Acknowledging that college life has changed dramatically over the last 20 years, this book tells parents what to expect as their children leave home. Beginning with the college admissions process, practical solutions are offered for specific problems. Topics covered include: basic issues every family should discuss before the student leaves for college; students' search for identity; expectations; orientation and disorientation; the freshman year; sophomore slump; and such specific issues as parental reactions to changes in grade patterns, student unwillingness to tell parents what their grades are, roommate behavior, drug or alcohol behavior, vacations at home, and transfer or study abroad questions. (LB)