Every extra semester in college costs more than just money—it costs time, confidence, and momentum. Most families invest in college with the hope that their student will graduate in four years and move on to meaningful work. But here’s the truth: unless your student is actively steering that ship, they could drift off course without even realizing it. And the further they drift, the more expensive and discouraging it becomes to get back on track.

The Story:
A few years ago, a student I worked with—we’ll call him Alex—showed up to our first meeting in total overwhelm. He’d just met with his advisor and left more confused than when he walked in. He wasn’t sure which classes he needed next semester, and even worse—he had no idea if he was still on track to graduate in four years.

When I asked him if he’d brought that question up—“Am I on track to graduate in four years?”—he paused. “I thought they’d tell me that,” he said.

But here’s what students (and parents) often don’t realize: advisors don’t always know what your student wants unless your student tells them. Some advisors may assume a student is taking a lighter course load because they’re an athlete. Or switching majors. Or planning to stay for grad school. That one assumption can add thousands to the cost of college and derail the momentum your student has built.

Your student is the hero here. And this is their moment to take the wheel.

The Simple Question That Changes Everything:
“Am I on track to graduate in four years?”
This question cuts through confusion, clarifies priorities, and helps students make decisions that align with their goals.

If the answer is no, the essential follow-up is:
“What do I need to do to get back on track?”

These two questions can change the entire college experience. They empower your student to plan with intention, avoid unnecessary classes, and build a path toward graduation with clarity.

Here’s what students and parents should watch for to ensure advising meetings are actually helpful:

✅ Ask the Right Questions

• Are there any general education or major requirements I’m missing?

• Are there pre-requisites I need to take in a specific order?

• Will this course load keep me on track to graduate in four years?

✅ Review Your Degree Audit Every Semester

Most colleges have an online degree audit tool that outlines what students have completed and what’s still required. Students should log in before every advising meeting and come with questions prepared.

✅ Know When to Get a Second Opinion

If your student leaves an advising appointment more confused than confident, that’s a red flag. It’s okay to:

• Meet with a different advisor in the same department.

• Bring in another voice (like a college success coach).

• Request clarification in writing.

✅ Track Progress Like a Project Manager

College is more than a checklist—but the checklist matters. Students should treat their degree plan like a project: deadlines, milestones, and a timeline. This doesn’t mean there’s no flexibility, but it does mean there’s a plan.

To Parents:
This is a powerful conversation to have with your student. Pull up their degree audit together. Ask them to walk you through it. Not to quiz them—but to make sure they understand it themselves. If they’re not sure? That’s a great opportunity to practice self-advocacy by setting up a follow-up advising meeting.

And if you’re worried that your student doesn’t have a clear plan or doesn’t know how to navigate this process—you're not alone. This is where I come in. I help students get organized, study smart, and build systems to stay on track academically and emotionally.

Because it’s not just about graduating—it’s about graduating with confidence and direction.

Action Steps for Students:

1. Check your degree audit today.

2. Schedule an advising meeting before registration.

3. Go in with written questions, especially: “Am I on track to graduate in four years?”

4. If not, ask what specific actions are needed to get there.

5. Follow up in writing if needed.

Action Steps for Parents:

1. Ask your student to explain their academic plan to you.

2. Encourage them to be clear about their goals in advising meetings.

3. Share this post and talk about what it means to take ownership of their academic path.

4. If they’re still lost—get help. A second opinion (from another advisor or a college coach) can make all the difference.

Your student can do this. They just need the right questions, the right mindset, and the right support.

Ready to make sure your student is on the path to graduate on time, without the overwhelm?
Let’s work together. I can help your student stop spinning and start building momentum, one clear step at a time.