For more information, check out their website: Settogo.org.