Are you the parent of a teen/young adult preparing to leave home and head to college?
​This is an exhilarating time—new freedoms, new friendships, new opportunities. But beneath that promise often lies a less visible challenge: the transition to college can trigger major emotional and mental shifts. Many students silently struggle with stress, anxiety, and depression. And parents often don’t know how to help—or what to look for.
I’m not a therapist—but as a certified high-performance coach, with a Master’s degree in Psychology from Harvard University, and six years living in residence with first-year students at Harvard, I’ve seen first-hand how many young adults wrestle quietly with mental-health concerns while they appear outwardly to be “doing fine.”
I also know how crucial it is to help them build life skills, coping strategies, and the confidence to thrive—not just survive.
More students than ever are navigating major emotional and mental hurdles just as they’re being asked to step into full independence. At the same time, many campus counseling offices are stretched thin and most don't have the capacity for consistent preventive support.

College today isn’t what it used to be. Across the country, college counseling centers are overwhelmed by the demand for mental health support. Students are struggling more than ever with anxiety, depression, and chronic stress — and many are silently suffering.Â
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​Here’s what recent studies show:
These are sobering numbers. But behind every statistic is a story — a student trying to cope, sometimes far from home, unsure who to turn to. As someone who spent six years living in Harvard’s First-Year dorms, I saw this up close. I witnessed bright, capable students who appeared fine on the outside but were quietly struggling inside — often not even sharing their pain with their parents.
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That’s why I created College Ready Coaching.

College Ready Coaching is a private, 12-session, 1:1 coaching experience designed to help students build the emotional intelligence, resilience, and confidence to thrive in college and life.
It’s not therapy. It’s personalized mentorship for high school juniors, seniors, and first-year college students to help them bridge the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it.

We’re in a moment where college readiness is as much about emotional resilience as academic ability. The need for early intervention and coaching is greater than ever. As I observed during my years with first-year students living on campus, many walk in carrying emotional burdens they’ve never shared with anyone. A strong launch into college isn’t just about grades or major—it’s about wellbeing, identity, and momentum.
For parents, this program means you’re not hoping they’ll “figure it out.” You’re equipping them before they struggle — with guidance from someone who has seen both the triumphs and the challenges of college life firsthand.
By engaging now, you help your student enter with more confidence, stronger self-regulation, and a sense of purpose beyond “just getting by.” By partnering with a coach it means you’re not flying blind. You’re stepping into this transition proactively, rather than reactively responding when a crisis may occur.

I’m a certified high-performance coach with a Master’s degree in Psychology from Harvard University, where I focused on adolescent development. I spent nine years advising, mentoring, and counseling first-year students as they navigated the excitement, pressure, and complexity of college life.
During my six years living in Harvard’s freshman dorms, I became a first responder to student stress, the mentor they turned to at 2 a.m. when anxiety, homesickness, or pressure felt too heavy.
And one truth stood out: every student needs a trusted adult who listens without judgment. That’s what I provide.
A safe space. A structured framework. A roadmap toward independence, confidence, and emotional strength.
I’m also a proud mom of a Brown University graduate, who had her own mental health challenges. I’ve lived this transition both personally and professionally, so I'm genuinely invested in helping your student thrive.
Your student will learn how to:
âś… Take ownership of their time, choices, and growth
âś… Manage stress, setbacks, and self-doubt
âś… Build strong relationships and healthy boundaries
âś… Communicate with confidence and self-advocacy
âś… Stay grounded in their values and direction
âś… Transition into adulthood with resilience and purpose
​Each session is personalized to your student’s needs, meeting them where they are and coaching them toward who they’re becoming.


We're diving straight in! The 'Name' Challenge begins by revealing the various funnels making waves RIGHT NOW and guiding you to identify the perfect funnel for your unique offering!
By the end of today, you'll have discovered...
We're diving straight in! The 'Name' Challenge begins by revealing the various funnels making waves RIGHT NOW and guiding you to identify the perfect funnel for your unique offering!
By the end of today, you'll have discovered...
We're diving straight in! The 'Name' Challenge begins by revealing the various funnels making waves RIGHT NOW and guiding you to identify the perfect funnel for your unique offering!
By the end of today, you'll have discovered...
We're diving straight in! The 'Name' Challenge begins by revealing the various funnels making waves RIGHT NOW and guiding you to identify the perfect funnel for your unique offering!
By the end of today, you'll have discovered...
You made the transition to college so much better/less stressful than it would've been without you. Thanks for putting up with me and the rest of Penny 12. It honestly amazes me how you did it, while still being so helpful, cheerful, compassionate and really funny.

Thank you for the love, laughter and constantly pouring into me throughout 4 years at Harvard. So much of who I am and what I've become can be credited to what you've poured into me. I know this is just the beginning.




Throughout my life at Harvard, I went through hard situations. However, what I was always sure about was your support. Thanks to our conversations, I always felt valuable and believed in myself. My family sometimes ask what I do when I need help and I tell them about you and how supportive you are.




From 2019 to 2025, I lived in the dorms with First-Year students as a Proctor at Harvard University. During that time, I frequently had people asking me why I would choose to live among a few dozen 18 and 19 year olds. The answer was simple: I wanted to give these students a safe place to fall. Whether home was twenty minutes or twenty hours away, I wanted to ensure they never felt alone, were supported and empowered.
During my tenure as a Proctor, I got to know these First-Year students quite well, some of them thriving and some barely surviving. My deepest regret was that there just weren't enough hours in the day to truly give each student the full support they needed to successfully navigate the transition to college. My decision to start College Ready Coaching was born out of the desire to help students experience all the joys, excitement and growth that the college journey holds in a way that they feel confident and empowered, despite any challenges they face.


These are scheduled as bi-weekly or "as needed" sessions. The sessions may follow the proprietary framework or they can be customized based on the needs of your student.
Life happens and sometimes your student may need a little guidance or encouragement that can't wait till the next session. With Voxer access, they'll be able to send a text as needs arise.
During this session you'll learn ways you can support your student in their transition to college.Â
These are the practical additions that your student will use to not only implement their learning but to make their new habits stick.
For the first 12 months following College Ready Coaching, your student will have ongoing mentorship from Coach Kara-Sue. And just because, they'll also get character references when they need them for internships, jobs or other programs and activities.
If your student is still in the college application process, they will get an additional session with Coach Kara-Sue, where she will conduct two essay reviews and will also prep them for the college application interview.
Important Note: I am not a licensed therapist. If a student is in ongoing therapy or needs clinical mental health support, this coaching program complements—not replaces—that care. My role is as a non-judgmental, trusted adult coach, with a master’s in psychology and years of experience working with young adults in transition. The goal is to provide structure, support, and strategy so your student can navigate the college launch with strength, clarity, and momentum.

K Sue Sweeney, LLC. | Terms & Conditions