Hi, I'm Harlan. I'm going to be in your corner...

I created Best First Year because it's unbelievable to me that millions of students and parents still don't get the information they need to navigate all the changes ahead. The focus in high school is getting in. But what happens next is the MOST important part.

COLLEGES DON'T ADVERTISE THIS...

Millions of students will struggle making the transition to life in college. Most parents & students NEVER see it coming.

Get Started Now

Here's What Happens

Students Struggle. And Parents Struggle.

As a member of Best First Year, I teach members how to create a social transition plan. This plan helps them make friends, find places where they can be accepted, and set realistic expectations so they can be more patient.


As a member of Best First Year, you'll get access to my academic transition coaching sessions. You'll learn how to be proactive, engage with instructors, access resources, and get help. Parents will learn how to support students, be more patient, and reduce stress.


Best First Year members know how to deal with roommates. From high school to college, members are given roommate rules and communication strategies to make it easier to deal with any roommate situation.


As a member of Best First Year, you get to ask questions and I'll answer them. No questions are off limits. I'm ready to help!


Best First Year supports neurodivergent students and their parents. I break down real-life situations and offer a step-by-step approach that helps students take action. I share tools to reframe rejection and approach life with a Win or Learn mindset. As a neurodivergent adult, I know the challenges and superpowers that come with having ADHD.

Common College Problems

Best First Year helps students & parents prepare for these changes and gives you strategies to help.

  • 47.8 percent of students reported having ACADEMIC problems or challenges. Of this group, 87 percent said this issue caused them moderate or high distress.

  • 50.8% of College students reported feeling LONELY over the past 12 months

  • 50.3 percent of students reported having FINANCIAL problems or challenges over the past 12 months.

  • 28.2 percent of students reported having ROOMMATE problems or challenges over the past 12 months.

  • Four-year graduation rate for students attending public colleges and universities is 33.3%. The six-year rate is 57.6%. At private colleges and universities, the four-year graduation rate is 52.8%, and 65.4% earn a degree in six years.

  • (Source: ACHA-NCHA Spring 2023 survey and U.S. Department of Education)

High Schools Are Focused on Getting Students Into College...

Harlan Teaches Students and Parents How To Be Successful in College.

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PARENTS, THIS IS FOR YOU...

NOT just for your student

  1. College parents are often first responders. You need to know how to respond.

  2. College has changed. You NEED to understand what is normal and to be expected during the first year.
     
  3. Colleges have a wide range of resources that can help. Best First Year helps you find the best campus resources to pass along. 

  4. Being a college parent can be isolating and lonely at times. Best First Year provides you with a community of parents going through similar experiences.

  5. JOIN FOR YOU. Your student will use Best First Year when they have questions. Harlan will be here waiting with the answers.

The 5 Big College Transitions

I'm going to help you plan for all the changes ahead. You'll be so prepared you'll be able to help your friends.

  • Social Transition

    Create a Social Transition plan to help make new friends, find your people, find your places, feel connected, and stay safe on campus.

  • Emotional Transition

    Create an Emotional Transition plan to manage possible loneliness, work through anxiety, find support, and create healthy routines and habits.

  • Financial Transition

    Create a Financial Transition plan to manage money, budget, avoid over borrowing, find scholarships, and save money.

  • Physical Transition

    Create a Physical Transition plan to take care of your physical space, communicate with roommates, explore your surroundings, and take care of your physical health & wellness.

  • Academic Transition

    Create an Academic Transition plan to manage your time, connect with professors, establish study habits, take advantage of academic resources, and thrive in the classroom.

America's #1 College Success Coach Will Guide and Support You Through it ALL

I'm the bestselling author of 7 books with over 1 million copies in print. I'm a speaker who has presented at over 500 high schools and college campuses. I also host a podcast and have over 1.5 million followers across social media platforms. I'm so grateful to be able to help you.


This was so much fun! I've always been a fan of Al Roker. You can watch the full conversation below.

>  Al Roker and Harlan Discuss Tips for College Parents

HOW BEST FIRST YEAR COACHING WORKS

I host virtual group coaching every two weeks throughout the year. PLEASE DO NOT feel like you need to attend every session. I've designed this to ALWAYS be here for YOU when you need me.

Join when YOU want.

You are NOT REQUIRED or expected to attend all sessions. 

Participate in the coaching sessions that interest you.

Check out the coaching archives if an issue comes up. 

Join the LIVE Q & A with me and get answers on the spot. 

Topics I will cover:

  • Making friends
  • Academic success
  • Study skills 
  • Time management
  • Paying for college
  • Roommates
  • Relationships
  • Homesickness
  • Mental health
  • Staying safe on campus
  • Leadership
  • Jobs and internships
  • And so much more


All coaching sessions are recorded and available 24/7 in the Best First Year portal.

Best First Year includes:

COACHING, SPECIAL EVENTS, AND VIDEO LESSONS

    1. Welcome New Members

    1. (UPCOMING December 18th) Celebrating Our Wins

    2. (December 10th REPLAY) Being Productive Over Winter Break

    3. (December 3rd REPLAY) Preparing for Final Exams (managing time, planning, study in a group)

    4. Thanksgiving - No coaching session. Happy Thanksgiving!

    5. (November 21st REPLAY) Home for Thanksgiving

    6. (November 14th REPLAY) Staying On Track to Graduate

    7. (November 7th REPLAY) Internships, Leadership, Jobs

    8. (October 31st REPLAY) Coaching Session Q&A

    9. (October 22nd REPLAY) - Hot Topics

    10. (October 15th REPLAY) Things You Need to Do

    11. (October 9th REPLAY) - TOPIC: Transferring, Hazing, Bad Roommates, & More

    12. (October 1st REPLAY) Self-Advocacy and LIVE Q&A

    13. (September 24th Coaching REPLAY) Getting Involved & LIVE Q&A

    14. (September 17th Coaching REPLAY) Managing Time & Q&A

    15. (September 11th Coaching REPLAY) Professors and Live Q&A

    16. (September 3rd REPLAY) Making Friends & LIVE Q&A

    17. (August 27th REPLAY) Setting 1st Year Expectations and LIVE Q&A

    18. (August 6th REPLAY) Topic: Creating Your Academic Transition Plan

    19. (July 23rd REPLAY) Topic: Creating Your Physical Transition Plan

    20. (REPLAY July 9th) Topic: Creating Your Emotional Transition Plan

    21. (REPLAY June 25th) Topic: Creating Your Social Transition Plan

    22. (REPLAY June 11th): Money Questions (loans, budgets, jobs, scholarships, tuition)

    23. (REPLAY May 28th) Topic: Favorite Clubs and Activities

    24. (REPLAY May 14th) Topic: Living on Campus

    25. (REPLAY April 30th) TOPIC: Things I Learned at Newly Admitted Student Day

    26. (REPLAY April 16th) TOPIC: 5 Study Methods That Are Proven To Work

    27. (REPLAY April 3rd) TOPIC: FIVE GREAT QUESTIONS TO ASK...

    28. (REPLAY March 9th) WIN OR LEARN in '24 - Your LONG-TERM Risk-Taking Experiment

    29. (REPLAY March 5th) WIN OR LEARN in '24 - Step 5. CELEBRATE, REFLECT, REPEAT

    30. (REPLAY Feb 20th) WIN OR LEARN in '24 - Step 4: TELL YOUR STORY AS IF IT'S ALREADY HAPPENED

    31. (REPLAY Feb 6th) WIN OR LEARN in '24 - Step 3. THINK PEOPLE, PLACES, PATIENCE

    32. (REPLAY Jan 23rd) WIN OR LEARN in '24 - Step 2. GET COMFORTABLE WITH THE UNCOMFORTABLE

    33. (REPLAY Jan 9th) WIN or LEARN in '24 - Step 1. WANT SOMETHING

    1. Dr. Lisa Damour Talks Teens, Phones, College, Parenting, Rapid Fire Q&A

    2. Jennifer Wallace on Toxic Achievement, College Success, & Mattering

    3. Elizabeth C. Hamblet (Tips for students with disabilities)

    4. Jeffrey Moss, CEO of Parker Dewey, Micro-Internships and Career Exploration

    5. Dr. Jill Grimes Gives Advice on Mental Health, Drugs, and Alcohol

    6. John Pryor: The data behind understanding college success and happiness

    1. (January 17 REPLAY) CLASS OF 2024 SENIOR & PARENT PROGRAM: GETTING IN. NOT GETTING IN. WHAT TO DO NEXT...

    2. (February 29 REPLAY) CLASS OF 2024 EVENT - 7 Money Must Do's for High School Grads

    3. (March 28 REPLAY) 5 SIMPLE RULES FOR PARENTS: Help your Student Navigate The Changes Ahead

    4. (April 18th REPLAY) Committing to a College: Final Checklist & Next Steps

    5. (May 7th REPLAY) 17 Things You Need to Do Before College

    6. (July 11th REPLAY) 15 Things New College Parents Should NEVER Do

    7. (August 5th REPLAY) 17 Things You NEED to Do Before Starting College

    8. (October 24th REPLAY) Happy, Healthy, Almost Stress-Free College Planning

    9. (December 2024 REPLAY) 13 Mistakes High School Students Make When Choosing a College

    1. WATCH: What is your dream?

    2. DOWNLOAD AND COMPLETE: What is your dream?

    3. WATCH: Getting Comfortable

    4. DOWNLOAD & COMPLETE: Getting Comfortable

    5. WATCH: The Big Transition

    6. DOWNLOAD & COMPLETE: The Big Transition Worksheet

    7. WATCH: The Three Ps

    8. DOWNLOAD & COMPLETE: The Three Ps Worksheet

    9. WATCH: Risk-Taking 101

    10. DOWNLOAD & COMPLETE: Risk-Taking 101

    11. WATCH: Your College Plan

    12. DOWNLOAD & COMPLETE: Your College Plan

    1. WATCH: Making Friends

    2. DOWNLOAD & COMPLETE: Making Friends Worksheet

    3. WATCH: Getting Involved

    4. DOWNLOAD & COMPLETE: Getting Involved Worksheet

    5. WATCH: Go Go Go To Events

    6. DOWNLOAD & COMPLETE: Go Go Go To Events

    7. WATCH: The Fifth Wall

    8. DOWNLOAD & COMPLETE: The Fifth Wall Worksheet

    9. WATCH: Homesickness

    10. DOWNLOAD & COMPLETE: Homesickness

    11. WATCH: The Shy Student

    12. DOWNLOAD & COMPLETE: The Shy Student Worksheet

    13. WATCH: About Your Parents

    14. DOWNLOAD & COMPLETE: About Your Parents Worksheet

    15. WATCH: Commuting Commuters

    16. DOWNLOAD & COMPLETE: Commuting Commuters Worksheet

Get Instant Access

  • $297.00
  • Based on the #1 Bestselling Book on College Life
  • 32+ LIVE Coaching Sessions and 24/7 Access to ALL Special Event Replays
  • Access to Harlan's College Success video library (50+ videos) and student success tools & resources

MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:

  • Live Coaching

    I'm hosting live coaching every 2 weeks. Have a question? I'm here to help. Attend whenever you need help. Access all the recordings and materials.

  • Family & Student Access

    Each membership includes access for two family members. Take advantage of my live events, recordings, coaching sessions, video lessons and activities.

  • BONUS: Class of 2025 Special Events

    Throughout the year, I will be hosting SPECIAL EVENTS for Class of 2025 students and families. Your Best First Year Membership gives you access to all my live events and 24/7 replays.

2025 Special Events

I’m hosting monthly programs for Best First Year families. As a member, you get access to ALL recordings.

  • JANUARY: Getting in. Not getting in. Getting waitlisted, deferred, and other outcomes.

  • FEBRUARY: 7 Money Must Dos for High School Grads and Their Parents

  • MARCH: 5 Simple Rules for Parents: Help your student navigate the transition to life in college

  • APRIL: Committing to College Checklist. Make sure you check all the right boxes.

  • MAY: 17 Things You NEED to Do Before Going to College (for students and parents)

  • JUNE: Roommate Rules | Living on Campus | Mental Health Transition Plan

  • JULY: 15 Mistake Parents of First Year College Students Make (and how to avoid making them too)

  • August: 17 Things You NEED to Do Before College (students & parents)

"Harlan's Advice Saved Me..."

“I am a freshman at the University of Rhode Island. I have had a very tough time while adjusting to college and pretty much every bad thing was thrown my way. I was not even planning on returning next semester. Obviously since I was having such a hard time that meant my mom was too. She has found so much comfort in your videos. She sends me at least 2 a day and even sends them to my therapist! She has gotten our whole family on your videos! Your videos have also been so helpful for me too! I am happy to say that I am doing much better and am going to go back to school for the Spring semester.”

College Freshman

“As a parent who once grappled with the daunting task of helping my neurodiverse daughter settle into her new college environment, I can't express enough the relief I felt when I discovered "Best First Year in College." ”

Parent of Freshman

Over 1.5 Million Followers Across Social Media

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FAQs

  • Does Harlan host every coaching session?

    Yes! Harlan is committed to guiding you throughout this entire journey.Additionally, he will be hosting six special programs that cover the most crucial topics you need to understand.

  • When is the best time to sign up for BEST FIRST YEAR?

    Sign up Year-Round. Second-semester seniors and parents can use the program to better prepare, plan, and navigate all the changes ahead. Current college students and parents can use the program to address ongoing challenges.

  • Is BEST FIRST YEAR more beneficial for students or parents?

    BEST FIRST YEAR is equally beneficial for both students and parents. Parents and students can join and participate on their own. Some members participate as a family, using the topics as a springboard for engaging conversations.

  • Do I need to attend all group coaching sessions?

    No. In fact, Harlan doesn't expect you t attend all sessions. Use BEST FIRST YEAR to ask Harlan your questions as they come up. You can also watch previous coaching sessions when relevant issues come up. Remember, Harlan is there for you when you need him.

  • Will people see me if I participate in a group coaching session?

    Harlan hosts each group coaching session as a webinar, so no cameras are turned on. Students and parents can ask questions anonymously. Participants can support one another in the chat if they choose to contribute.

  • Does membership include access for the student and the parent?

    Yes. Once you sign up, a member of Harlan's team will reach out to register your second email address. If you have multiple students in college, send us a message. We'll do our best to ensure all students gain access.

  • Can I give BEST FIRST YEAR as a gift?

    YES! You can give BEST FIRST YEAR as a gift. Just check the gift option at checkout and and follow the prompts.

  • What if the cost is too high for me?

    Harlan offers an access-for-all guarantee. Let us know what you can afford, and we will do whatever we can to make this work for you. We NEVER want the cost to prevent you from getting the information you need.

  • How long do I get access to Best First Year?

    A Best First Year membership gives you 1-year access to Best First Year. Occasionally, Harlan will share special offers that will include a longer membership period.

Payment Details:

ACCESS-FOR-ALL GUARANTEE. If cost is an issue, email [email protected] and let us know what you can handle.

  • $297.00

    Access for 2 email addresses for 1-year. 30 day money-back guarantee. Institutional pricing available.

    Sign up now

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