Getting Into College Is NOT The Hardest Part
It's What Happens NEXT...

College is new friends, new classes, new teachers, new bathrooms, new roommates, new relationships, new independence, new temptations, new fears, new obstacles, and lots of new unexpected situations. It is a BIG LIFE CHANGE. MOST STUDENTS AND PARENTS are not prepared for what happens next. That's why I created Best First Year.

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Best First Year members learn how to create a social transition plan.


Best First Year members learn how to identify academic resources and get support. 


Best First Year members learn how to work through roommate problems.


Best First Year helps families learn how to be better communicators.


Best First Year helps neurodivergent learners and their parents plan for success and locate resources.

COLLEGE FACTS & STATS

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

  • 64.7% of college students report feeling lonely (source ActiveMinds & TimelyCare survey)

  • 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.

  • 50.3 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.

PARENTS & STUDENTS

I will prepare YOU for ALL the changes ahead. You will know what's normal, natural, and expected. You will be prepared for what's next.

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I'll teach you about the 6 Big Experiences that lead to graduation, great jobs, and great lives and help you to:

1) FIND AT LEAST ONE PROFESSOR who makes you excited about learning.


2) CONNECT WITH A PROFESSOR who cares about you as a person.

3) FIND A MENTOR who encourages you to pursue your goals and dreams.

4) WORK ON A PROJECT that takes a semester or more to complete.

5) HAVE AN INTERNSHIP OR JOB that allows you to apply what you're learning in the classroom.

6) MAKE A PLAN to be active in extracurricular activities and organizations while you attend college.

I've been helping parents and students navigate change for over 25 years

I'm a New York Times bestselling author of 7 books. My titles have over 1 million copies in print. I'm a speaker who has presented at over 500 high school and college campuses. I host a podcast and have over 1.5 million followers across social media platforms.

Best First Year includes:

LIVE COACHING, SPECIAL EVENTS, AND COLLEGE SUCCESS VIDEO LIBRARY

    1. Welcome New Members

    1. April 16, 2025 - The BIG 6 Experiences That Lead to College Success

    1. REPLAY (4/2/25) - Coaching: Social media accounts and pages new students and parents should follow

    2. REPLAY (3/20/2025) WIN OR LEARN in '25 - Your LONG-TERM Risk-Taking Experiment

    3. REPLAY (3/5/25) WIN OR LEARN in '25 - Step 5. CELEBRATE, REFLECT, REPEAT

    4. REPLAY (2/19/25) WIN OR LEARN in '25 - Step 4: TELL YOUR STORY AS IF IT'S ALREADY HAPPENED

    5. REPLAY (2/4/25) WIN OR LEARN in '25 - Step 3. THINK PEOPLE, PLACES, PATIENCE

    6. REPLAY (1/22/25) WIN OR LEARN in '25 - Step 2. GET COMFORTABLE WITH THE UNCOMFORTABLE

    7. REPLAY (1/8/25) WIN or LEARN in '25 - Step 1. WANT SOMETHING

    1. CLASS OF 2025 EVENT - Admitted, Committed, or Waitlisted: What Parents and Students NEED To Do Next (REPLAY)

    2. CLASS OF 2025 EVENT - 7 Money Must Do's for Parents and Students (REPLAY)

    1. (December 18th REPLAY) 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. (UPCOMING March 19th) 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. (December 2024 REPLAY) 13 Mistakes High School Students Make When Choosing a College

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Harlan's Advice Saved Me..."

“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

“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

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. MEMBERS get 24/7 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: Committing to College Checklist. Make sure you check all the right boxes.

  • APRIL: 15 Things Parents of Soon-To-Be College Students Should NEVER Do

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

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

  • JULY: 5 Simple Rules for College Parents (how to be the best partner during the college years)

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

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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FAQs

  • Does Harlan REALLY 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.

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